Mountain Bike Resources

According to the International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA), mountain biking contributes $133 billion annually to the U.S. economy. Mountain Biking (a.k.a., MTB) can also position communities to attract and retain talent, improve quality of life for area residents, and engage youth in the outdoors.

As the activity continues to grow and evolve, PEC has been exploring opportunities associated with increased MTB in PA and neighboring states. Mainly, PEC aims to activate existing trails, support efforts to build and connect trail systems, and adequately prepare communities for increases in MTB.

Here are some of the resources that we have produced to date:

Mountain Biking Reports

PEC supports outdoor recreation through research exploring opportunities for trail development, placemaking, and expanding access to the outdoors. View some of our recent publications below and find more here.

Community-Centered Mountain Biking (2024)

In April of 2024, PEC convened communities from North Central Appalachia to discuss how they can better prepare for increases in mountain biking (MTB) and facilitate trail activation efforts. This report summarizes the Summit’s panel discussions, small group discussions, community input, examples, resources, and recommendations for next steps.

Preparing for Sustainable Mountain Biking Growth in North Central Appalachia (2024)

A companion piece to the full report, Community-Centered Mountain Biking, this study explores the growing interest and opportunities in mountain biking and outdoor recreation in North Central Appalachia, highlighting the economic, social, and environmental benefits while addressing challenges and strategies for sustainable development and community engagement.

Mountain Biking and Associated Recreational Opportunities in the Greater Pittsburgh Region: An Atlas (2023)

A catalog of mountain bike trails, multi-use trails, and some notable gravel cycling areas, PEC’s atlas is the first step toward evaluating the potential for promotion of the greater Pittsburgh region as a hub for outdoor recreation.

From Rust Belt to Rec Belt: Growing the Outdoor Recreation Economy in North Central Appalachia (2023)

The North Central Appalachian Rec Belt is well-positioned to develop as a thriving regional outdoor economy that is known nationwide and enjoyed by visitors and all who call the region home. This report provides recommendations to advance the regional outdoor economy for broad economic and social benefit.

Growing Mountain Biking in the North Central Appalachian Rec Belt (2023)

A companion piece to the full report, From Rust Belt to Rec Belt: Growing the Outdoor Economy in North Central Appalachia, this study looks at the potential and realized economic impacts of mountain biking tourism and local recreation, as well as strategies that can help the region develop its mountain biking infrastructure and landscape.