We make sure that bikes are considered in new projects, encourage communities across city lines to pursue funding together, support ballot initiatives dedicated to outdoor recreation, andlobby for federal funding for path and trail development.

We support local groups focused on increasing outdoor participation, help cities rethink how to provide more opportunities for close-to-home bike riding, foster the development of pocket bike parks and force the prioritization of bike trails and parks in underserved communities.

We work with state departments of transportation to add or improve shoulders on major county and state arterial roads, work to require that funding for highway projects is contingent on adding/improving shoulders, and ask state departments of transportation to prioritize road improvements that improve bicyclists safety and benefit bike riders.

We help prioritize projects that serve historically underserved and disinvested communities, advance bills that provide financial incentives to recreate by bike, connect bike riding with health and wellness outcomes, force equity considerations in planning and value electric bicycle access on the same level as traditional bikes.

Bike riding opportunities in rural, non-urban areas are revenue raisers for local communities through tourism. We support funding and policy measures that help build out trail systems, connected bike networks and the infrastructure needed to cater to visitors and residents alike.

The first-of-its-kind bill prioritizes recreation and mountain biking on public lands nationwide.

On May 3, 2022, the U.S. Senate Energy and Natural Resources (SENR) Committee advanced America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022, a landmark policy package dedicated to funding recreation infrastructure and expanding access on our federal public lands. The bill would help develop long-distance bike trails and streamline the recreation permitting process.

The package, which heads to the Senate floor but still requires approval in the House of Representatives, includes the Biking on Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act and the Simplifying Outdoor Access to Recreation (SOAR) Act. PeopleForBikes sent a letter in support of these and several other bills included in the package before the SENR’s last hearing on recreation policy on December 1, 2021. 

Read more about building momentum for pro-recreation policy. 

"America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022 will make biking and mountain biking experiences on our public lands more accessible, sustainable and enjoyable for all. Provisions like SOAR and BOLT will help meet the growing demand for bicycling as a low-cost, emissionless and tourism-driving activity," said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. "This package proves that bike policy brings both sides of the aisle together to grow infrastructure and access. We look forward to working with the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee on advancing this first-of-its-kind bipartisan investment in the future of recreation."

Take Action to Support America's Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022.

The BOLT Act would direct federal land management agencies from the Department of Interior to the U.S. Forest Service under the Department of Agriculture to work together to identify and develop ten unique, long-distance trails for biking on our public lands. The SOAR Act would streamline the currently burdensome recreation permitting process, lessening the duplicative paperwork that guides and outfitters for multi-day and multi-jurisdictional bike trips are required to submit. 

PeopleForBikes applauds the SENR Committee for continuing the legacy of the Great American Outdoors Act of 2020 with this new package. We look forward to working with the bicycle industry, champions for outdoor recreation in Congress and our national advocacy partners to swiftly move America’s Outdoor Recreation Act of 2022 through the legislative process. 

New Recreation Policy Package Hits U.S. Senate

In North Carolina, mountain bike trails on Cherokee land are improving citizens’ quality of life and transforming the local economy.

There are some 16,000 enrolled members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians, a sovereign nation located on more than 57,000 acres in the western part of North Carolina. The area, known as the Qualla Boundary, is mountainous and forested and its main town, Cherokee, serves as a gateway to the nearby Great Smoky Mountains National Park and a number of recreational opportunities. 

In early 2015, Tonya “Tinker” Jenks, a tribal member and employee, received approval to start building trails on 212 acres within the Qualla Boundary. Rates of obesity and diabetes are high amongst the Cherokee and her goal was simple: provide another option for enrolled citizens to connect with nature and stay active. When Jeremy Hyatt, the tribe’s secretary of operations and an avid mountain biker, took over the program later that year, he expanded on Jenks’ vision to include 10.5 miles of singletrack. The Fire Mountain Trails opened in June 2017 and they quickly became a regional destination. 

“I’m excited about building outdoor infrastructure in general and being secretary, I’m always trying to find the low-hanging fruit,” said Hyatt, adding that outdoor initiatives tend to be significantly less expensive than other tribal expenditures.

Designed by trails specialist Valerie Naylor and built by Trail Dynamics, based in Pisgah Forest, North Carolina, the Fire Mountain Trails system was paid for with revenue from Harrah's Cherokee Casino, the tribe’s main economic driver. Although it’s been optimized for mountain bikers, the trail system also accommodates hikers and trail runners. The latter makes up about 10% of the mountain’s users and so far, there hasn’t been any conflict — bikers yield to hikers no matter what, and everyone yields to the elk. 

While the goal was to keep the entry point low, the naturally steep terrain of Fire Mountain means it’s not great for all beginners. There are two green trails — one of which is aptly named “Tinkers Dream” — a handful of blues and one black diamond. Riders love it because it’s not too technical and a ton of fun, with top-to-bottom runs that offer a groomed, flowy ride. Plus, electric bikes are allowed, making tough uphills more accessible.

