Memorandum of Understanding between Forestry Commission England and the International Mountain Biking Association UK.

September 2006

The International Mountain Biking Association UK (IMBA-UK)

IMBA-UK promotes environmentally sound and socially responsible mountainbiking. IMBA-UK works to keep trails and public access open for mountain biking by encouraging responsible riding, supporting volunteer trail work and co-operating with trail user groups, land managers and public bodies. IMBA world-wide has over 32,000 members and some 800 affiliated clubs and organisations.

Forestry Commission England [FC(E)]

Forest Commission (England) is the government agency responsible for the management of state owned forests and woodlands in line with the standards set out in the UK Forestry Standard.

Memorandum of Understanding

IMBA-UK and FC(E) recognise that co-operation with communities to create sustainable recreational opportunities in Britain's forests greatly increases the value of the resource to society and the environment.

IMBA-UK and FC(E) also recognise the increasing demand for mountain biking opportunities in England and wish to improve facilities and trails for mountain biker users.

IMBA-UK and FC(E) share a number of objectives:

• The provision of trails, and trail networks which are appealing, sustainable and well-managed for all cyclists, from families to enthusiasts.
• The management of unofficial and user-led trail construction.
• The minimisation or elimination of any adverse environmental impact from recreational use.
• The avoidance, as far as is possible, of trail user conflicts.
• The promotion of cycling for reasons of health, well being and to the benefit of local economies and communities.

Both organisations wish to enhance FC(E)'s positive public image as a responsible provider of sustainable recreational opportunities while developing the leadership role of IMBA-UK in supporting mountain bikers and mountain biking projects.

IMBA-UK and FC(E) will work together to further these objectives through the following programmes:

1. Regional forest cycling centres

Forestry Commission England will:

• Develop regional cycling centres in key locations on Forestry Commission land across England where resources are available.
• Encourage FC(E) staff to create and enhance mountain biking opportunities in the areas they manage through sustainable management techniques.
• Inform and involve IMBA-UK in plans for new large scale MTB projects, and the progress of those under development.

IMBA UK will:

• Develop a system of trail accreditation to assist FC(E) to design and maintain trails which meet the aspirations of mountainbikers in a safe and informed fashion.
• Enhance the appeal of FC(E) mountainbike centres by developing and promoting additional local routes using appropriate byways and bridleways.
• Develop a long-term plan to create and support IMBA-UK endorsed Mountain Bike Centres that will strive to provide significant economic tourism benefits for local communities.
• Encourage members and affiliated clubs to assist FC(E) employees, contractors and volunteers to design, construct, maintain and manage trails for mountain bikers and other users.

2. Development of community led cycling facilities

Forestry Commission England will:

• Develop and promote standards for user led and built cycling facilities.
• Work with local clubs and riders to develop community based facilities.

IMBA-UK will:

• Advise and encourage builders of unofficial trails and jumpsites to operate within guidelines developed by IMBA-UK and FC(E).
• Develop and promote guidelines to encourage the builders of unsanctioned trails and jumpsites to work in co-operation with the local FC(E) foresters.

3. Promoting good practice

Forestry Commission England will:

• Encourage FC(E) staff to work with qualified IMBA-UK affiliated clubs and members to propose, design, construct, maintain and manage trails for mountain bikers and other users.
• Promote mountain biking to their staff and help them to understand the activity, and its potential economic tourism benefits.
• Develop a public relations plan to inform FC(E) staff and other land management agencies about the successes of these combined efforts.

IMBA UK will:

• Develop written standards for trail development, cycling centres and rider conduct on FC(E) land.
• Provide IMBA-UK affiliated clubs with sufficient resources to enable them to identify opportunities to design, construct, maintain and manage trails on FC(E) land.
• Work with FC(E) staff and help them increase their understanding of mountain biking, its participants and potential economic tourism benefits.

4. Reducing user conflict and environmental impact

Forestry Commission England will:

• Encourage users to follow agreed codes of conduct publicised on site, via websites and through printed material.
• Encourage trail users to become involved with IMBA-UK in order to develop and enhance appropriate, sanctioned trail opportunities for all types of mountain biking.

IMBA UK will:

• Develop a plan to train and establish volunteer patrols at appropriate FC(E) / IMBA-UK Cycling Centres.

5. Working in partnership to improve opportunities for cycling in the forest

Forestry Commission England will:

• Promote MTB trails through the Forestry Commission website.
• Consider means of safeguarding MTB trails in FC(E) forests in the event of the sale of any FC(E) forests or woodlands.

IMBA UK will:

• Appoint local representatives to co-ordinate work between FC(E) and IMBA-UK affiliated clubs to help develop and maintain trail systems and related projects.
• Promote FC(E) MTB trails and facilities through the IMBA-UK website.
• Work with key cycling organisations including British Cycling, Sustrans and the CTC to ensure that IMBA-UK's work with FC(E) assists all forms of cycle provision.
• Develop systems to inform mountain bikers and the public about IMBA-UK / FC(E) projects and initiatives.

This agreement will be in effect for five years, after which we hope to renew our agreement based upon the success of our partnership and co-operative work.

September 2006

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Last update: 04 Jan 2009