A little courtesy goes a long ways!
These few tips will make your day on the trail enjoyable for yourself and those you encounter.. Have a great ride!
Always Yield to Hikers & Horses– Yield the trail by stopping or slowing down. Announce your presence if approaching from behind. Say “hello” and wish them a great day on the trail!
Use a Bike Bell… Everyone on the trail appreciates hearing you before they see you.
Be Nice, Say Hi! Kindly greet others you meet on the trail. A cheerful “hello” almost always brings a smile.
Listen & Be Aware… If you must listen to music, just use one ear bud so you can still hear other users on the trail.
Yield to Climbing Riders… They are working hard to get up the hill!
Ride It, Don’t Slide It… Skidding damages trails!
What does YIELD mean on the trail?
Yield means that one party allows another party to go on if they so desire. Basically, BE COOL to others! Slow down and SAY HI! Imagine the other person on the trail is a good friend! Makes people think that mountain bikers are a friendly folk that smile, enjoy life, and play well with others on the trails! Be a good example!
Yielding to Equestrians: Bikers can easily scare horses. Use caution when approaching from either direction as horses are not used to bicycles. Slow down and say hello to the rider! If they are coming towards you, just pull over and stop. Chat up the rider and see how their horse is with bikes. A horse is a big animal and deserves your respect. Equestrians appreciate bike bells and being spoken to. BE NICE and SAY HI!
Yielding to Hikers: When you see hikers, SLOW DOWN! Forget about your Strava time and BE NICE SAY HI! Using a bike bell helps hikers know you are nearby but a bell does not give you the right of way. If the trail is narrow, then stop and let the hiker’s come by. Only pass when there is enough space that the hikers are comfortable.
Yielding to other Bikes: Uphill bikes have the right of way over descending bikes. If you’re descending, and the trail is narrow stop and let them by.
IMBA’s “RULES OF THE TRAIL”
- RIDE OPEN TRAILS: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required. Be aware that bicycles are not permitted in areas protected as state or federal Wilderness.
- LEAVE NO TRACE: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
- CONTROL YOUR BIKE: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.
- YIELD TO OTHERS: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners. Bicyclists should yield to other trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel. Bicyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.
- NEVER SCARE ANIMALS: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife are serious offenses.
- PLAN AHEAD: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Tell someone where you are going. Be able to make common repairs on the trail like a flat fix or broken chain. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.