California Mountain Biking Month 2024: June Update
PRESS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
California Mountain Biking Month
California Mountain Biking Coalition celebrates passing of joint-resolution in the CA State Assembly and Senate, which declares June 2024 as “California Mountain Biking Month”.
ACR 152 is Bipartisan, Bicameral, and Bicycle!
Sacramento, CA (June 20, 2024) – The California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB) is thrilled to announce the passing of Assembly Concurrent Resolution 152 (ACR 152) by the California State Assembly and Senate. ACR 152 designates June 2024 as “California Mountain Biking Month.” and recognizes the deep roots mountain biking has in California as its birthplace. ACR 152, originally authored by Assemblymember Damon Connolly and Senator Brian Jones, is sponsored by the California Mountain Biking Coalition. The bill received broad support, picking up fifty-nine (59) additional co-authors prior to the Assembly vote on June 3, including principal co-author Assemblymember Gail Pellerin (28th District). On June 20, the legislation cleared its final milestone, passing in the Senate
The legislation is Bipartisan, or authored and widely supported by both democrats and republicans alike; and Bicameral, or residing in both state legislative bodies. Additionally, it highlights the numerous benefits mountain biking and sustainable trail design provide to Californians and communities across the state, including mental and physical wellness, economic uplift, environmental protection, and community development.
The resolution cites mountain biking as a health-promoting activity that builds cardiovascular fitness, strength, and endurance. It also underscores the mental health benefits of mountain biking and its ability to reduce stress and foster community. The resolution points to the significant volunteer efforts of mountain biking clubs and organizations that maintain trails and support public lands. It also notes the major economic impact of mountain biking, contributing over $2.3 billion to California’s economy annually.
Additionally, the resolution acknowledges the growth of high school mountain biking programs that provide healthy activity and valuable life skills for youth. It celebrates the inclusion of mountain biking in the 2028 Los Angeles Summer Olympics. The resolution also cites the increased accessibility of mountain biking thanks to improved bike technology, trail navigation apps, e-bikes and adaptive bikes.
“The mountain biking community in California has exploded in the last decade, and so too has the leadership and stewardship of nonprofit mountain bike and trail organizations. They have stepped up to maintain and advocate for all our trail networks, and it’s imperative and exciting that we recognize everything they do to make our parks and trails a vital part of California’s economy”, said Jake Bayless, President of the California Trails Foundation.
Michael Anzalone, Executive Director of CAMTB. “Mountain Biking isn’t just a sport. It’s a way of being. It’s about living a healthy life, celebrating the natural world, and often, having fun with friends while you do it. It’s also about giving back, being good stewards of the land, and ensuring that the places we love to ride will be available for future generations to come.”
During the month of June, CAMTB and its member organizations will be hosting a variety of community events around the state for all types of rider abilities. Events include group rides, volunteer trail maintenance, skills clinics, happy hours, movie nights, and more. Visit the CAMTB Month Calendar of Events at https://camtb.org/mtbmonthcal/ for more information.
CAMTB encourages mountain bikers and cycling enthusiasts across the state to get some trail time in, support your local trail stewardship organization, and join in the celebrations and festivities for #CAMTBmonth throughout June 2024. Follow us on social media or check https://camtb.org/mtb-month-2024 for updates.
CAMTB Month is powered in part by:
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The California Mountain Biking Coalition (CAMTB) was formed in 2019 as a 501(c)(4) nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and protecting mountain biking opportunities and the public lands on which we recreate throughout California. CAMTB is a coalition of 31 trail stewardship organizations from around California, and serves as a unified, statewide voice for mountain bikers and gravel riders. CAMTB partners with our member organizations and many regional and national organizations to advocate for improved recreational amenities, management policies and legislation that benefit mountain bikers, trails, and the public lands on which we recreate.
A PDF version of this press release is available here.
