The National Interscholastic Cycling Association (NICA) and International Mountain Biking Association (IMBA) are teaming up for “The Spirit of Howdy,” a new trail etiquette initiative designed “to illuminate and advance a trail riding ethos key to the national high school mountain biking movement.”

 SpiritOfHowdy.org will offer coaches tools for helping guide young athletes into responsible and respectful users and stewards of the trail. Additionally, the site will offer IMBA information on trail maintenance and shared use initiatives for working with other riding groups and land managers.

The idea, started by NICE founder Matt Fitzburger, is to instill a riding code in young riders to bolster better trail relationships among users.

“Teaching young student-athletes that their behavior and riding style on the trail directly affects other trail user and the natural environment and, ultimately, the support from their schools, has always been central in our philosophy. Recently NICA student-athletes coined the phrase “Spirit of Howdy,” and I’m thrilled to work with IMBA to launch the Spirit of Howdy website as the site effectively advances what our community stands for.” – NICA’s executive director, Austin McInerny

“The Spirit of Howdy campaign represents the values that both IMBA and NICA wish to teach our youth. The Spirit of Howdy is more than being friendly to other trail users — it’s also about caring for the trails and our environment, stewarding our parks and natural resources, and giving back to our communities.” – IMBA Executive Director, Mike van Abel

The initiative will be launched at the screening of Singletrack High at the Golden State Theater in Monterey, Calif. 7:30 p.m., April 20th.

Get the full press release here.