IMBA Europe has launched a survey to find out as much as possible about the people who ride mountain bikes on this continent. The aim is to gain an understanding of their socio-economic background, their preferences, and their mountain biking habits. Of course, the survey also covers their expectations of clubs and national and international associations.

I must admit that, especially at the beginning, I hesitated once or twice when answering the questions posed by IMBA Europe. Particularly when it came to questions about my skin color or ethnic identity—a question I had never answered in my entire life—I was close to abandoning the online survey. I didn't do it, because perhaps there is also an insight into mountain biking, which I experience as a deeply Western, white sport. Crucial questions It is obvious that people in very different environments are being surveyed. In some countries and regions, access to attractive trails is difficult and costly, while in others you are spoiled for choice. Surveying the income of mountain bikers only makes sense if the answers are linked to the respective country of origin. Crucial questions are those about how strictly people adhere to the applicable rules and riding bans and how often they volunteer to help maintain the trails. A current topic seems to be fees for public bike trails. IMBA Europe wants to know whether survey participants are willing to pay fees or not. Ride will devote an article to this topic in its next print edition.

At this point, I would like to remind you once again that IMBA Europe is asking for your participation. You can also take this as an opportunity to think about certain things.

To the survey (provided by Surveymonkey)