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Challenges and Opportunities for Bicycling and the NPS

Bob RatcliffeChiefConservation, Recreation and Community Assistance Programs

National Park ServiceU.S. Department of the Interior

Visitors Use Considerations and Challenges for NPS Management Balancing “Protect & Preserve” with “Use and Enjoy”: How can we ensure protection resources while meeting public recreation and visitation demand?

Determination of “Appropriate Uses”– not all parks are created equal: What kinds of uses are compatible with and compliment our particular unit’s mission/mandate?

Visitor infrastructure and services: Can we manage or afford the level of facilities and services needed or desired to support safe and reasonable access?

Visitor Safety, Management and Liability: How can we reduce conflicts and ensure the safety and quality of experience for our visitors?E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

Growing Population and Increasing Diversity

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2000

Hispanic

White, NH

Black, NH

Asian, NH

Hispanic

White, NH

Black, NH

Asian, NH

Source: Census Bureau

2100

278 million 571 million

Changing Populations: Implications for Biking Interests Expect increased competition for limited

resources. Expect limits on use, more allocation and

permits to protect resources and experiences. Expect more crowding and conflict from

diversity of activities and specialization. Expect increasing public debate and litigation

over “appropriate” forms of recreation and public access needs on the public lands.

Expect less support for conservation from populations who are not engaged in the outdoors. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

Parks and Bikes NPS is creating more bike opportunities in

parks Improving Management: Build awareness,

improve safety and share best management practices that encourage bike use in parks

Expanding Visitor Services: Provide concessions and vending operations that encourage biking

Creating More Bike Opportunities: Implement policies and processes to develop trails and routes for bikes in parks - “New Bike Rule”

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Recent examples of how parks are becoming more bike friendly. Capital Bikeshare on the National Mall

Urban bikeshare programs encourage use of and access to parks

Renting Bikes at the Grand Canyon Encouraging bike services options through

concessions Mountain Biking trails at New River Gorge

Biking is now an economic driving force for the region.

NPS Programs that Support Biking

NPS also offers programs outside of parks that provide: Community assistance: Rivers, Trails and

Conservation Assistance and Stateside LWCF and others that work with partners to create trails in thousands of communities nationwide

Grants and Funding: NPS Challenge Cost Share and Connect Trails to Parks Programs - $2 million annually

National Partnerships: that support education, best practices, volunteering, training and communication such as with IMBA, ACA, American Trails & others

Special Designations and Recognition: Includes AGO, National Recreation Trails, Recreation.gov and other programs that incentivize trail development or promote biking

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A Few Examples of NPS Community Assistance Program successes for Bikes Denver Mountain Bike Initiative Natural surface trail

projects in urban area designed to connect more people and youth with nature.

Poplar Creek Trail in MN Connecting residents to

their local state park Jamaica Bay Bike Trail in

NYC Connecting communities

and underserved populations to and through a National Park.

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Our formula for success Can’t do it alone: Improving and

expanding our work with partners

Sound Data and Policy Framework: Developing thoughtful policy and good information to make sound management decisions

Thinking Strategically: Taking advantage of our strategic initiatives to accelerate efforts and align resources

Locally Driven: Emphasizing community-based partnerships as a platform for collaboration

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Working with Partners on a National Scale

Education: Building best management practices for trails and biking (example: IMBA)

Promotion: Developing and promoting bicycle routes and opportunities (example: ACA)

Benefits: Collaborating with outdoor industry and tourism partners to document economic and other benefits (example: OIA)

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Successful Partnerships use the “Five H” approach!

Hearts: Promoting stewardship. Heads: Fostering interest in conservation, best

management practices and building awareness.

Health: Facilitating active and healthy lifestyles.

Hands: Engaging people in public service and volunteering.

Hope: Building a better future by getting more kids and families outdoors.

How organizations help the agencies connect people with parks and public lands.

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Tips for Working with the NPS

Gain influence by learning the issues, engaging in planning and policy development, and join friends groups

Build relationships and get to know your local land managers.

Offer assistance and expertise to promote best management practices.

Build networks by participating or joining organizations that bring together other interests and land managers.

Generate good will by offering to partner or provide services for management solutions.

Questions?

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For Additional Information Please Contact:

Bob RatcliffeBob_Ratcliffe@nps.gov

Josh NadasJoshua_nadas@nps.gov

Read the NPS Bike Rule:http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1355