2014 and beyond

It won’t take too long before we rush into 2014. An exciting period, full of interesting funding opportunities in Brussels as the new EU programmes begin to mobilize. IMBA Europe will monitor several call for proposals and key funding programmes like Horizon, COSME (Sustainable Tourism), Erasmus + (Sports & Volunteers) and Europe for Citizens. On the national level, Rural and Regional Development Funds offer grant opportunities as well. Another priority for IMBA Europe is to extend and tighten our contacts with the forestry based industry at the EU level. There’s an urge to introduce a new paradigm how to manage mountain biking. Especially in those countries where trail access or trail infrastructure for mountain bikers is non-existing. This is just a tip of the veil, soon IMBA Europe’s strategic plan will be presented. And off course, the successful European Trail Building School Program will be continued in 2014. We’re also taking the initial preparations for a European Summit which provides excellent networking and educational opportunities. Our mission is crystal clear. If we want to increase mountain bike participation, we need to invest in MTB advocacy, build more and better trails, introduce MTB friendly policies and create a broad European network of national level MTB organisations and the bicycle & MTB tourism industry to make this all possible. Let’s unpave the way forward together!