Yamaha Motor Corp., USA has announced a groundbreaking chapter in outdoor access with the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative (OAI) awarding two grants dedicated to advancing e-bike trails in Georgia and California. This milestone, marking the first e-bike-centric grants, is a testament to Yamaha’s commitment to diverse recreational enthusiasts.
In the heart of Northwest Georgia, the Southern Off-Road Bicycle Association (SORBA) Woodstock chapter emerges as a key beneficiary, securing funding and equipment for the enhancement of Blankets Creek, Rope Mill and Yellow Creek trail systems. Across the country, the Sage Trail Alliance gears up to maintain and restore off-highway vehicle (OHV), mountain bike and e-bike trails on the U.S.F.S. Los Padres in Southern California.
These grants, part of the 2023 OAI grant cycle, showcase Yamaha’s unwavering support across off-road motorcycles, side-by-sides, ATVs and electric mountain bikes (eMTBs).
Steve Nessl, Yamaha’s motorsports marketing manager, stated, “Yamaha’s commitment to outdoor recreation spans over 15 years, prioritizing OHV riders and extending support to diverse outdoor enthusiasts. The rapid embrace of OAI by the e-bike community underscores its value for trail and riding areas, adding their efforts to Yamaha’s distinguished grant recipients.”
Nicole Adams, president of SORBA Woodstock, added, “We are honored to be among the first bike-riding areas to receive support from the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative. The resources from our grant are vital to helping us maintain our trails to ensure a safe, responsible riding experience for our mountain bike and power-assist e-bike community.”
In addition to SORBA Woodstock and Sage Trail Alliance, Yamaha’s Q3 2023 grants also benefitted the Georgia Recreational Trail Riders Association, Indian Valley Creek ATV Club and the Ruffle Grouse Society.
Looking ahead in 2024, Yamaha invites OHV and e-bike riding clubs, cycling clubs and land stewardship organizations to apply for grants through YamahaOAI.com, which also features a blog replete with project highlights to fuel inspiration. The published grant schedule includes submission deadlines, application guidelines and relevant information. Yamaha encourages all eligible organizations to contribute to the mission of the Yamaha Outdoor Access Initiative, improving access to public land for motorized and outdoor recreation. The deadline for the first quarter funding cycle is March 30, 2024.