“We were surprised and taken aback by how popular it’s become,” said Hyatt. “It’s not just a tourist destination — it also improves the quality of life of our tribal citizens.”

According to Hyatt, the trail system has brought together the community in new ways, facilitating the intermingling of the tribe and surrounding Jackson and Swain counties. This is especially apparent on Thursday nights during the summer and fall when enrolled members and other locals come together around a love of mountain biking. Hyatt notes that the handful of tribal members that were already avid riders have helped spread the word, encouraging more people to get involved.

“There are several folks who haven't ridden a bicycle since they were 14 and they started riding two years ago,” said Hyatt. “They've lost weight, their health has gotten much, much better and they’re racing now — they're getting on the podium. They're doing well there and they're spreading the word to their friends, their family and their community members.”

Participants take a break during one of the Thursday night group rides.

Bicycling in general — and mountain biking in particular — can often be intimidating for those just starting, especially if you haven’t ridden a bike since childhood. You might not know the lingo or what to even ask when inside a bike shop, and that’s if you even make it there at all. When trusted members of your community make the introduction, however, the whole experience becomes more accessible. This is especially true in a tight-knit tribal community where people are rightfully wary of things. 

“We’re an Indian tribe that has fought for this land for millennia, that has taken the scraps off of the [Bureau of Indian Affairs] (BIA) table for generations,” said Hyatt. “It’s created a general suspicion of anything new.” 

Having buy-in from locals around a healthy, community-building activity has helped generate pride and bring in new business. The Fire Mountain Trails are accessed through the Oconaluftee Indian Village, a replica of an 18th-century eastern Cherokee community, and the routes connect to different parts of Cherokee proper. Three years ago, Motion Makers Bicycle Shop opened a branch in town, and in 2020, Bryson City Outdoors followed suit, opening its Fire Mountain Outpost. During the busy summer season, the trail system also brings in around 2,000-2,500 visitors each month, which has its own economic impact.

“In terms of the local input into the economy, I’ve estimated it to be about $100,000 to $150,000 a month on those big months,” said Hyatt, noting that his data is conservative and based on national averages. “That’s nothing to sneeze at.”

When considering the implications for Cherokee, Hyatt was particularly inspired by his trips to Bentonville, Arkansas, which has become a go-to destination for mountain bikers of all skill levels. Not only has Bentonville invested heavily in beautiful purpose-built trails, but it’s done a lot of work around activation, education and getting various community members involved, including beginner and differently-abled riders. Part of the rationale for allowing e-bikes on Fire Mountain — other than the fact that they’re a ton of fun and the largest growing sector of bike sales nationwide — was to increase accessibility. 

“If you don't get children or families involved, trails aren’t going to do the job they're supposed to,” said Hyatt. “That's to keep everybody active and create another aspect of community that they’ve never had before. That's something we're still working on.”

The trail system’s success has made it easier for Hyatt to push for more outdoor initiatives. The 18-hole Fire Mountain Disc Golf Sanctuary opened in March 2022 and an additional 12-plus miles of bicycling infrastructure is currently in the works. Located just a quarter-mile from the Fire Mountain Trails on land that’s steep and unusable for housing, the tribe is building out more advanced gravity trails, as well as an asphalt pump track, skills park, tot track and bicycle playground. There will also be a shaded, family-friendly area for hanging out, as well as a storefront. The facility is being built in partnership with the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) and is slated to open in 2024. 

“We'll be able to accommodate both the super-advanced rider and also, on the other end of the spectrum, the little guys and their families who haven't been on a bike in a while,” said Hyatt, who’s committed to carrying out a community vision. “I’d also like to include some sort of representation of tribal folklore, whether it be a painted installation or part of the pump track — something that is legitimately and truly Cherokee.”

Although other tribal nations have embraced mountain bicycling, the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians is the first to lay down purpose-built singletrack. It’s a decision that’s not only put the Qualla Boundary on many riders’ bucket lists but it’s also helped build local affinity around exercise, well-being and the outdoors. Naming the trail system Fire Mountain was fated in its own way — not only does the land have a history of literally catching fire but it also speaks to the enthusiasm that’s ignited around bicycling.

“Whether folks ride or not, the general attitude towards these trails is all positive,” said Hyatt. “If they’re not riding, they’re cheering on those that are."

Interested in learning more about the Fire Mountain Trails system? Jeremy Hyatt will be the keynote speaker at PeopleForBikes’ 2022 Electric Bicycle Summit, taking place in Asheville, North Carolina, on May 19.

PeopleForBikes is working with federal partners to create and open more off-road trails to electric bicycles.

