Mountain Biking Comes to Town

Bike parks are not trails. They are managed similarly to city parks. They require a higher standard of care. They need to be professionally designed and constructed.

by International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association

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IMBA Bike Parks Presentation

New school mountain biking - bike parks come to town!

Bike park project considerations.

  • Vision: Facilities built for Mountain Biking.
  • Community: Successful bike parks result from community-driven efforts.
  • Fundraising: Big ticket projects require substantial funding, but the money is out there.
  • Planning: Partners need to be organized for the work ahead.
  • Design: Find the right balance of riding elements and apply them to a specific location
  • Construction: From site preparation to ribbon cutting, the build demands a professional approach.
  • Management: Maintenance, risk management and programing will be ongoing.

Bike Parks Are:

  • Bike-specific, self-contained facilities open to the public.
  • Usually comprised of two or more bike specific tracks or trails.
  • Include constructed features designed for bikes, in most cases made of dirt, rock, or wood.

SPEAK, BUILD, RESPECT, RIDE!

Published June 2015

About the Authors


The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit educational association whose mission is to create, enhance and preserve great mountain biking experiences.

Visit International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)


As the leading mountain biking organization in the southeast, our mission is to create, enhance, and protect great mountain biking experiences in the southeast.

Visit Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association

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