IMBA was founded in 1988 as a coalition of California mountain bike clubs concerned about the closure of trails to cyclists. IMBA's founders believed that mountain biker education programs and innovative trail management solutions should be developed and promoted.
While this first wave of threatened trail access was concentrated in California, IMBA's founders saw that crowded trails and trail-user conflict were fast becoming worldwide recreation issues. This is why they selected International Mountain Bicycling Association as the organization's name. IMBA's mission has always been to encourage responsible mountain biking, support volunteer trailwork, assist land managers with trail management issues, and improve relations among trail user groups.
IMBA has members in all 50 U.S. states and 30 other countries. This includes 32,000 individuals, 400 bicycle clubs, 200 bicycle retailers and 120 corporate supporters. IMBA's Rules of the Trail are recognized worldwide as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA members annually contribute more than 500,000 hours to trailwork projects on public land. As a result, more than a thousand miles of new trails become available for cycling, hiking and (often) horseback riding.
IMBA continues to bring out the best in mountain biking through education, trail construction, volunteer support, management advice, cash and grants for trail improvement, and worldwide leadership. IMBA gives mountain bikers national and international clout - a voice that is heard and respected by Federal land managers, environmental groups, the mainstream media, and other trail users. IMBA works closely with the U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, many National Park Service units and state, local and international agencies.
IMBA's key projects include the Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew, the National Mountain Bike Patrol, IMBA Trailbuilding Schools, IMBA Epic Rides, IMBA State Representatives Network, mountain biking programs for children and several international initiatives.
For more information, visit www.IMBA.com or call or write our headquarters: IMBA, P.O. Box 7578, Boulder, CO 80306 USA; phone (303) 545-9011.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid possible trespass on private land, obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open (legal) trails, you should not ride under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain soils after a rain. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
Make known your approach well in advance. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding - and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden or offense to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.
IMBA supports the development of trails that encourage public access to natural settings without harming the ecosystem. IMBA promotes concepts that reduce trail erosion, increase sustainability and lessen user conflict.
Building a constituency for the outdoors is vital to ensure the future of open space. If people visit and enjoy the outdoors, they'll support preservation of natural and undeveloped land.