Guide to Mountain Biking Trail Etiquette
Photo courtesy Ian Collins
The pandemic bike boom has brought record numbers of new users to our trail systems. Colder weather isn’t slowing down this momentum, so we thought it’d be a good idea to review some important guidelines for hitting the mountain biking trails.
In this guide we’ll be covering the following topics: Know Before You Go, Right of Way, Basic Courtesy, and COVID-19 protocol.
Getting out in nature has been this crazy year’s saving grace — let’s all do our part in making the experience a safe, inclusive, and positive one for EVERYONE.
Photo courtesy Trek
Know Before You Go
The first thing we urge is “Know Before You Go.” Research the area you’ll be riding, including the land manager’s rules as well as your intended route.
This is good etiquette because it promotes respectful relations between users and land managers, which in turn can open the way for more access in the future.
Also, being well prepared will lessen the chance of burdening other trail users — or even first responders — by needing assistance.
Are the trails open?
Sometimes trails are closed due to public health concerns (such as the COVID pandemic), excessive rain, wildfire, maintenance and repair, and other reasons. It’s important to check with the land manager before heading out.
What’s the trailhead like?
For example, you’ll want to know where to park, where to find a restroom, and if there’s potable water for refills if needed.
What are the trails like?
Some modern trail systems boast use-specific and even directional trails, while many others are multi-use and/or bi-directional. Some areas have speed limits, be sure to know what those are. Carry a map of the trails you plan to ride and educate yourself about them so there are no surprises.
Be sure you’ve budgeted enough time in the day, taking into account breaks and potential delays due to mechanicals or accidents. You don’t want to be caught out on the trails after dark.
You can learn about different trails via the land manager’s website, the MBOSC website, a trail app, or our growing library of cycling routes.
Are e-MTBs allowed?
If you are an electric mountain bike enthusiast, be sure to check whether eMTBs are allowed. Although pedal assist bikes can be ridden in more places than you might expect, they are NOT welcome in some areas. Please respect regulations surrounding electric bikes.
Learn where you can ride an eMTB in the Santa Cruz area here.
Are you prepared?
Know what to pack for a safe adventure with your two wheeled steed. Be sure you have ample hydration, nutrition water, a trail map, your face covering, the proper attire for the season and weather, a tire repair kit, and other maintenance tools you may need (plus the knowledge to use them).
Consider running a bell on your bike, particularly on multi-use and bi-directional trails. This helps mitigate user conflict by alerting others that you’re up ahead and coming from behind. It also alerts wildlife that you’re in the area so you won’t be an unwelcome surprise.
Be sure to pack a first aid kit, and it’s also smart to have a Wilderness First Aid course under your belt. A two-way satellite texter is a good idea for remote rides where cell service is limited or non-existent. Also, think about carrying a bike light in case unforeseen circumstances cause you to be out on the trail after dark.
Finally, be prepared with proper riding skills. Never ride beyond your skill level; get some professional instruction to learn the basics correctly and practice those skills regularly.
What’s the weather / smoke forecast?
The day might dawn warm and sunny but Mother Nature can be fickle, and an unexpected storm could be on the day’s agenda later.
Alternatively, you may be bundled up for a chilly, foggy morning, but the sun may come out in full force. Be prepared with the proper clothing and a way to carry your extra items.
Also, during wildfire season, be sure to check the AQI. Since air quality can change rapidly, check regularly to see if it’s a good time to be active outdoors. Learn more about riding in wildfire season here.
Riding to the trailhead?
If you’re riding to the trailhead, ensure you’re seen by motorists with hi-vis apparel and gear plus daytime running lights, and be familiar with the laws of the road.
Photo courtesy Ian Collins
Right of Way
Of course, there’s the traditional, long-standing rules of the trails. These rules apply to all users but cyclists should be especially diligent due to the speed at which we travel.
User Right of Way
Cyclists yield to pedestrians (hikers, runners, dog walkers, anyone on foot) and equestrians; pedestrians yield to equestrians; equestrians do not yield to anyone.
When yielding, don’t just slow down; actually stop and move off the trail so the traveler you’re yielding to can pass by comfortably.
Passing
Coming up on another user from behind? Don’t wait ‘til the last moment to slam on your brakes and hop off your bike to scooch around them.
Slow down well in advance and give them ample warning that you’re approaching, making it clear to pedestrians and equestrians that you’re well prepared to dismount.
If it’s another cyclist you’re looking to get around, call out in advance that you’re passing on the left and take it easy getting around them. If you’re the cyclist being passed, move as far to the right as you can.
For especially narrow trails, clear, kind communication will go a long way. Work out the safest solution, even if that means someone gets off their bike and waits or walks.
Uphill/downhill Right of Way
Now, when riding downhill, the rule of thumb is to yield to those traveling uphill. That said, there are times when this may not be the safest option, and the pedestrian or rider coming uphill may step off the trail as the downhill rider slows their speed but continues to navigate the descent.
Cooperation and communication between users is especially crucial in this sort of situation. But cyclists should never, ever EXPECT a pedestrian to yield. Pedestrians ALWAYS have right of way.
