HMBA Alert: Increased Fees and Off Road Cycling Permit

[Paul_Arlinghaus]

Indiana’s State Parks face a 3 million dollar deficit and have to either pass on costs to park users or close parks.  In an effort to avoid closing Parks, Indiana State Parks is increasing existing fees and adding some additional fees, including an off road cycling permit.

The annual pass cost is increasing from $40 to $50 ( $60 to $70 out of state).  This increase is going into effect on May 13^th.  So if you have not yet bought a State Park Pass and wish to save $10, please get your pass prior to May 12^th.  All current 2015 passes are valid for the year.  Other fees such as camping are also increasing.  A complete list and FAQ is available here: http://www.in.gov/dnr/parklake/files/sp-2015_fee_changes.pdf
A $20 off road cycling permit is also being proposed.  This permit is not yet approved so we do not have the final details. 

There are some advantages to the mountain bike and cycling community for having an off-road cycling permit. 
·   It allows us to get an accurate count of off-road cyclists using our State Park and Forest trails.  This data will help us provide data to the local communities about the economic impact our trails have on the local economies.
· With current budget constraints, those groups who pay to play are in the best position to gain more access.  Despite the current budget constraints HMBA is involved in expanding trails at Brown County, Versailles, and O’Bannon State Parks.
· The permit also opens the door for access to State Forest properties.  HMBA is working develop trails at Yellowwood State Forest and use those trails to connect to Brown County State Park and Hoosier National Forest.

While HMBA supports pay to play we do feel that a total cost of $70 ($90 out of state) will become a barrier to entry for many Hoosiers as well as riders from other States.  This will have a negative impact on the well-being of Hoosiers and the local economy. 

HMBA has asked IMBA to issue an Action Alert to provide information to mountain bikers how to provide their feedback on the increased fees.  At the end of the day the increased fees are due to under funding of our Parks by the Indiana Legislator.  It is time for the mountain bike community to let our State Legislators know that continuing to under fund our State Parks will hurt Indiana residents and our local economies.

HMBA will be working on a funding source to provide off road cycling permits to our trail volunteers who cannot afford the $20 permit. 

[Hocky]

It doesn't bother me, but it is going to bother people who ride very casually or are getting out for the first time.

[ryantrek]

It doesn't bother me, but it is going to bother people who ride very casually or are getting out for the first time.

That was my thought as I was reading this. Those of us that do ride state parks won't have an issue with paying a few bucks to make sure our trails stay where they are. It will, however, make mountain biking a slightly more cost prohibitive sport/ activity. $10 bucks however, I don't think that will stop people.

[David Kuehnen]

This will not affect Town Run, Southwestway, Wapahani, Rangeline, Avon or other city trails.  That said, it may not be that big of a factor in deterring new riders as they still have city trails to begin on.

[getsometrail]

My only problem with the proposed off-road cycling permit is the trails are open to hikers and runners however there is not off-road hiking and running permit?   I understand that mountain bikers are by far the largest user group but it seems a little unfair seeing that the trails were built with volunteer labor or money raised by mountain bikers.  What are the chances that paid IMBA / HMBA members can get this permit fee waved (if the proposed permit is approved)?  Something like that may boost membership as well.   

[gmcttr]

While I would pay the fee, it's a bit of a kick in the pants...we fund, build and maintain the trails and then have the pleasure of paying to use them while other trails users are not charged.

I wonder if camping fees will include a "trail pass" or if the DNR thinks it can keep the 1000's of campers with bikes off the trails??? Will there be roving rangers riding the trails checking passes? Rangers at each trail access point?

More than likely, enforcement will be largely on the honor system and only keep the 'honest people honest'...all others ride for free.


At the very least, HMBA members (not general IMBA) should get a discounted rate. This might also drive membership in HMBA which is a win win for the parks (more members = more trails built) and HMBA.

[SS26]

I really do hope that they do charge a trail use fee to Hikers and Runners as well.   OR, just make the trails Single use only.   That actually sounds better imo.

