Since 2015, The IMBA Europe Rider Survey has provided unique insights into European mountain bikers’ needs, motivations, and attitudes toward trail access, development, and volunteering. The 2026 survey is now closed, and while detailed results and comparisons with earlier survey editions are forthcoming, we can share some key insights from the perspectives of riders from across the continent.
This year’s survey saw over 5200 respondents from 38 different European countries, ensuring broad representation of values and backgrounds. Of these 5200 respondents, around 70% have engaged with the sport for more than 10 years – that is a lot of experience! Another interesting point to highlight is that most respondents started mountain biking between the ages of 13 and 35 years old, with 40% being a member of an organised mountain bike club.
There is one thing nearly all mountain bikers in Europe share: a love for nature. Just shy of three-quarters of our respondents cited “enjoying nature” as one of their top reasons for mountain biking. And they want to ensure that others enjoy nature, with over 84% of riders either slowing down to greet or stopping and chatting with other trail users they meet while riding. Mountain bike riders are indeed social beasts, as almost three out of four have recruited a friend to the sport, ensuring that mountain biking reaches new users, and that more people benefit from the physical and mental health benefits of mountain biking.
European mountain bikers’ care for the environment doesn’t stop at the forests’ edge, though, with over a third choosing their bike for daily trips and mobility, contributing to fossil-free mobility goals across the continent. Mountain biking is contributing to a more sustainable, healthy and nature-loving Europe, and IMBA Europe is there, helping to create accessible and sustainable trail networks and building stronger communities of riders. Everyday riding opportunities support healthy lifestyles, local economies, and well-managed green spaces. Through research, collaboration, and policy engagement, IMBA Europe works with communities and decision-makers to plan, build, and maintain high-quality trail systems that benefit everyone, and the 2026 IMBA Europe Rider Survey will help us better understand the needs and challenges of the mountain biking public, wherever they are on the continent.