Bicycling and Wilderness: A Mountain Biker's Guide to Negotiating Wilderness Politics
This guide, provided by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), will familiarize mountain bike advocates with the political and social atmosphere surrounding Wilderness policy. It provides primers on everything from the basic history and intended purpose of the Wilderness Act to the ins and outs of negotiating with land managers about proposed Wilderness areas.
The guide is organized by chapters to help you find the information you need. You can view the guide in its entirety here.
Chapter 1: An Introduction to Wilderness
Why Wilderness and bicycling have come into conflict in some areas, and a further introduction to this guide.
Chapter 2: What is Wilderness?
Excerpts from the 1964 Wilderness Act explain its scope and intentions.
Chapter 3: Bicycles and Wilderness
Are bicycles and Wilderness compatible? The history behind current interpretations.
Chapter 4: Who Manages Wilderness?
A summary of Wilderness statistics, including ownership, acreage and resources on the National Wilderness Preservation System.
Chapter 5: How Wilderness Bills Become Law
Describes the legislative process leading to Wilderness designation, and who holds the power to designate new Wilderness.
Chapter 6: Wilderness Stakeholders
Gives IMBA's conservation record and outlines who might support or oppose Wilderness.
Chapter 7: Know Your Options
Wilderness is not the only way to protect wild lands.
Chapter 8: A Closer Look at Additional Land Protection Options
Learn more about boundary adjustments, corridors, diverse designations and acceptable Wilderness.
Chapter 9: Formulating Your Position
Questions to ask yourself when forming a position on proposed Wilderness.
Chapter 10: Negotiation and Legislative Language
Provides strategies for communicating about Wilderness. Examines how diverse designations and other management solutions can be written into Wilderness bills.
Chapter 11: Communicating with Important Players
Provides more information on how to interact with agencies, local elected officials and members of Congress.
Chapter 12: Finding Resolution
How do you measure success?
