Media contact: Eleanor Blick
IMBA Senior Communications & Advocacy Manager
(720) 900-4622

(Boulder, Colo., March 18, 2020) IMBA is excited to announce the new Trails Count Grant Program in partnership with Eco-Counter. This new program focuses on the quality of mountain bike trail communities by measuring the number of users on trails to assess the impact of trails. Trails Count assistance grants jump start efforts for communities that have the interest and political support to develop trail-use measurement systems, but need assistance to get their studies started.

“IMBA recognizes that data plays an important role in advocating for mountain biking trails and infrastructure. Understanding how to gather data and how to apply it to advocacy efforts can be a critical component in these efforts,” says Anthony Duncan, IMBA’s Director of Local Programs.

Assistance will be provided through a competitive grant process. Awardees will receive two (2) Eco-Counter PYRO-Box people counters for a period of six months, including the accompanying data analysis software, professional assistance and consultation services from Eco-Counter to set up and manage count programs.

“Eco-Counter is proud to partner with IMBA for the Trails Count Grant Program. Everyday, we help leading organizations across North America use data to support mountain bike trail development. Automated count data is an essential tool to capture usage trends, justify trail development, apply for funding and so much more. We look forward to seeing what you do with the counters and are here to help along the way”, says Matt Ainsley, Market Strategist at Eco-Counter.

IMBA will begin accepting applications in May 2020 from IMBA Local Partners who are interested in starting a trail counting program.

Applications are now open through May 31

About Eco-Counter:
With 20 years of experience, Eco-Counter is the global leader in bike and pedestrian counting solutions. From bike counters deployed on San Francisco’s busiest cycle tracks, to trail counters in remote regions of the New Zealand, our temporary and permanent counters are trusted around the world.

About IMBA:
The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) creates, enhances, and protects great places to ride mountain bikes. It is focused on creating more trails close to home to grow the quantity and quality of mountain bike trail communities across the U.S., so everyone has access to close-to-home rides and iconic backcountry experiences. Since 1988, IMBA has been the worldwide leader in mountain bike advocacy and the only organization focused entirely on trails and access for all types of mountain bikers in all parts of the U.S. IMBA teaches and encourages low-impact riding, grassroots advocacy, sustainable trail design, innovative land management practices, and cooperation among trail user groups. IMBA U.S. is a national network of local groups, individual riders, and passionate volunteers working together for the benefit of the entire community.