Sharing the trail with horses
When encountering horses, be sure to use extreme caution. Although most equestrians work with their horses to improve their confidence in handling unexpected things on the trail, horses by their very nature of being prey animals are highly unpredictable.
The rule of thumb when encountering a horse is to be sure the rider is aware of you, calmly get off your bike, and move off the trail — preferably on the side of the trail that’s downhill from the horse.
That said, some equestrians will prefer to move their horse off the trail and invite you to travel through. It’s best to do so off your bike, slowly of course. And just as with pedestrians, never ever EXPECT an equestrian to yield. Equestrians ALWAYS have the right of way.
When encountering others on the trail, be sure to let them know whether you’re solo or if they should expect more riders coming up behind you.
Photo courtesy Dirt Series / Bruce Dorman
Basic Courtesy
Be Nice, Say Hi
With more users out on our trails than ever, it’s important that we all work together to ensure that each and every person feels comfortable, safe and included on our trails. A little kindness goes a long way!
Ride in control
Keep it mellow on multi-use and bi-directional trails. You may know how skilled a rider you are but others don’t, so be respectful and take it easy for everyone’s enjoyment and safety.
Get off the trail when stopping
Need to stop to fix a flat, fuel up, or shed a layer? Pull all the way off trail, staying within sight of other trail users so as not to startle anyone — especially horses who are easily spooked.
In fact, if you see a horse and rider approaching, gently call out a greeting and move about normally but calmly.
Leave No Trace
Most outdoor recreation enthusiasts want to take care of our environment and are careful not to litter or otherwise make a negative impact on our outdoor spaces.
However, Pro Bar wrappers, tissues, and other small, lightweight items tend to escape without us noticing. Make it a habit to take a good look around after you stop for a break to ensure you’re not leaving anything behind.
Another way to leave no trace is to stick to the constructed trail. Don’t take short-cuts or create go-arounds, and please leave the building of features such as jumps and log-overs to professional trail builders.
Leaving tire tracks in wet weather? Then it’s too wet to ride! Wet-weather riding can significantly damage trails that volunteers have worked hard to build and maintain.
Also, erosion on trails can negatively impact aquatic habitat and water quality. Learn more about riding in wet weather here.
Respect Wildlife
It’s important to recognize that when we’re riding our favorite trails, we’re a guest in someone else’s home. Be respectful of the flora and fauna that live in our forests and meadows.
As mentioned earlier, a bell will give wildlife a heads up that you’re coming along so they can move away from the area.
Most animals — even the so-called “dangerous” ones like mountain lions, bears, and rattlesnakes — are more afraid of you than you are of them. Do what you can to minimize stress to them in their own home.
That said, educate yourself on what to do in the unlikely event you do encounter a mountain lion, bear, rattlesnake, or other potentially threatening animal.
Chill on the music
Most people get out onto the trails to enjoy the sounds of nature. As much as your music might stoke you out, it’s unlikely that anyone else is stoked on it (especially coming from a smartphone speaker – ouch).
Earbuds aren’t a good alternative, either, as they hinder your ability to hear what’s going on around you. Best to leave the tunes behind and be present for communicating with other trail users.
Pitch in
Love the trails you ride? Give back by signing up for a trail work day hosted by your local trail stewardship organization and/or make a donation.
Here at Epicenter Cycling, we recognize and support the herculean efforts of Mountain Bikers of Santa Cruz (MBOSC) and Monterey Off-Road Cycling Association (MORCA) and encourage our customers to get involved with them!
Photo courtesy Ian Collins
COVID-19 Protocol
We all have a responsibility to do what we can to slow the spread of COVID-19. While getting out on your bike is clearly a healthy activity, be sure to follow current COVID-19 guidelines when you hit the trails.
Spread out
It’s best at this time to ride solo or with members of your own household, avoiding group rides with those outside of the people you live with.
That said, for those times you are in proximity of others not in your household, be sure to maintain a solid six-foot distance — more if possible.
Passing
You may not not be able to pass with a six-foot buffer, so be sure to have a face covering easily accessible.
Faster riders, communicate clearly and kindly well in advance when coming up behind others so there’s time to pull up those masks. Slower riders, hop off your bike and step off the trail so the faster rider can pass safely.
When passing others, pull up your face covering and communicate clearly with them so you can maintain that six foot separation.
Safe hygiene
Wash your hands before leaving the house. Refrain from touching your face, and other people of course. Carry hand sanitizer to use when you take a break.
Naturally, cover coughs and sneezes (into sleeve or elbow, not hands). No hacking up a loogie or sending a snot rocket onto the trail!
No sharing
Don’t share food, water, tools or anything else with others. Be fully prepared with all you need for your ride.
Ride conservatively
Be especially careful out there to lower your chances of crashing. An injury may mean a trip to the ER or urgent care, adding undue pressure on our health facilities.
Feeling lousy?
And this should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway: If you’re feeling at all under the weather or suspect you’ve been exposed to the virus, STAY HOME.
We hope this guide to trail etiquette was helpful to all you new riders (and perhaps some of you veteran riders enjoyed the refresher course!).
We’re continually producing and updating guides and at-a-glance tip sheets on a variety of cycling subjects for your reference.
Check out our Resources section for more informative content to help you get the most out of your cycling experience. We want you to be as stoked on bikes as we are!