SHIMANO has pledged $10 million towards its new Trail Born Fund over the next 10 years, which is aimed at helping increase and sustain mountain bike trails and trail access around the world.
“Working closely with these trusted partners, we will ensure truly meaningful and sustainable gains are made — both on a local and global scale — and is excited to support the hard work of dedicated and passionate trail builders,” says SHIMANO.
Building and maintaining trails is expensive, with costs ranging from $10,000 to $45,000 per mile, which includes everything from permitting and impact studies to tools, materials, and labor.
The Trail Born Fund will first focus on select areas in North America, Europe and Oceania, which 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 trails, and funds will be allocated only after a thorough review of the advocacy organizations and proposed projects.
Beyond committing funds to building trails, SHIMANO also plans to help share the stories of the people and places behind selected projects to help spread the joy of cycling and highlight the real-world impacts trail networks can have. Moreover, they’ve pledged to help facilitate identifying and lining up additional outside funding.
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