[djkouza]

Agree that trail use fees would be better if spread, but I do see people perception that biking would be the most damaging to the environment and that is likely the basis for "taxing" the cyclists.  Another question would be is this a PER-person/bike, or just per vehicle entering the park?  I know the park passes cover all occupants of the car/vechicle, so the $50 covers my family and any friends who would ride share.  If the cost is structured this way I'd pay it, but if it's per bike I bring in.


The other question I'd like to ensure that the costs for these permits would go directly to trail maintenance, with some small percentage "direct cost" to help cover basic park infrastructure.

[mtbikernate]

While I would pay the fee, it's a bit of a kick in the pants...we fund, build and maintain the trails and then have the pleasure of paying to use them while other trails users are not charged.

I wonder if camping fees will include a "trail pass" or if the DNR thinks it can keep the 1000's of campers with bikes off the trails??? Will there be roving rangers riding the trails checking passes? Rangers at each trail access point?

More than likely, enforcement will be largely on the honor system and only keep the 'honest people honest'...all others ride for free.


At the very least, HMBA members (not general IMBA) should get a discounted rate. This might also drive membership in HMBA which is a win win for the parks (more members = more trails built) and HMBA.

The enforcement question is a good one. I do wonder how the park plans to ensure that the bikers on the trail have passes. They're going to have to have staffers out doing checks. It's going to be difficult for them to catch EVERY bike at the gate, especially for campers who have big RV's or trailers where bikes can be kept somewhere out of sight.


I counted out the way my wife and I have decided to handle our park access so far. This year, we bought two annual passes, because it was a hassle last year dealing with just one between the two of us. At some point this year, it looks like we'll have to buy annual trail passes. That'll be something like $120 for the two of us this year to ride on state park trails. Next year, it would be $140, as we'd be paying $50 for our gate passes. Would it be worth it to buy two gate passes at that point? I'm thinking it may not, so next year we'd be down to a single gate pass, plus our two trail passes. That's down to $90. So then, the DNR is only getting $10 more out of us. If the fee increases were much more moderate at the gate, and the trail passes cost less to start with, we'd probably continue to get two gate passes with the new trail passes, and the DNR would make more money from us.

[Unfit Nitwit]

As I understand it, the new fees across the board are to keep the parks running. Just a fee like other user groups pay is the drive behind it, nothing more.

Implementation can be whatever gets decided on regarding campers, carloads, and family rates. Though I would say the individual fee is set already.

Write the State Legislators, tell them there needs to be a better structure, not just charging "because". It doesn't have to match what they do with horses just because that takes less thought. Tell them what you see as reasonable. Make a family rate. Maybe an age based level of no fee, like 16 and under. Since hikers won't be charged, push for single user. Rim brakes get a discount. Camping with kids who won't be on the trails? Do they get charged for riding the campground too?

There are going to be fees, but that does not mean they can't be rolled out in a reasonable manner.

Enforcement will be on the honor system for the most part. I can get a couple of bikes in the trunk of a car, not so easy with horses or canoes. Out on the trail, you never know if they spend for  law enforcement to catch people on a regular basis.

[tony]

I thought Indiana had a $2 billion surplus? 

[mtbikernate]

And FWIW, I wrote my legislators yesterday about this. One probably agrees with what I said. The other, probably not.

[Raleighguy29]

If they would quit buying toilet paper for the critters they wouldn't down so much money.


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[djkouza]

Out in Virginia where I've ridden motorcycles on state grounds there is a fee.  Enforcement is very hit and miss but if you're caught without a permit the penalties are pretty good sometimes even including impounding your bike. At least from what I hear.

[Adim_x]

I typically leave my wallet along with park pass in my car.  I don't wanna really want to have to start carrying these things with me.  I don't always carry a pack and prefer water bottles.  This whole thing just smells funny.  It feels like we are getting shafted.  At the end of the day..I will pay to play.  Time to fire off some emails to legislators.