Mountain biking: issues and actions for USDA Forest Service managers
Abstract
Managers of National Forests are faced with many challenges related to the growing use of mountain bikes. To determine the issues and management actions associated with this growth, USDA Forest Service managers from across the United States were surveyed. Managers from at least two National Forests from every Region (except Alaska) reported annual use of trails by 10,000 or more mountain bike riders. On the basis of this use, managers reported concerns and impacts related to the natural resources (degradation of trails, wilderness), social institutions (safety, education), and social policy (planning, legal claims); and offered management actions for resolving these problems.