Eight Ways Mountain Bikers Can Help National Parks

1. Reach Out.

Make an appointment with National Park Service staff. Ask: What can our group do for your park? Bring info highlighting your club's activities and the volunteer services you offer.

2. Join the Local Friends Group.

Most park units are supported by a group of local volunteers. Joining them will help you better understand the park's issues and challenges.

3. Volunteer.

Adopt a trail or pitch in on park clean up days. Even if the project doesn't involve bicycling, it's an opportunity to build relationships with NPS staff and other trail user groups. Demonstrate that you know how to repair existing trail or build sustainable new trail.

4. Request a Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew Visit.

Team up with your local park unit to jointly request an IMBA visit. These weekend events will train dozens of volunteers and inspire ongoing trailwork and positive relations.

5. Don't Ride Closed Trails.

Whether it is to protect the environment or for rider safety, a closed road or trail is off limits for a reason. Riding closed trails is not only illegal; it gives mountain bikers a bad reputation.

6. Spread the Word.

Become a park ambassador and publicly share park news, rules, and challenges. Be sure cyclists know where bikes are welcome.

7. Take Park Staff on a Ride.

Build relationships with NPS staff by inviting them to club activities, trailwork sessions, or bike rides, even outside the park. Provide a bike and gear, offer riding tips, and show them some of your favorite trails.

8. Start a Mountain Bike Patrol.

Patrols assist, educate and inform to help keep trails open and support the challenges of over-extended land managers.