Attn: New England eMTBers

[LimboJim]

NEMBA recently updated its "position" on eMTBs. While not fully embracing true pedelec mountain bikes, it's a far cry from NEMBA's often ridiculous statements about them since 2013.

Note the reference at the end to a new Facebook Group that advocates for eMTB trail access in New England. I heartily urge all New England riders to join, if you haven't already. We need to show some serious numbers!

NEMBA's new Executive Director, Travis Counsell, also invited regional eMTBers to join a Zoom Forum on Sat Feb 20 at 5pm eastern. I believe NEMBA hired him in part because of his willingness to work with e-mountain bikers - the prior ED outright rejected such overtures, and lost at least a few members (like me) as a result.

For anyone not on Facebook, you can sign up to join the Zoom meeting by emailing [email protected]

 

[LimboJim]

I cut this from the eMTB Forums:

This is from the new EC in regards to the Advocate forum:
"
I want to provide some clarification of NEMBA's role in this.

NEMBA is helping to serve as a catalyst. In our updated statement we called on eMTB enthusiasts to come forward and organize. This forum is providing a springboard for those interested in advocating for eMTBs to connect. I know some have concerns about the optics of NEMBA hosting an eMTB Advocate Forum, but this is in line with the statements made in our updated eMTB position statement.

NEMBA is not directly advocating for eMTBs. Similarly, we are not directly advocating against eMTBs. We are joining the conversation, and in some ways providing the table for the conversation to start from. Many of the prominent voices have been NEMBA members, past & present.

An important reminder, which is also noted in our updated statement: NEMBA does not set policy. Nor do we spend a great deal of time on direct advocacy efforts to change policy. (This can change if desired, but it is not currently a primary focus.) We value our relationships with land managers and feel they have the final say regarding access. Overall eMTB policies should be based on facts and input from a wide variety of stakeholders, including NEMBA.

We have received a primarily positive response to our updated statement (over 30+ emails of support vs 2 negative) and strong interest from members, non-members, and the broader community in participating in the upcoming forum.


eMTBs are a divisive topic. I am hopeful as time progresses we can shift our focus to broader rider education, greater trail access for all users, and responsible trail stewardship.

My underlying goal is to broaden NEMBA's umbrella to capture a larger community. "
Barry