Joint Venture aims to Enhance Sustainable Trail Management, and Further Development through Advocacy and Education.
SHIMANO and the International Mountain Bike Association Europe (IMBA Europe), a collective that aims to grow mountain biking by promoting the sport as accessible, inclusive and environmentally sustainable, today announced a new three-year partnership to support and facilitate trail projects and advocacy programs.
As one of the world’s leading bicycle component manufacturers, Shimano is uniquely placed to work alongside IMBA Europe on a variety of initiatives that will encourage riders to experience the joys of heading off-road, riding through their local loam, and considering what a contribution (at a local level) to actively enhance the sport’s environmental sustainability might look like.
We are excited to formalize our partnership with IMBA Europe. Shimano wants to ensure that sustainable trail design and construction techniques will limit the environmental impact. It’s important that every effort is made to protect and expand trails for all users – including mountain bike riders of all skill levels. Through our new Trail Born Fund, Shimano is showing its dedication to the mountain bike community and environmental responsibility.Arjen Vinke, Managing Director Bike Shimano Europe
SHIMANO Trail Born Fund
The Trail Born Fund aims to effect change across the mountain bike riding world that will one-day open new riding areas across Europe (with select projects already taking place in North America and Oceania) and improve existing trail networks. As a trusted partner, IMBA Europe’s involvement will help connect European countries together through collaboration and knowledge sharing.
And that means more places for all of us to ride—and more opportunities for new riders, like kids, to discover and take part in maintaining this amazing sport for future generations.
Shimano will leverage its Trail Born Fund to provide in-kind support towards some of IMBA Europe’s own trail development initiatives across the continent, after a thorough review of the proposed projects.
In turn, IMBA Europe will also work closely with Shimano to identify priority projects within its own network that can benefit from this funding.
