What is IMBA?

TIP of the day: who is the IMBA?

IMBA is the only national dedicated mountain bike organisation - and is celebrating its 20th birthday this year.

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (of which IMBA UK is the national branch) works to keep trails & public access open for mountain biking.

IMBA came about because mountain biking was coming under threat. A group of conservation minded advocates came together to establish a voice for mountain bikers.

The organization grew its membership and set out to demonstrate that sustainable mountain bike trails could be developed, with conservation in mind, and with respect and co-operation with other users and with land managers. It is this unique approach that sets IMBA apart from many others.

IMBA's mission has always been to protect, create, and enhance quality trail experiences for mountain bikers worldwide. In addition, IMBA actively promotes responsible mountain biking, support volunteer trailwork, assist land managers with trail management issues, and improve relations among trail user groups.

It has members in all 50 United States and 40 other countries. IMBA members annually contribute more than one million hours to trailwork projects on public land. To date, these volunteers have created more than 5,000 (8,000 km) miles of new trails worldwide.

They are the people to contact if you want support keeping trails open in your area.

IMBA continues to bring out the best in mountain biking through education, trail construction, volunteer support, management advice, cash and grants for trail improvement, and worldwide leadership.

The people working there give mountain bikers a national and international voice that is heard and respected by federal land managers, environmental groups, the mainstream media, and other trail users.

There is loads of information about local forums and access issues on their site.

The Aims

IMBA UK is the only national dedicated mountain bike organisation. We are advocates for mountain biking in the UK & Ireland. We work to keep trails & public access open for mountain biking by:
supporting volunteer trail work
working with trail user groups, land managers & public bodies
encouraging responsible riding

IMBA UK has been active in the UK since 1998.

IMBA UK works to:

Build & support a strong & effective volunteer mountain bike network.
Work with land managers to build & open new trails.
Work with government agencies & local authorities.
Build partnerships with cycle clubs, cycle shops & the cycle industry.
Work with other user groups.

You can become a member for £14 a year as an adult.