IMBA Launches $100K Legal Advocacy Fund Campaign

For Immediate Release
03-18-10
Contact Mark Eller
IMBA Communications Director
markeller@imba.com
303-545-9011 ext. 115

IMBA's 2010 campaign to build funds for improved mountain bike access in the United States launches this week, with a target of raising $100,000. While mountain bike access is improving in many areas, there are still far too many places where riders do not have sufficient trail riding opportunities. IMBA strives to provide the resources, training and materials that our advocates need to continue opening trails to bikes -- but we can do so much more.

Please make a contribution today!

The need for a robust Legal Advocacy Fund (LAF) is so urgent that IMBA's board of directors has personally committed to raise $25,000 toward our $100,000 goal. And, recognizing an essential need for funding, major industry supporters have made important contributions. For example, SRAM has brought advocacy to your backyard by helping fund professional regional directors that IMBA has deployed around the country.

Support from individual members will be the most important element for a successful campaign. Your gift of $25, $50, $100 directly supports our efforts to improve mountain biking. IMBA's goals include:

• Establish new and continued access to singletrack trails throughout the United States.
• Gain the support of congressional leaders and federal agencies on public land issues.
• Develop improved funding and opportunities for bike parks in towns and cities.

Interactive Map Provides MTB Access Information

In conjunction with the 2010 LAF drive, IMBA has created an interactive map to display crucial access hotspots around the nation.

Visit the map, and let us know if there is an advocacy-related issue developing near you that IMBA should be tracking. Just send a message to info@imba.com with the following information:

1. Specific location (City, State and Zipcode, or Lat/Long coordinates)
2. Brief overview of 300 characters (not words) or less
3. Web links for related land management departments, bike clubs, etc.
4. Any additional information you would like to provide.

Looming Access Threats Require Your Action

In 2010, IMBA will address important access battles around the country. Mountain bikers face daunting issues, including the imminent closure of hundreds of miles of trails in Montana, Idaho and on other US Forest Service lands. IMBA fights for access to trails in urban areas as well -- for example, we are on our way to maintaining access to Baltimore, Maryland’s Loch Raven Watershed. With your help we are taking a leadership role in the National Urban Parks Coalition to build and revitalize urban areas with trails and bike parks.

IMBA's advocacy campaigns will address these and other issues:

• More than 30 Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management trail plans will be decided in upcoming months
• Proposed Wilderness designations could close over 1,000 miles of trail across the country
• Boston, Denver, Los Angeles, New York and other major cities are considering improved mountain bike access to parks and trails

Your donation funds our advocacy staff’s efforts on the ground in critical places like Montana, where Forest Service policies that can influence what happens in your area are being decided.

“Thank you for coming to Montana last weekend. I think IMBA accomplished more in a couple of days than we have been able to do in a couple of years. IMBA's presence really brought together a great bunch of enthusiasts. I think IMBA being in Montana really drove home the dilemma we are in. Hopefully some day we can repay IMBA for what you have done for us."

-- Corey Biggers, Montana mountain bike advocate