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Social Impacts of the Growth of Mountain Biking in the Northeastern Forest Region
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Coleman, Kimberly, Alldred, Mary, Perry, Bess, Leahy, Jessica
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Spring 2024
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Nation-wide, mountain biking is growing in popularity. This trend is mirrored in the Northern Forest and has intensified during the COVID-19 pandemic. For many rural communities, the growth of mountain biking represents an opportunity to build a new economy centered on forest-based recreation. However, questions remain about the impact mountain biking has on forests and communities that depend upon them. This thesis will explore the social impacts of mountain biking across the Northern Forest by investigating the following questions: 1. How can natural resource managers make informed decisions about forest-based recreation planning in rural communities? 2. What social impacts of mountain biking are currently being experienced by communities in the Northern Forest region? This project used a mixed methods approach to produce a detailed understanding about the social impacts of mountain biking in the Northern Forest. The research team conducted a social media analysis of Strava data and community interviews to illuminate the social impacts at a local and regional level, respectively. Results of this study shed light on a range of social impacts from mountain biking that are currently impacting Northern Forest communities, and that could impact them in the future. These results are of immediate practical utility to land managers and communities considering mountain biking pursuits and will help inform decision-making about planning and management in forest-based recreation across the Northeastern Forest region.