A Journal of Park and Recreation Administration Publication
This study offers direction for future studies on mountain bike riding, including: characteristics of mountain bike riders and their use patterns, identification of resource degradation problems, identification and resolution of conflict issues, wilderness trespass issues, partnership issues, communication issues, and testing of management strategies related to mountain bike use.
Mountain biking activity presents a new set of management challenges related to multiple use in recreation areas. To determine the potential issues associated with mountain bike management, a telephone survey of 40 recreation managers from two federal agencies (USDA Forest Service and USDI Bureau of Land Management) was conducted. Exploratory in nature, the study sets. the groundwork for more comprehensive future investigations. Many of the respondents characterized mountain bike use in their resource areas as moderate to extensive. Most did not have designated mountain bike areas, and few reported having a specific management plan related to mountain biking. About one-third reported resource degradation related to mountain bike use, while over half reported conflicts between bikers and other user groups-hiker, equestrian, off-road vehicle, and all-terrain vehicle user groups.
Attached document published September 1993