While the main focus of last weekend’s TrialGP of USA – round six of the 2025 Hertz FIM Trial World Championship – naturally centred around the sporting action, the event was organised with a strong emphasis on highlighting the important message of sustainability.
Coinciding with the return of the series to the USA after an eight-year absence, the KiSS New England initiative provided the organising Rhode Island Trials Club (RITC) with a solid framework that meshed perfectly with the club’s long-standing commitment to running sustainable events with a minimal environmental impact.
Standing for Keep it Shiny and Sustainable, the FIM KiSS programme is an environmental and social sustainability initiative with the main goal of encouraging event organisers to develop sustainable events by promoting and amplifying environmental actions and incorporating innovative activities.
Implementation of the KiSS programme began in the planning stages of the event at LeGrand Reynolds Horseman’s Area in Exeter, Rhode Island. Even before the course was marked out, the club – in conjunction with the Rhode Island Division of Environmental Management (RIDEM) – cleared trails and removed dead and damaged trees.
Responsible and effective waste management is one of the cornerstones of KiSS and RITC used a single recycling point in both paddocks with dedicated bins for waste substances including oils and brake and cooling fluids along with plastics and metal motorcycle parts. Wastewater was collected from the motorcycle washing area where a ban on the use of detergents was implemented.
Ensuring as much information as possible was available in a digital format helped to dramatically reduce paper usage and the RITC team oversaw parking and traffic management, encouraging visitors to either carpool or use motorcycles to minimise traffic and spectator shuttle buses were provided at various points on the course.
Involving the community is another key KiSS objective and as well as local food vendors selling local cuisine, schools and scout organisations in the area were invited to participate and learn more about sustainability.
A comprehensive post-event clean-up was implemented and RITC representatives met with RIDEM officials and landowners to discuss measures if needed to restore the area to pre-event condition.
Kattia Juárez, Director of the FIM International Sustainability Commission, emphasised the importance of connecting events with the community and riding with purpose, in line with FIM strategy, saying: “Trial is much more than a sport, it is a way to engage with nature and local communities while promoting sustainability. Through this initiative, we are bringing our events closer to the people, allowing them to experience the sport first-hand and understand its values.
“The return of the championship to the USA was a great opportunity to spread the message of sustainability with the thousands of fans who visited. Special events like this are a perfect platform for us to raise awareness and it was a very positive experience.
“Riding with purpose is at the heart of everything we do and our commitment to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) ensures that each event makes a positive contribution to the environment and society. By fostering partnerships and integrating sustainability into our strategy, we aim to create a lasting impact for future generations.”
