DIRTT 1.0 (2019 to 2022)
Developing Intereuropean Resources for Trail building Training
This three year project began in 2019 with the aim of developing an educational framework and professional training program for people active in the trail building sector, addressing the needs of professionals and volunteers in the field of of planning, design, construction, maintenance and management of mountain bike trails.
The partners in the project are:
- Fagskolen Tinius Olsen – Norway
- International Mountain Bike Association Europe – Netherlands
- Scottish Cyclists Union / DMBinS – Scotland
- Edinburgh Napier University / MTBCOS – Scotland
- BikePlan – Switzerland
- DGI Outdoor – Denmark
- Município de Águeda – Portugal
- Opplysningskontoret for Terrengsykling – Norway
As part of the project a study, led by Tom Campbell of the Edinburgh Napier University and the Mountain Bike Centre of Scotland (MTBCOS) 3,780 European mountain bikers were surveyed about: demographics, riding styles, trail use and preferences, motivations for mountain bike participation, opinions and understandings around trail access, attitudes toward sustainable trails, and environmental behaviours. This was the first time that a large-scale study assessed mountain bikers' attitudes and behaviours.
The project has been funded by the European Union’s ERASMUS+ programme.
DIRTT 2.0 (2023 to 2024)
Developing Intereuropean Resources for Trail building Training
The DIRTT 2.0 project, led by IMBA Europe, is focused on developing a European-wide certification framework for mountain bike (MTB) trail builders. With the growing popularity of mountain biking, there is an increasing need for sustainably built trails. DIRTT 2.0 addresses the skills gap in trail building, design, and management by establishing a standardised system for training and certifying MTB trail builders across Europe.
Key goals include:
- Promoting sustainable trail building practices to protect the environment.
- Enhancing inclusivity, integrating best practices for people with disabilities.
- Developing a competence framework at EQF levels 4 and 5, providing vocational education and certification for trail builders.
- Supporting sector growth, job creation, and improving opportunities for seasonal workers.
DIRTT 2.0 is committed to building a strong foundation for the MTB sector by ensuring high-quality, sustainable, and inclusive trail development.
We are delighted to be included in the project as an associated partner.
Partners of the project:
- Fagskolen i Viken, project lead (NO)
- IMBA Europe (EU)
- DGI (DK)
- Municipio de Agueda (PT)
- OFT (NO)
- Escola Secundária Marques de Castilho (PT) – new for 2023-project phase
Associated partners:
- Scottish Cycling (UK)
- Edinburgh Napier University (UK)
- Bike Plan AG (CH)