About IMBA

Our Mission

To create, enhance and protect great places to ride mountain bikes.

Our Vision

Everyone across the U.S. has access to great trails—
from close-to-home rides to iconic, backcountry experiences.

Our Focus

More trails close to home.

Our Goal

To grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities across the U.S.

By 2025, we aim to partner with 250 new communities on equitable access to diverse, high-quality trails.

A badge for More Trails Close to Home shows the image of a mountain biker on a trail and notes 71 communities where trails have been created, 78 have committed, and 380 have engaged in the process.

30

years of advocacy

5000

⁺

trails built

200

⁺

affiliate groups

200

supporters

Since 1988

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is the worldwide leader in mountain bike advocacy, and the only organization in the U.S. focused entirely on trails and access, for all types of mountain bikers in all parts of the country. Since 1988, we have taught and encouraged low-impact riding, grassroots advocacy, sustainable trail design, innovative land management practices and cooperation among trail user groups. IMBA U.S. is a national network of local groups, individual riders and passionate volunteers working together for the benefit of the entire community.

Our History

Today & beyond

From large metropolitan areas to small rural communities and every place in between, trails enhance quality of life, provide economic benefits and help create community. Trails close to home are more equitable and accessible, inspiring more riders to take up the lifelong habit we love. We know all of this because we have been a part of making these things happen worldwide for 30 years, and we want to make sure it happens in more places, more rapidly. Everyone deserves a place to ride.

Our Focus

Working on behalf of mountain bikers for 30+ years

1988

Gaining Legitimacy

IMBA develops its Six Rules of the Trail and yield triangle to encourage responsible riding. Adopted by land managers nationwide, they help ease fears about allowing bike access to multi-use trails and are still in use, today.

1997

Grassroots Education

The Subaru-IMBA Trail Care Crew is established. For 19 years, it educates thousands of mountain bikers and clubs on how to organize around, advocate for and sustainably build great trails across the U.S.

2000

National Recognition

IMBA secures high-level cooperation agreements with the Bureau of Land Management and U.S. Forest Service, and meets with President Clinton to promote mountain biking on public lands.

2009

Stepping Up

IMBA launches its chapter program, establishing formal partnerships with hundreds of bike clubs nationwide. IMBA’s region directors spread out across the U.S. to directly serve the needs of local mountain bikers.

2018

A New Era

IMBA begins its 30th year with a renewed focus on education, community building, serving mountain bike groups and reaching all mountain bikers through programs like IMBA Local, Trail Labs, and a focus on more trails close to home.

Get to know our people

A love of riding trails brought us together. Our passion for protecting and enhancing them keeps us together. Join us in supporting the future of mountain biking by joining IMBA today. Thanks, stay rad!

Meet our team