Like most good friends, most of us refer to Traverse Area Recreational Trails by its nickname - TART. For decades, the non-profit has put in the hard miles to establish cycling infrastructure to make Traverse City and many parts of Northern Michigan bike-friendly. TART has been an incredible partner on some of NMMBA’s most important projects, and we want to celebrate their work.
A History of Traverse Area Recreational Trails
Formed as a 501(c)(3) in 1998, TART pioneered trail development and access, ultimately cementing some of the trails and pathways that have become iconic to locals and visitors alike. TART played an important role in creating and protecting the Vasa Pathway, the TART in Town, the Leelanau Trail, and the Boardman Lake Trail, among many others.
All of these projects required more than funding; they were completed in no small part by strong relationships and trust earned by TART over the years. Since Day One, TART has been a partner to local and state government organizations and agencies, other non-profits, and local businesses and has never waivered from its commitment to its neighbors.
TART’s Bike-Friendly Events
Trails are just one component of TART’s vision. They also invest time and resources in building community events that bring people together and raise cycling’s profile in the community. From Smart Commute Week TC to the Tour de TART, these events are inclusive, welcoming, and a dear part of our region’s two-wheeled culture.
Working Together
TART and NMMBA have worked closely for over a decade to shape marquee trails like the Vasa Bike Park, coordinate grooming, and offer locals and visitors a world-class trail experience. We’ve relied heavily on TART’s experience and in-house resources to make these projects and many others come to life, and our ongoing collaborations are a key part of our shared vision for the years to come.
On behalf of the Northern Michigan Mountain Bike Association’s board, its members, and mountain bikers across the region, thank you for decades of hard work, TART!
Learn more about TART at TraverseTrails.org.