Environmental Impact
Studies reported in the IMBA (International Mountain Bike Association) Trail Solutions manual found that a mountain bike's impact on a given length of trail surface is comparable to that of a hiker and substantially less than that of an equestrian.
A critical literature review by Jason Lathrop on the ecological impacts of mountain biking notes that few studies take mountain biking into account. He quotes the BLM: "An estimated 13.5 million mountain bicyclists visit public lands each year to enjoy the variety of trails. What was once a low use activity that was easy to manage has become more complex".
The environmental impacts of mountain biking can be greatly reduced by not riding on wet or sensitive trails, not skidding, and by staying on the trail.
Read more about this topic: Mountain Biking
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