Rooting The Future Of Mountain Biking Beyond The Trail Ahead
Report reveals role of communication in shaping future of mountain biking and environmental stewardship
A report, supported by IMBA Europe, as part of their Take Care of Your Trails campaign, explores how mountain bikers’ relationships with their local trail locations shapes their attitudes towards nature protection and restoration. The report underscores the need for key communication shapers to promote relationship-centred communication and storytelling to drive active environmental stewardship.
Mountain biking trends are evolving and technology developing against the backdrop of the climate and nature crises that threaten the health of trails and the environments they exist in. The study emphasises the role of communication in guiding riders from passive respect for nature toward active participation in protecting it. Not least is this shift crucial for safeguarding riders’ local trails faced by growing climate and nature pressures.
Based on a survey of mountain bikers, the report shows that riders often describe their connection to trails as relational and reciprocal. Many view their time on the trails as more than a sport or hobby; it is a deeply immersive relationship with nature that enriches their relationship with the rest of nature and inspires them to protect it. However, despite these meaningful connections, it highlights a gap between riders’ attitudes and dominant communication and stories that mediate their interactions with trails, the land and the riding experience.