All Together On the Trails
Vermont’s mountain bike community is proudly built on inclusivity, respect, and a shared passion for the trails. We welcome riders of all identities, abilities, and backgrounds, and we make an active, equitable effort to expand trail access for those who need it most.
As an organization, VMBA works to build an inviting mountain bike community that any individual can feel comfortable in and enjoy. We’re excited to celebrate riding mountain bikes, and our annual initiatives are designed to cultivate a culture of diversity and inclusion in trail communities across the state.
Our annual DEI initiatives include:
Adaptive MTB Demo Days + Trail Improvement
In tandem with Vermont Adaptive, VMBA assists in developing and hosting events where attendees can demo aMTBs to get acquainted with the sport and learn what equipment works best for them. Additionally, VMBA and VT Adaptive work together to identify areas where local chapters can create more adaptive-friendly trail networks.
Instructor Certification Scholarship Fund
VMBA believes that everyone should be able to learn to ride or improve their skills with an instructor that looks like them, comes from a similar background, or shares pieces of their identity. This initiative aims to lower the economic barrier to becoming a certified instructor so that more riders can give back to the broader bike community.
Bike Share Programming
VMBA recognizes that new riders may experience barriers to bike access. With the help of local chapters and members of our Retailers Alliance, VMBA is developing a pilot bike share program to get more people on bikes.
Learn to Bike Month
VMBA wants everyone to feel empowered to access trails, bike paths, and bike parks. Each spring, VMBA partners with local chapters and community organizers to offer free access to bikes and coaching, no matter the level of experience participants bring.
Digital Assets
VMBA is committed to representing our diverse mountain bike community in our promotional materials. VMBA hires professional photographers and videographers to capture content that will continue to create an inclusive and inviting outdoor recreation community in Vermont.
Acknowledge & Honor Indigenous Communities
VMBA partnered with indigenous tribes in Vermont to develop a land acknowledgement to increase awareness of the history and living present of our state’s native communities and their ancestral homelands. With the intent to support and collaborate in ways that align with their needs and aspirations. VMBA is committed to pursuing opportunities to build meaningful relationships with these communities.
Partnership Development
VMBA works to recognize the organizations and groups that are already doing this important work throughout Vermont. Our organization establishes relationships and partnerships with these organizations to better understand how we can support their current efforts.