Press Release
WASHINGTON – July 14, 2016 // Senators Mike Lee (R-UT) and Orrin Hatch (R-UT) introduced the Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Act on Wednesday. This bill aims to open more wilderness areas to mountain biking, thus enabling more Americans to enjoy these natural spaces.
“Our National Wilderness Preservation System was created to allow the American people to experience the solitude and recreational opportunities of our continent’s priceless natural areas,” Senator Lee stated. “This bill would enhance Americans’ outdoor experiences by making it easier for them to mountain bike in wilderness areas.” 
Senator Hatch added, “Utah is blessed with an abundance of beautiful wilderness, and Americans should be free to enjoy it. This bill offers a balanced approach, permitting mountain bike use on trails while empowering federal land managers to perform necessary maintenance.”
The Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Act specifically aims to:
- Empower Local Land Managers: The bill would grant local land managers the authority to decide whether to allow and how to regulate mountain biking in wilderness areas. This localized decision-making ensures that those most familiar with the land and its specific needs can make informed choices about its use.
- Enable Maintenance with Minimal Impact: Federal employees or designated individuals would be permitted to use non-invasive, minimal technology to maintain wilderness areas. This provision ensures that essential upkeep can be performed without compromising the natural integrity of these protected lands.
Senator Lee and Senator Hatch believe that this legislation will foster a deeper connection between Americans and their natural heritage. By increasing access to mountain biking, more people will have the opportunity to explore and appreciate the nation’s wilderness areas.
The proposed bill underscores the importance of balancing recreational use with conservation. It seeks to make these natural treasures more accessible while ensuring they remain pristine for future generations.
For more detailed information about the Human-Powered Travel in Wilderness Act, including the full text of the bill. Read the full press release including bill here.
