National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior

1. National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior Challenges and Opportunities for Bicycling and the NPSBob RatcliffeChiefConservation, Recreation and Community Assistance Programs E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

2. 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

3. Growing Population and Increasing Diversity 2100 2000 278 million 571 million E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A Source: Census Bureau

4. 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 fromdiversity 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

5. 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 policiesand processes to develop trails and routes for bikes in parks - “New Bike Rule” E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

6. 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. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

7. 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: IncludesAGO, National Recreation Trails, Recreation.gov and other programs that incentivize trail development or promote biking E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

8. 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. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

9. Our formula for success • Can’t do it alone: Improving and expanding our work with partners • Sound Data and Policy Framework: Developingthoughtful 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 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

10. 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) E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

11. Successful Partnerships use the “Five H” approach! How organizations help the agencies connect people with parks and public lands. • 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. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

12. Tips for Working with the NPS • Gain influenceby 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. E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

13. Questions? For Additional Information Please Contact: Bob Ratcliffe Bob_Ratcliffe@nps.gov Josh Nadas Joshua_nadas@nps.gov Read the NPS Bike Rule: http://home.nps.gov/news/release.htm?id=1355 E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A