This story is inspired by a Fast Company op-ed by Juliet Scott-Croxford, President of Brompton Americas, and a Fire-Hardened Trails report produced by the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship

When we think about emergency preparedness, images of go-bags, evacuation routes, and first responders often come to mind. But Juliet Scott-Croxford, president for the Americas for the bike manufacturer Brompton, recently made a compelling case in Fast Company for a simple, overlooked tool that could help Americans stay safe during natural disasters: the bicycle.

Scott-Croxford’s op-ed tells the story of a Los Angeles resident deeply impacted by footage of the 2023 Maui wildfires. As cars sat trapped in gridlock, people on foot or by bike had more options to escape. That harrowing image prompted her to buy a bike — not to go green — but to be ready for the next time danger comes close to home. That’s the heart of the message: bikes aren’t just for recreation. They’re vital to local resilience and preparedness in the face of increasing emergencies, be it wildfires, floods, or even traffic gridlock during a citywide evacuation.

Fire-Hardened Trails in Disaster Response

At PeopleForBikes, we’re expanding this conversation even further. At our recent eMTB Summit, which took place June 2–3 in Bentonville, Arkansas, we highlighted the role of trails and electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) in disaster resilience. Greg Williams of the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship presented groundbreaking work showing how bikes, especially eMTBs, can do more than help people escape disaster. They can actively prevent it.

In collaboration with the U.S. Forest Service and local partners, the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship pioneered the “fire-hardened trails” concept, a groundbreaking approach that merges recreational trail development with wildfire mitigation. Fire-hardened trails are more than just trails for hiking and biking; they’re purpose-built corridors that function as fuel breaks, emergency access routes, and zones for proactive vegetation management. Fire-hardened trails help slow or stop the spread of flames while providing critical infrastructure for firefighting crews and safer evacuation paths for nearby residents. Key elements include Reduced Ignition Zones, where small trees and dead brush are cleared within 15 feet of the trail, and Limited Spread Zones, which thin vegetation, limb trees, and improve canopy spacing up to 50 feet from the trail. Designed to meet both needs, these trails enhance outdoor access while reinforcing wildfire resilience. With more than 550 miles of routes identified, the effort could mitigate risk across more than 6,600 acres while permanently altering just 267 acres. It’s a visionary example of integrated land management that protects people, ecosystems, and local economies alike.

eMTBs Are Part of the Solution

Electric mountain bikes offer unique advantages in disaster-prone regions. They allow first responders and community volunteers to quickly navigate remote areas with rugged terrain, transport gear and supplies in places where trucks can’t go, access wildfire-prone forests to scout hazards or support suppression efforts, and engage in trail maintenance and stewardship, particularly in hilly or expansive landscapes. By enabling more people to reach these areas safely and efficiently, eMTBs are fast becoming a critical tool in the fight against climate-driven disasters.

Key Takeaways

Here are key takeaways that cities, towns, and land managers — especially those in fire-prone, flood-prone, or heavily congested areas — should consider adopting now:

1. Secure Funding for Bike Infrastructure and Bike Incentives

A more bike-friendly community isn’t just better for traffic — it’s a strategic asset when disaster strikes. More protected bike lanes, fire-hardened trails, and connected routes mean more people can evacuate quickly and safely if needed. Cities like Denver have led the way by allocating millions in local transportation budgets for safer streets and e-bike rebates. Scott-Croxford points out how grassroots advocates like June Churchill — dubbed Denver’s “Bike Mayor” — have helped make cycling safer and more accessible, not just for enthusiasts, but for everyday people.

2. Invest in Multi-Use Trail Systems That Double as Emergency Infrastructure

Trail networks designed with wildfire resilience in mind — like the fire-hardened trails being pioneered in California’s Northern Sierra — demonstrate how recreation infrastructure can serve as strategic firebreaks and access routes for emergency responders. By integrating vegetation management with trail building, communities can reduce wildfire risk, support biodiversity, and create essential corridors for eMTBs and other non-car-based evacuation tools. Communities should work with land managers and organizations like the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship to design trail systems that protect lives and landscapes while expanding access to outdoor recreation.

3. Reduce Gridlock With Smart Traffic Solutions like Congestion Pricing

Congestion pricing helps ensure roads are clear and functional when they’re needed most, especially during large-scale emergencies or evacuations. Scott-Croxford highlights how London, Stockholm, and Singapore have used it not just to improve air quality, but also to reduce traffic volume in dense urban cores. Fewer cars on the road means faster emergency response times — and easier exit routes.

4. Eliminate Outdated Parking Minimums to Make Room for Safety Investments

Many communities still cling to old rules that require excessive parking for new developments. Scott-Croxford shows how cities like Austin are reversing this trend. By eliminating mandatory parking minimums, they’re freeing up space (and budget) for trails, sidewalks, and other essential city investments. More flexible land use means cities can build infrastructure that serves people, not just cars. In an emergency, wide, well-connected bike lanes and walking paths are lifesavers.

5. Equip First Responders and Volunteers With eMTBs for Rapid Response and Trail Stewardship

Electric mountain bikes are invaluable in disaster-prone areas, offering speed, agility, and access where trucks and traditional vehicles fall short. First responders and community volunteers can use eMTBs to scout wildfire-prone forests, transport gear through rugged terrain, and reach remote areas for evacuation support or hazard assessment. In non-emergency times, they’re equally useful for trail maintenance, forest monitoring, and land stewardship, especially in expansive or mountainous regions. Communities should consider eMTBs as essential tools in their emergency preparedness and climate resilience plans, offering a low-impact, high-reach mobility option that bridges recreation and response.

In an era of escalating climate disasters, the most agile communities will be those that rethink transportation and land use as tools for survival, not just everyday mobility and recreation. By investing in bikes, connected bike networks, and fire-adapted trail systems, communities can strengthen evacuation routes, support emergency response, and protect people and ecosystems. It's time to recognize bikes and trails as essential parts of a safer, more prepared future.

About Juliet Scott-Croxford

Juliet is the President of Brompton, Americas, the North and LATAM American arm of the folding bike brand based in the UK. Under her leadership, Brompton has doubled down on its mission to make urban mobility simpler, safer, and more resilient. Juliet's background in media and business gives her a unique ability to bridge lifestyle trends with public policy, and her op-ed is a must-read for city leaders, first responders, and community planners alike.

About Greg Williams

Greg leads the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship and is a descendant of the Deer Creek Band of Northern Sierra Miwok. Greg has spent his life in the Sierra Nevada Mountains living by the examples of his elders — developing a passion for community, clean streams, big mountains, and long trails. Greg is a trailblazer and pioneer of backcountry mountain biking in Downieville, establishing Yuba Expeditions guide service in 1991 and the Downieville Classic mountain bike festival in 1995. In 2003 Greg founded the Sierra Buttes Trail Stewardship in order to maintain and enhance the trail system, create local jobs, and grow the recreation economy in the Lost Sierra region. He also serves as a strategic adviser with the U.S. Forest Service, Regions 1, 4, and 5.