BikeBiz Bicycle and cycling retail news
Shimano will donate $10 million over the next 10 years to support global MTB trail-building projects, with the announcement of its new Trail Born Fund.
Aimed at helping increase and sustain mountain bike trails and trail access around the world, the Trail Born Fund will deliver an unprecedented level of industry support, over the next 10 years, to support and facilitate trail projects and trail advocacy organizations.
Working closely with these trusted partners, Shimano will ensure truly meaningful and sustainable gains
are made — both on a local and global scale — and are excited to support the hard work of dedicated and
passionate trail builders.
Trails cost (big) money.
In sharing news of the fund’s launch the Japanese drive train manufacturer rightly points out that “building and maintaining great trails is expensive. Really expensive.
“Cost typically ranges from $10,000 to $45,000 per mile, which includes everything from permitting and impact studies to tools, materials, and labour.”
Critically, Shimano believes the return on investment is priceless. Supporting trail building and trail advocacy helps protect and expand trail access. And that means more places for all of us to ride—and more opportunities for new riders, like kids, to discover this amazing sport.
Trail Born Fund in action
The Trail Born Fund will first focus on select areas in North America, Europe and Oceania and will further expand across these regions through 2025.
By 2026, Trail Born aims to effect change across the mountain bike riding world, with the addition of Asia, Africa, and Central and South America.
In all cases, support will be earmarked for legal and sustainable trials, and funds will be allocated only after a
a thorough review of the advocacy organizations and proposed projects.
Shimano will also help promote these chosen projects, telling the stories of the people and places behind these critical efforts. We’ll also aid in the identification and acquisition of additional funding from other sources such as private donations and government grant programs.
