Thanks to all the participants in our 2024 member survey!
The results are in and we are so excited to get to work on the issues and initiatives that matter most to our members. We received 97 responses from our base of almost 400 members. It’s important to the Santa Fe Fat Tire Society (SFFTS) board and membership to share back what we heard from our community so we can all work together towards our vision for the club and mountain biking in Santa Fe.
Here are some of the takeaways from our 2024 member survey and you can view the full quantitative results here.
Club communications are strong – with 95% of respondents finding SFFTS comms effective. Ideas on how to improve communications included:
“How tos” on club tools like Slack, emails, website, calendar, etc.
Access to the board, meetings, and information about accomplishments
Information on projects in progress
There were also great suggestions on how to improve our presence in the broader community:
Uplift and clarify what the club does / how it partners with other organizations (pamphlets, etc.)
Increased media (press, radio, etc.) on SFFTS work and accomplishments to support the image of club & MTB community
Jerseys and other merch to represent the club
Develop club positions/statements on key issues such as wilderness, unsanctioned trails, and trail etiquette
84% of respondents feel access to bike trails in Santa Fe has increased in the last 3-5 years, with the biggest barriers to new access being the perceived negative image of mountain biking, land managers, and multiple user groups accessing limited land.
Priorities for new trails and improvements mentioned by members included:
Connectivity of current trail systems & maintenance of existing trails
Rio En Medio
Adaptive trails
Southside area trails
The five most important issues that members want to see SFFTS direct resources to are:
- Maintenance/trailwork for existing trails
- Trailwork/building new trails
- Organizing group rides
- Outreach & education for MTB community
- Social gatherings & parties for MTB community
And since organizing group rides, outreach to the mountain bike community, and social gatherings were among the top five things that members want us to focus on, we also want to lift up the many comments and suggestions to improve in these areas:
Organizing Group Rides – suggestions for increased inclusivity and improvements:
Varying levels for improved “no drop” experience
Be consistent in scheduling and announcing group ride location
Morning / daytime / weekend ride options
Regular club touchpoints and gatherings – suggestions for club social and educational events:
Monthly socials
Maintenance clinics
Youth programming
Special events/gatherings (like 2023 Glorieta events)
Broader community building and non-member outreach – suggestions to expand:
Presence at SF events / hosting public events (demo days, movies, etc.)
Partner with other local nonprofits (uplifting youth and diversity)
Bridge building / education with other trail users
Improve volunteer recruitment – “How to get involved”
There is already a lot in motion that aligns with our member feedback, check out our calendar of upcoming rides & events, and stay tuned for the updates and volunteer opportunities on our current trailwork projects!
Thanks again to all the participants in the 2024 member survey – we are looking forward to going to work for you and hope you continue to provide your feedback as we continue to build the Santa Fe mountain biking community together, one trail at a time.
