Projects funded by Trail Born are expanding into South America and Asia, while maintaining investment in North America, Europe, and beyond.
SHIMANO reinforces its long-term commitment to trail development, advocacy, and community with the expansion of the Trail Born initiative in 2026. Building on the strong momentum since the program's launch in 2024, SHIMANO Trail Born will fund 19 new projects in 2026, expanding into new countries and continents, while continuing to support trail networks that inspire riders and strengthen local communities worldwide.
Launched as a 10-year, $10 million commitment, SHIMANO Trail Born is designed to enhance the overall mountain biking experience through direct investment in trail infrastructure, advocacy organizations, and the people who maintain and manage these spaces. The program supports projects that not only expand and sustain trail networks but also help revitalize the communities around them.
Trail Born in numbers
- Since the start of construction in August 2024, the SHIMANO Trail Born, it supported 18 trail projects globally;
- It helped fund 78 km of trails;
- Contributed to the construction of a 15,000 pump track;
- He supported projects in North America, Europe, South Africa and Oceania;
- It funded several projects scheduled to open in the spring of 2026, further increasing the kilometers of trails.
Expansion into new regions and new opportunities
Interest in SHIMANO Trail Born continues to grow. In 2026, the program received 45 project applications from trail advocacy groups around the world, resulting in the approval of 19 new projects.
Key highlights of 2026
South America Trail Born expands into South America with projects in Brazil and Mexico;
Asia – Continued growth in Asia, with new projects planned in Japan, South Korea and Indonesia;
Europe – New projects are planned in France, Norway and Italy; in the United Kingdom there will be a new project in Scotland, with continued support for existing initiatives in the country;
North América – A balanced geographic approach is maintained, with new projects in California, Oregon, and Vermont, as well as a new Canadian project beginning with construction in Quebec.
Long-term commitment to trails and community
The Trail Born initiative reflects SHIMANO's belief that world-class riding experiences are built from the ground up, through collaboration with local trail builders, advocacy groups, and communities. By supporting sustainable trail development and access in diverse regions, Trail Born aims to ensure that mountain biking continues to grow responsibly and inclusively for future generations.
To explore Trail Born's current and future projects or to learn more about the program, visitbike.shimano.com/trailborn.
