December 15, 2005 – The 2005 International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Report Card hails Virginia and Scotland for outstanding mountain biking and successful bicycle advocacy, while pointing to Rhode Island and California as potential trouble spots for 2006.

The IMBA report, now in its seventh edition, utilizes input from IMBA’s network of reps, online polling from IMBA members and staff evaluations to gauge the riding opportunities and advocacy strength in the United States, Canadian Provinces and nations with significant IMBA activities.

Next week, IMBA members will receive the complete Report Card in the organization’s internationally distributed newsletter, Trail News. Results are also available online.
U.S.: http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_4/itn_18_4_report_card.html#US

International:
http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_4/itn_18_4_report_card.html#World

Other Categories:
http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_4/itn_18_4_report_card.html#Summary

Virginia received an “A,” the highest grade in the 2005 U.S. report. Factors
included Virginia’s epic backcountry riding, a network of dedicated bike
advocates and the innovative negotiating approach that bike advocates used
to deal with possible trail closures (due to proposed Wilderness). On the
other end of the spectrum, Rhode Island was handed a “C minus.” Plagued by
overcrowded trails and shrinking park budgets, Rhode Island stands out as a
worst-case scenario for many of the issues that affect riders in the
Mid-Atlantic and Northeast states. IMBA Rep Tina Hopkins reports, “Unless
riders are willing to step up their involvement, I’m afraid we’ll be boxed
out by competing interests.” Also requiring serious attention, California
was cited as the “Most Endangered” state because of widespread access issues
and the need for renewed vigor from bike advocates.

West Virginia topped U.S. grades in 2004, but slipped a notch to an “A
minus” because proposed Wilderness threatens access to some of the state’s
best trails. However, West Virginia bike advocates are partnering with other
user groups to negotiate boundary adjustments that will protect riding
opportunities. New Jersey climbed from the lowest grade in 2004, moving from
a “C minus” to a “C,” on the strength of improved mountain bike clubs and
the addition of new trails in the southern part of the state.

Scotland surpassed British Columbia in the Global Superstar category. The
Scots earned high praise for the government-sponsored Seven Stanes Project –
riding centers with outstanding trails – as well as excellent trails with
unmatched scenery. Mountain bicycling is also growing at a healthy rate in
Scotland: the Glentress center attracted 250,000 visitors last year,
according to the U.K. Forestry Commission.

The 2005 IMBA Report Card also features categories for “Advocacy Groups on
the Move,” “Most Improved States,” and a “Ski Resort Honor Roll.”

State and international results follow. You can also view the full text of
the 2005 IMBA Report Card online here:
http://www.imba.com/news/trail_news/18_4/itn_18_4_report_card.html