IMBA's Response To Bicycling Magazine's Comments Regarding Freeride Bicycles

IMBA Trail News
Volume 11, Number 1
March-April 1998

Describing the benefits of new mountain bike technology in new ways isn't easy. But Lisa Gosselin picked the wrong words when she suggested (Bicycling, March '98) that "the new freeride bikes have obviated the need for a trail: they'll ride over just about any terrain..."

Since mountain bicycling is under constant pressure to justify and gain access to public land, we feel that it's important to clarify one point. Mountain biking is a trail-based activity. One of our sport's fundamental assets (and a key bargaining point in access negotiations) is the fact that its impact is confined to trails. Any suggestion, intended or not, that it's acceptable for cyclists (or other users) to leave the trail must be discouraged.

As mountain bikers, we all want the sport to remain free, spontaneous and unencumbered by legislation. But one rule that makes sense if we want to ride off-road for years to come is to stay on the trail at all times.

Jen Lamb, IMBA Advocacy Director