Latest mountain bike news

While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
A black and blue CamelBak backpack designed for outdoor activities, featuring a hydration reservoir and a drinking tube, padded shoulder straps, and multiple compartments for gear storage.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  4
A motorcyclist performing a jump over a muddy water puddle in a snowy forest setting, surrounded by tall pine trees.
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A smiling man wearing a colorful floral shirt and a blue bucket hat stands with his arms crossed on a dirt path. He is surrounded by a scenic landscape with rolling hills and clear blue skies in the background.
Map of the Colorado Trail highlighting the route of the first mountain bike race, starting in Denver and finishing in Durango. The map indicates several wilderness areas along the 535-mile route, including the Holy Cross, Mount Massive, Collegiate Peaks, Lost Creek, La Garita, and Weminuche Wilderness.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
A group of cyclists racing along a roadside, with onlookers in the background taking photos. The cyclists are wearing colorful racing jerseys and helmets, and there are cars parked alongside the road. The backdrop features a rocky hillside and trees.
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A close-up view of a bicycle with a focus on the leg of a cyclist wearing a prosthetic limb, highlighting the adaptive equipment and footwear. The background features a dirt path, indicating an outdoor cycling environment.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
A green mountain bike with yellow suspension forks leaning against a white wooden wall, surrounded by fallen leaves and green ivy.
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A winding dirt path through a lush green meadow, surrounded by mountains under a bright blue sky with scattered clouds.
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While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  2
A narrow dirt path surrounded by lush green trees, leading through a wooded area. The sunlight filters through the foliage, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere.
  4
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  2
A narrow dirt path winding through a lush green forest, surrounded by tall trees and dappled sunlight filtering through the leaves. The ground is covered with fallen leaves and small rocks, creating a natural, serene atmosphere.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
A winding dirt path surrounded by green grass and forested hills under a blue sky with scattered clouds. A person is biking along the trail, which forks in the distance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
A modern bicycle featuring a unique bamboo frame design with a sleek, minimalist aesthetic. The bike has two black wheels, white spokes, and is equipped with green handles. It is positioned on a reflective surface, emphasizing its contemporary style.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  6
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  2
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
While skiing this past winter I had a morbid question on my mind: do more people die in skiing related accidents or mountain bike accidents each year? One article I read in the local paper mentioned there had been something like 5 deaths on the slopes in Aspen alone that winter which seemed high to me, especially compared to the usual dearth of news concerning mountain bike deaths during the summer months.

While it's tough to get absolute numbers I did come across <a href="http://www.massbike.org/bikelaw/advb1989/intro.htm">a website</a> that mentions there are around 1,000 bicycle related deaths in the United States each year, 75% of which are due to head injuries (need another reason to wear your helmet?). In fact, the site claims that bicycling is the most common cause of sports or recreational related injuries in America (though not specifically deaths). Of course this includes riders of all ages (a fair number of them kids skinning their knees) and I'd imagine a lot of these accidents also involve automobiles and pavement.

So what about mountain bike specific deaths? This summer I read of at least one person killed by a bear on a mountain bike trip but that wasn't really the bike's fault (I suppose a hiker would have been just as vulnerable). Despite the risks that mountain bikers often take, there just isn't a lot of evidence that mountain biking is any more dangerous than downhill skiing, a sport more than 10 million Americans participate in each year.

In fact, I'd argue that mountain biking and cycling in general SAVE the lives of many more Americans each year. Mountain biking is an easy and fun way to get a low impact workout for anyone struggling with weight or other health issues. Cardiovascular fitness and weight loss are just two side effects from mountain biking in addition to the psychological lift you get from having fun with friends. Downhill skiing is fun but I don't know of too many people who have lost weight by doing it.

Mountain biking can sometimes get a bad rap from land managers afraid of risking lawsuits that may arise from such a "dangerous" activity. But giving children and adults a safe place to ride away from the streets could actually save lives and prevent injuries--if only we give it a chance.
  1
A scenic view of rolling green hills leading to a mountain range under a blue sky with fluffy white clouds. A narrow winding trail cuts through the grassy landscape, surrounded by clusters of trees and wildflowers.
  4
A CD case for Magellan's MapSend Topo 3D software, featuring a colorful design with a map preview in the bottom right corner, and text indicating compatibility with various Magellan GPS receivers. The top section includes the Magellan logo and the title "MapSend Topo 3D."
A promotional poster for "On the Road to Athens," featuring a cyclist wearing a helmet and focused on riding, with a background of an American flag. The design includes text highlighting the event and sponsors.
A close-up view of a speedometer displaying speed in miles per hour (MPH) and kilometers per hour (km/h), with a red and white illuminated design.
  3