RESOURCES

INDEX:

Mountain Bike Impact Studies

Market Research on Mountain Biking

Books & Materials

Tools & Signage

Freeride / Urban Parks

MOUNTAIN BIKE IMPACT STUDIES

Assessing and Understanding Trail Degradations:  Results from Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area, by Dr. Jeffrey L. Marion of Virginia Tech University

A recent study of the trails at Big South Fork National River and Recreation Area in Tennessee and Kentucky determined that Mountain Biking has a minimal trail impact.  The report examines several trails and notes each trail’s primary user(s).  Many trail receive close to 100% of trail from a single user group.  The report on the West Bandy Creek Bike Trail (90% mountain bike, 10% hiking traffic) was one of the most positive in the report, for both trail condition and recommendations.  In part the report states,

“The [West Bandy Creek Bike] trail is narrow, and peripheral impacts are minimal.  The trail is clear of blow-downs and other barriers. Although an isolated stretch is located on an abandoned road, the old width has naturalized and a current narrow path persists.  The trail receives maintenance from a local bike club.  This low use bike trail varied little in tread width (15-33 inches).  Mean incision (1 in) and cross section area (6 in squared) measures were slightly lower than the average hiker trail, and considerably lower than the average of all trails combined.”

Quick Reference, suggested pages - 22 (trail erosion by user group) & 78 (special study on West Bandy loop)

Click here to download the study. (2.3MB pdf file)

Other Studies can be found at the IMBA Resource Page: http://www.imba.com/resources/science/

MARKETING RESEARCH ON MOUNTAIN BIKING.

The accompanying document contains a summary of the findings of a Central Michigan University student research project to develop a profile of the typical mountain bike enthusiast. The report is composed of a complete description of the purposes and objectives, the research methods, and the findings of the
investigation.

Respondents had a mean age was 32. They were also well educated; 74 percent had received a post-secondary degree. This education level is significantly higher than the national average. Fifty-three percent maintained a pre-income tax annual salary of $60,000 or higher. The majority of respondents, almost 69 percent, also lived in a household comprised of two to four people. The respondents spent an average of $1,859.21 for their last bike and the majority of  riders noted they rode to enjoy the outdoors and stay in shape.

Click here to download the study. (460 kb pdf file)