As more Americans look to mountain biking and e-mountain biking for close-to-home recreation, trail users are hoping for more opportunities on public lands to access the outdoors and connect with the dirt.

To meet growing demand, in 2020, the Bureau of Land Management (BLM), the Bureau of Reclamation (BOR), the Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) and the National Park Service (NPS) — agencies within the U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) — finalized rules to offer local land managers more flexibility to permit electric bicycles and electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) access where traditional bikes are allowed. The DOI rule defines electric bicycles as bicycles as long as they fit within one of three classes. The rule also gave local land managers the authority to permit eMTB use on non-motorized trails. 

Later that year, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) — which falls within the Department of Agriculture — proposed amendments to its directives governing electric bicycle access. PeopleForBikes submitted a public comment to the USFS requesting that all three classes of electric bicycles be considered bicycles and allowed access to non-motorized trails if local land managers approve their use. 

In 2022, PeopleForBikes commented on proposals from the BLM, NPS and USFS  to expand access for recreational mountain biking on public lands across the nation, including in Colorado, Tennessee and California. We expressed support for the maintenance and creation of more recreational assets, like new natural surface and singletrack trails. 

We’re also advocating for the guaranteed allowance of mountain biking and at least Class 1 pedal-assist eMTBs on public trails. Many of our nation’s best mountain bike experiences can be found on trails on our federal public lands, so it’s critical to work in partnership with land management agencies as they develop new rules and guidance for access and construction.

We’re asking land managers to allow pedal-assist Class 1 eMTBs as studies and pilots show they can be successfully incorporated into trails with non-motorized uses. 

The East Zone Connectivity and Restoration Project in Tahoe National Forest found pedal-assist Class 1 eMTBs do not significantly alter public enjoyment or affect the patterns of use on trails. In most places, traditional mountain bikes and eMTBs similarly affect the physical trails and public use patterns. 

PeopleForBikes’ Efforts for Electric Mountain Bikes on Public Lands

Electric Bicycles will remain classified as motor vehicles, but the guidance offers new tools for land managers to determine electric bicycle access.

On March 31, 2022, the U.S. Forest Service (USFS) finalized guidance for electric bicycle access on National Forest System (NFS) trails and grasslands. The guidance largely reflects the USFS’s 2020 proposed directives for electric bicycle access: Electric bicycles will remain classified as motor vehicles but local land managers can now recategorize trails from nonmotorized to motorized to allow electric bicycle and e-mountain bike access. The finalized guidance answers our call for local land managers to determine electric bicycle access by the three class system, but fails to go far enough on reclassifying electric bicycles as nonmotorized.

“Expanding opportunities for electric bicycle riders to access National Forest System trails is an important step forward,” said PeopleForBikes President and CEO Jenn Dice. “While we will continue to urge the U.S. Forest Service to reclassify Class 1 electric bicycles as nonmotorized, we encourage local land managers to implement this guidance for more accessible, equitable and diverse electric bicycle ridership on our public lands.”

Establish new criteria for designating Class 1, 2 and 3 electric bicycles on National Forest System trails, roads and lands.

Create specific criteria for designation of motor vehicle use on trails and guidance for designated electric bicycle use on trails. This includes an additional category (Trails Open to Electric Bicycles Only) to identify classes of motor vehicles on a motorized vehicle use map.



Add an objective to consider emerging technologies, such as electric bicycles, that are changing the way people access and recreate on NFS lands.

PeopleForBikes remains a strong advocate for the reclassification of electric bicycles as nonmotorized across federal public land jurisdictions. We submitted a public comment in 2020 in response to the USFS proposed revised directives requesting a change in classification alongside the inclusion of the 3-class electric bicycle definition, which was successful. 

Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs) offer a low impact, emissionless and quiet solution to helping more Americans enjoy the outdoors and our public lands. Ample studies and pilot projects like that in the Tahoe National Forest show that Class 1 eMTBs and traditional mountain bikes are similar modes of recreation in terms of components, speed, impacts to trail and health benefits. Class 1 eMTB use does not create any different effects to singletrack trails or social experiences while riding. 

U.S. Forest Service Finalizes Guidance for Electric Bicycle Access

U.S. DOT Announces 2022 RAISE Grant Cycle to fund infrastructure projects nationwide.

2022 holds incredible potential for federal funding to support better, safer, more connected bike infrastructure. One of the many opportunities now available is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grants. On January 28, 2022, Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg announced the opening of this $1.5 billion program. 

Interested in applying for a RAISE grant to help fund a bike or trail infrastructure project near you? Here are the details you need to know: 

The application deadline is 5 p.m. EST on April 14, 2022

Selections will be announced no later than August 12, 2022

While incredibly competitive, we know bike infrastructure projects, including multi-use paths, trails, cycle tracks and more, help increase safety outcomes and transportation equity, all while reducing emissions and car dependence in communities across the U.S. Applicants should consider how their project addresses climate change, ensures racial equity, removes barriers to opportunity and supports the workforce — all things we know the right bike project can deliver. 

