IMBA Announces Final Round of 2026 Trail Accelerator Grants
Media Contact:
Noelle Battle, Executive Director, Bikepacking Roots
[email protected]
BOULDER, Colo. (June 4, 2026) — The Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act was signed into law on January 4, 2025, after more than a decade of advocacy from the mountain biking and bikepacking communities. The first core deliverable of the BOLT Act is that federal land management agencies must develop a list of at least 10 existing and 10 potential long-distance bike trails of no less than 80 miles.
Following the passage of the BOLT Act, Bikepacking Roots, IMBA, and PeopleForBikes joined forces as national cycling and trails organizations alongside regional and local partners to form the BOLT Coalition. The coalition’s goals are to ensure bicyclist and trail steward voices are heard in the BOLT trail prioritization process and to support federal agencies as they prepare a required report to Congress.
Led by Bikepacking Roots, the coalition worked to build a database of existing and potential trails that met the criteria for BOLT recognition. In mid-2025, they surveyed the cycling community to obtain additional submissions to fill in any potential gaps. That trail data was analyzed and synthesized into a new report, “Long Live Long Trails: A Report by the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Coalition.”
This process included refining assumptions for BOLT eligibility for the purposes of the report. Key criteria include that trails are at least 80 miles, the majority of the trail is on federal recreation lands, the trails are primarily dirt/natural surfaces, and the trails may be legally used for biking.
After extensive research and considering 60+ submitted trails against BOLT criteria, the report includes:
- 20 existing trails covering 5,232 miles in 12 states on USFS, BLM, and NPS managed lands.
- 13 potential trails currently covering 5,077 miles with a potential to cover 7,778 miles when completed in 10 states on USFS, BLM, and DoD managed lands.
The lists included in the BOLT Coalition Report are not intended to be considered exhaustive nor are they representative of trails that will ultimately be selected for recognition by the federal land management agencies, but the BOLT Coalition believes it captures many of the candidates eligible for recognition.
Another key detail is that BOLT recognition is not a new trail designation, such as a National Scenic Trail or a National Recreation Trail. However, this recognition can raise awareness, open the door for further resources to support the trails’ sustainability, facilitate relationships between land managers and other trail stewards, and bring increased economic development to the communities surrounding and connected by the long-distance trails.
“Through publishing this report, we are excited to celebrate this diverse catalog of outstanding long-distance trails on federal public lands across the country,” said Bikepacking Roots Executive Director Noelle Battle. “We are also encouraged by the potential for BOLT recognition to support ongoing development of many of the promising trails classified as potential in the report.”
“From our first involvement in advocating for BOLT in 2022 to celebrating it being passed into law to now bringing our expertise in long-distance bike trails to the Coalition’s efforts, the process of being directly involved in BOLT advocacy has been deeply fulfilling,” said Kait Boyle, Bikepacking Roots advocacy manager. “BOLT is an exciting opportunity for bikepackers and adventure cyclists alike as it recognizes the value of stewarded, maintained, long-distance bike trails, a value I am personally deeply committed to as a professional adventure cyclist and co-founder of Bikepacking Roots.”
“Throughout this entire process, from the initial concept, through introduction, to inclusion in the EXPLORE Act, and final passage, the BOLT Act has been an incredible opportunity to engage with a diverse set of trail users who care deeply about outdoor recreation,” said Todd Keller, IMBA Director of Government Affairs. “This detailed report is the result of that fantastic collaboration, and we look forward to the recognition of these trails on our federal landscape.”
“The BOLT Coalition report and recognition have the potential to elevate the importance of long-distance trails within the broader outdoor recreation system and demonstrate the economic, community, and recreational value these experiences provide,” said Rachel Fussell, senior manager of recreation policy at PeopleForBikes. “At PeopleForBikes, we see this report as an important step toward strengthening partnerships between riders, local communities, nonprofit organizations, and federal land managers to support the long-term sustainability and connectivity of these iconic trail experiences across the country.”
Report versions available for distribution:
Photos and graphics available for editorial and promotional use can be found here.
About Bikepacking Roots
Bikepacking Roots is a national non-profit organization founded in 2017 to support and advance the growth of bikepacking and access to and the conservation of the landscapes and public lands through which we ride. By connecting bikepackers with landscapes, the organization seeks to inspire riders to become public lands and conservation advocates who follow a “positive impact ethos.” It also promotes visibility and access for bikepackers by fostering positive, long-term relationships with public land managers, private landowners, and rural communities. Bikepacking Roots has been collaborating with IMBA on advocacy for the BOLT Act since 2021.
About International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501c3 nonprofit that creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. IMBA is focused on Leading With Trails, growing the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities, so everyone has access to close-to-home riding and recreation as well as iconic backcountry experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been partnering with communities worldwide on trail advocacy, education, stewardship and sustainable trail solutions.
About PeopleForBikes
PeopleForBikes is the U.S. bicycle industry’s trade association, representing more than 340 bicycle industry supplier members. Through our three areas of influence — infrastructure, policy, and participation — we accelerate the construction of safe, fun, and connected places to bike; advance pro-bike and pro-bike-business legislation; and reduce barriers to welcome more people to the joys of riding a bicycle. Our goal: Help the United States become the best place in the world to ride a bike. Join us!
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