Mountain Bike Patrol Spins New Volunteerism

Delaware Valley Mountain Bike Patrol
For Immediate Release
October 1, 2000
Contact: Paul Starling
610-649-5091

Philadelphia, PA - The Delaware Valley Mountain Bike Patrol (DVMBP) has experienced outstanding success during the first summer of operation in the Wissahickon Valley Park. With notable support and cooperation from the Fairmount Park Commission Ranger Corps, the Friends of the Wissahickon, EMS, and Metropolis Bikes, the DVMBP has contributed over 600 volunteer man hours and has covered over 1,000 "on-patrol" miles while providing first aid assistance, guidance on park rules, environmental education, and general assistance to all trail users. DVMBP volunteer patrollers have enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to assist the Ranger Corps to provide park visitors with a safe and enjoyable experience at one of Fairmount Park Commission's most popular and beautiful recreational parks.

As a local chapter of the National Mountain Bike Patrol program hosted by the International Mountain Bicycling Association, the aim of the DVMBP is to assist, educate, and inform all trails users through patrol activities. The DVMBP also sees its role to help build a strong relationship and a partnership with the Fairmount Park Commission, the biking community, and the community at-large. Moreover, the DVMBP will continue to educate the public that mountain biking is an environmentally sound and socially responsible activity. Its a wonderful family activity that promotes physical fitness and interest in our natural environment.

In addition to patrolling, DVMBP members participate in many of the trail maintenance projects sponsored by the Fairmount Park Commission's Natural Lands Restoration and Environmental Education Program (NLREEP). Patrollers, who regularly report trail conditions and make recommendations for specific trail work to the NLREEP, are knowledgeable about trail maintenance techniques and are skilled workers. Balancing safe, responsible, and fun recreational use of the park and the maintenance of the park's resources is also a priority of the

DVMBP. Trail maintenance is especially important in the Wissahickon because the topography of the park and the design of the trails create a condition where rain and water run off causes extensive trail erosion. The NLREEP has taken aggressive steps to address the issue of trail maintenance and the DVMBP is actively supporting and participating in this necessary program.

The DVMBP will continue to operate in the park throughout the year as it builds upon its experiences, develops relationships with the community, and fosters revitalized interest in volunteerism. The DVMBP is always accepting new members who wish to become certified patrollers. Training will be offered throughout the year. Anyone interested is welcome to attend the monthly Delaware Valley Mountain Bike Patrol meetings held the first Tuesday each month at the Fairmount Park Commission's Thomas Mansion on Wissahickon Avenue at 7:00 p.m. You can also contact the patrol by calling Paul Starling at (610) 649-5091 or Jay Jones at (856) 616-0153 or by sending email to .