Funding for RAISE grants is up 50% this year, so if the winners from 2021’s grant cycle are any indication of the direction the DOT is heading, we’re expecting grantees in 2022 to support a wide variety of sustainable, active transportation projects. 

Some highlights of awarded projects from 2021 include:

$20 million to the Delta Heritage Trail in Southeast Arkansas, a rail-trail project to connect rural communities with active transportation.

$17 million to the Tuscaloosa University Boulevard Corridor Project in Alabama, which will revitalize the corridor with needed safety, visibility and accessibility improvements, including new bike lanes. 

$12 million to the Council Creek Regional Trail Project in Washington County, Oregon to connect low-income communities via a multi-use path. 

The last cycle of RAISE grants included more bike infrastructure — and larger multimodal projects that brought bikes along — than any previous year. We’re optimistic that in 2022, the DOT will prioritize projects that create more complete streets, multimodal accessibility and connected, protected bike networks.

RAISE Grants Present Big Funding for Better Bike Infrastructure

New legislation in Congress could help identify 10 long-distance bike trails and invest in rural communities’ recreation potential.

Despite hyperpartisanship and gridlock on most issues before Congress today, outdoor recreation legislation continues to build momentum and support from both sides of the aisle. Instead of resting on our laurels after the monumental success of the Great American Outdoors Act becoming law, the outdoor advocacy community and champions in Congress are working hard to ensure the legacy continues with the first recreation-focused policy package in American history.

At PeopleForBikes, we’re excited about two outdoor bills in particular: the Biking On Long Distance Trails (BOLT) Act and the Rural Outdoor Investment (ROI) Act. These bills could help make recreational bike riding more accessible and support local economic growth — and have a strong shot at being turned into law this year. 

Some of the most scenic bike riding in the United States can be found on dedicated, long distance trails across spectacular landscapes, varied terrains and in diverse communities nationwide. Picture-perfect experiences that range from the rugged Continental Divide Trail, to more family-friendly rail trails and everything in between make for amazing mountain biking, bikepacking and touring, gravel riding and more. 

The bipartisan BOLT Act (H.R. 6337/S. 3264), led by Representatives Joe Neguse (D-CO), Susie Lee (D-NV) and Kelly Armstrong (R-ND) and Senators Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM) and Kevin Cramer (R-ND), would direct the Secretaries of Agriculture and Interior to:

Identify no less than 10 existing long-distance bike trails on Federal lands in excess of 80 miles in distance.

Identify 10 areas where opportunity exists to develop or complete long-distance bike trails on federal lands in excess of 80 miles in distance.

Coordinate with stakeholders on the feasibility of completing long distance trails and the resources necessary for such projects.

Publish maps, signage and promotional materials highlighting the positive aspects of the long-distance trail network.

Issue a report, with input from stakeholders, outlining the details of existing and proposed long-distance trails and their promotion.


The House Natural Resources Committee recently held a hearing on the BOLT Act, to which PeopleForBikes submitted testimony in support alongside our partners at the International Mountain Bicycling Association, Adventure Cycling Association and Bikepacking Roots. This follows the Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s hearing in December on BOLT and other outdoor recreation-focused legislation (which you can read more about here). 

The newly introduced ROI Act (S. 3583), from Senators Chuck Schumer (D-NY) and Michael Bennet (D-CO), would create a $50 million/year program to fund outdoor recreation infrastructure, planning and business assistance in rural communities nationwide. This funding will support communities and economies hard hit by the pandemic, disasters as a result of climate change like wildfires and floods and transitions in industry and job markets by investing in a sector poised for sustainable and long-term growth: outdoor recreation. 

Adult participation in bicycling increased 10% since the start of the pandemic, matching record growth in other sectors of the outdoor industry. 

The Outdoor Industry Association's Outdoor Rec Economy report found that mountain bicycling activities, which generally take place in rural areas or rural/urban interfaces, directly contribute to the economy in the following ways: 

Investing in infrastructure that supports bicycling of all kinds — mountain, gravel, touring, road and more — grows communities’ culture of recreation and has proven economic returns for rural economies. The ROI Act will take advantage of the growing excitement for outdoor recreation by helping rural areas put a down payment on their sustainable future as outdoor recreation-based economies.

A Pro-Recreation Policy Package Is on the Horizon

Policy

Improving Recreational Access for Bikes

Securing Funding for New Parks and Trails

Helping Cities Build Great Places to Bike That Are Close to Home

Improving Road Cyclist Safety

Increasing Access for Kids, Veterans, Electric Bicycle Riders and Underserved Communities

Promoting Recreation-Based Economic Development in Rural Areas