Mountain Biking Is Growing — Just Not Where It Started

Over the past decade, bike parks have become one of the sport’s clearest success stories. Traditional lift-access destinations have helped define what modern progression looks like, and that model has trickled down around the globe. Shuttle parks, pay-to-ride (or park) trail networks, jump parks, and pump tracks—if it’s contained, controllable, and easy to permit, it’s probably getting built.

From a riding perspective, it’s hard to argue with the appeal; bike parks work. They’re fun, efficient...