The Bike Industry Joins the Battle Over Public Lands | Bicycling

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A little over a week ago, the bike industry openly joined a growing debate over public lands, with two trade shows announcing they would essentially boycott the state of Utah in public opposition to an effort to roll back protected status for a new national monument there.

The dustup could not only reshape the sport’s relationship with Utah, but also dictate the terms of a larger fight over recreation and public lands in general.

The move is unusual for several reasons. First, the bike industry is often reluctant to be overtly political. And while there are critics of its approach, support among industry members is largely unified: another rarity. Finally, it’s a response that seems a little strange given that the land in question—the freshly created Bears Ears National Monument—isn’t home to a large or treasured riding scene, unlike some other areas where federal land protection has curtailed bike access.

But the industry has leapt in, and the dustup could not only reshape the sport’s relationship with Utah, but also dictate the terms of a larger fight over recreation and public lands in general.

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The Bike Industry Joins the Battle Over Public Lands | Bicycling