Mountain Biking and the Environment, Part I

Doug Blease is a mountain biker and environmental researcher based in Scotland. He’s a member of IMBA-EU and has served in active trail planning roles with the Aberdeen Trail Association.

In this interview, we ask:

• What does an environmental impact assessment look like when it comes to trail planning?
• How big of a concern is erosion when it comes to bikes, especially compared to other trail users?
• How resilient is nature in terms of the ecosystem? Could there be long-term effects due to trail building if it’s not done properly?
• As individuals, how can we minimize the impact of our rides?
• How can we balance the tension between creating opportunities to enjoy the environment, with protecting it from damage or overuse?
• How would you grade the mountain bike industry’s overall eco footprint?

If you'd like to contact Doug for advice or to ask a question, email info@singletracks.com and we'll pass your message along.

--Keep up with the latest in mountain biking at Singletracks.com and on Instagram @singletracks

*Cover photo: Luis Ascenso Photography from Lisbon, Portugal, via Wikimedia Commons