Idaho License Plates to Support MTB Trails
An Idaho legislator is seeking approval for a special vehicle license plate to benefit mountain bike trails. While many states (including our home state, GA) offer cycling-themed plates, as far as we know this would be the first mountain bike specific plate in the US. Those who choose the MTB plates would pay a $35 special tag fee initially and $25 each year upon renewal. The extra funds would go to support the 12,000 miles of bike-friendly trails in Idaho.
While some supporters of the MTB plate point to the revenue potential, we think the awareness potential is a much bigger deal. By some estimates the plates would generate $10,000 each year for trails but with 12,000 miles of trail, that’s less than a buck a mile! Nope, bringing awareness to such an awesome state resource (mountain bike trails) will be the real win here and could go a long way toward opening even more trails.
One final note: based on the article linked above this measure appears to have politicians split along party lines. We’ll leave the political commentary to our readers 
Related posts:
- IMBA needs support for fresh Kentucky singletrack
- IMBA: Support Mountain Biking at TVA Sites (Southeast)
- Support new singletrack at Big Bend National Park, Texas
- MTB trails: Good and bad news
- New trails in unlikely spot: NYC
Tags: idaho
February 5th, 2010 at 12:16 pm
12,000 miles of trails?! Who knew there was that much riding in Idaho? I mean, I always figured the riding over there would be good, but I didn’t think there would be that much of it!
I wonder how much of that is singletrack?
February 5th, 2010 at 12:33 pm
I agree, Idaho is MTB diamond in the rough, Ive only sampled a small portion of it myself. And yes quite a bit of it is old logging and forest service roads, but they just give access to a whole lot of country to ride and other trails. Most of the best riding in Idaho isn’t very close to the major population centers though so that brings up other activities connected to the sport- camping areas etc.
The awareness these plates would bring to the general public driving down the road far outweighs any dollar amount donated to the trails in my opinion. If the money raised could be put towards simple mapping and signage I think the local organizations and clubs would get together and maintain most of the trails. It would be a win, win deal I believe, I hope it passes.
February 7th, 2010 at 1:05 pm
I have ridden out there and the trail systems they have are outstanding. Close to downtown Boise, you can start in Camelsback park and go for a long time. Very soft dusty trails but they are fun. If you’re ever out there, check out IMT (Idaho Mountain Touring) in downtown Boise and rent yourself a bike and hit the trails (within 1mi of the shop). Great people and a great area. I wish I could get out there more often. The license plates is a great way to support their trails, wish we had those in VA.
February 9th, 2010 at 6:13 pm
If this passes I am in!! What a great way to promote our trails!
2 miles from Salmon, ID is a trailhead that accesses over 35 miles of singletrack. Countless more in any direction within an hours drive, including the Continental Divide Trail. Just getting a plug in!!