GREEN MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROL WINS GRANT!
by Travis Cousino

VMBA has received a grant from the Oakland Foundation in the amount of $1,200 to provide basic first aid and CPR training for members of the Green Mountain Bike Patrol (GMBP). The GMBP helps implement VMBA's education mission by participating in special events and educational programs for young riders, and by interacting directly (on the trail) with mountain bikers and other trail users. The GMBP also teaches new and experienced riders about low-impact riding and respecting the rights of other trail users and landowners.

For a number of years, the Green Mountain Bike Patrol has provided emergency and logistical support at the increasing number of walking, biking and running fundraising events in Vermont. For example, the Patrol supported the 100-mile endurance run that benefited Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and the Leaf Peepers Half Marathon and 5k Run to support the U32 High School Booster Club. They also provided course marshals and on-course emergency medical personnel for the Vermont City Marathon, which attracts 5,250 participants.

The GMBP is the VT division of the International Mountain Bike Association's National Mountain Bike Patrol (NMBP). NMBP patrol groups have been critical in gaining continued access to singletrack trail networks in such places as Moab, Utah and the Santa Monica Mountains Recreation Area in California.

It costs about $205 per person to train and equip each mountain bike patroller in the basics. These include:

1)    First aid and adult CPR training             $53.00
2)    Basic First Aid Kit                                $12.00
3)    Patroller Uniform Jersey                        $35.00
4)    5 Hours of Patrol Specific training          $60.00
5)    IMBA / NMBP Membership                   $30.00
6)    VMBA Membership                              $15.00


The Oakland Foundation grant will cover $100.00 for items 1-3. Specific training regarding minimum impact riding, environmental issues, community interaction, conflict resolution, local regulations / laws and event-specific training are provided at no charge to the patrollers by certified volunteer instructors Jenny Hubbard and Travis Cousino. That leaves just the required memberships ($45) for the new Patroller to cover
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In addition to the training, first aid kit and jersey, patrollers receive the full benefits of IMBA and VMBA membership, NMBP discounts on top quality clothing and gear, and coverage by VMBA's liability insurance while patrolling in their home parks and at events. In exchange for their training and equipment being covered, patrollers will be expected to patrol in uniform in an approved park or trail near their home at least one weekend per month and participate in two of the major VMBA patrol events.

The GMBP motto, "Assist, Educate and Inform", says it all: volunteer patrollers are not trail cops. Patrolling is a fun and easy way to be an active advocate of your sport while serving your community and helping others. 90% of your time is spent riding your bike, the other 10% is spent talking to other trail users, helping fix flats or other mechanical problems, offering trail information, etc.

VMBA will be forming park patrols in the Williston, Rutland, Norwich and Fayston areas. Three new patrollers from each area will be awarded the Oakland Foundation Scholarship. If any new patroller already holds a valid first aid and CPR card, that portion of the scholarship will go back into the fund to train more patrollers.

If you are interested in finding our more about the patrol please call Travis at 802-236-9365 or e-mail him at VTMountainBiker@aol.com.