This is complex question. As mountain bikers we always wish there were more trails. We, as the NSMBA are always trying to get more trails approved. We are not the only ones in the forest and we do have to deal with other user groups and other land manager priorities.
Why aren’t there more:
– Environmental concerns
– Other user group concerns
– Concerns over who is going to maintain the trails (Everyone is excited to build a new trail, not everyone is excited to look after it)
– Concerns over the cohesion of the trail network to ensure the right trails are in the right areas for the right users
– Beauracracy
– Not enough builders
It’s complicated, and really is our biggest struggle. We recognize the need for more quality and varied trails and continue to work on achieving this. It’s not fast though, we all wish it was.
You can help:
– Buy a membership. The more members we have, the more land managers listen to us.
– Show up for trail day. The better condition trails are in, the more land managers see that we have capacity to take on more work
– Send a message to the land managers supporting the NSMBA, and asking for more trails.