CAMTB Public Policy & Political Action Plan
What’s On Tap for 2026!
Your past support has fueled our fight for more and better trails and public lands access. Here’s a look at the critical work ahead in 2026, which your continued support will directly support:
Cutting Red/Green Tape to Build More Trails
Next year will be our 5th legislative season. We will be authoring and advancing legislation to reduce bureaucracy and other barriers that slow the construction, maintenance, and access to the trails you love to ride.
Electing Trail Champions in 2026
What truly sets CAMTB apart is our ability to inform voters, endorse, and support mission-aligned candidates. We can’t advance critical trail legislation without lawmakers willing to champion cycling, trails, and public lands. In preparation for the 2026 midterms, CAMTB will again survey candidates, develop a nonpartisan Recreation Voter Guide, and endorse candidates in local, state, and federal races. Your donation helps us amplify the voice of mountain bikers and get pro-recreation leaders elected.
Reshaping the US Forest Service for Trail Management
As you know, the California Regional Office of the US Forest Service—which manages 20 national forests and countless trails you ride—has been gutted. And the forests themselves are struggling with massive staffing shortages. This impacts recreation management, trail maintenance, and wildfire fuel reduction. In 2026, we will be pressing lawmakers and USFS leadership to provide the staffing and funding necessary to effectively manage our national forests in California. Properly managing for the spaces and places we recreate is an imperative.
Protecting the Public Lands Where We Ride
This year, our Public Lands came under attack in ways we haven’t seen in quite some time. Next year, major federal land policy issues, including the potential rescission of the US Forest Service’s Roadless Rule and the BLM’s Public Lands Rule, are coming to a head. If approved, they could significantly alter how our public lands are managed and accessed. Our Federal Lands team, working with IMBA and Outdoor Alliance, will be mobilizing the recreation community—you—to protect these cherished riding areas.
Investing in Trail Projects and Community Support
CAMTB is actively pursuing funding to underwrite trail projects and accelerate adoption of multibenefit recreation projects. Our goal is to create a portfolio of trail projects and provide a mix of supplemental resources. This will include a mix of planning support, technical assistance, and funding via a grant program to the trail organizations across California.
Revisiting & Revising Ebike & E-Moto Policy
Five years ago, CAMTB crafted its first statement on ebikes. Much has changed since, and it is time to revisit and revise our policy to ensure continued access for all mountain bikers. Our working group will review all pertinent legislation and engage our state and federal advocacy partners to advance a policy that protects trails and access.
Deepening Our Relationships with California’s Land Managers
From CA State Parks and CalFire to the key decision-makers at the California Natural Resource Agency (CNRA), building trusting relationships with these policymakers is essential. Your support ensures that the needs of mountain bikers and trail stewards are heard and addressed at the highest levels of state government.
Your past donations have made our advocacy possible. Now, as we face critical challenges in 2026, we need you to step up again. Every dollar you give will be put directly to work fighting for the trails and public lands we all cherish.
