Bike
MTB
Do you know your trail-riding etiquette?
Make sure to follow these unwritten mountain-biking rules when you and your mates hit the trails this summer.
The bike season by now is in full swing in the Northern Hemisphere, with the glorious summer weather meaning that the trails are much busier than usual. With all those extra people out there, it's definitely worth making sure you're up-to-date with your trail-riding etiquette. We've put together some easy-to-follow, but still very important rules for you to use whenever you’re out ripping down your local trails. Also, remember that a smile goes a long way!
A smile goes a long way!
© Paris Gore/Red Bull Content Pool
1. Share the trail
Everyone's out enjoying the sunshine – walkers, runners, riders, horse riders – you name it, everyone wants a taste of summer’s gloriousness. So make sure not to go all 'fast and furious' out on shared trails, as it’s most likely going to annoy some people out there. Don’t make enemies If you see someone on the trail, slow down and ride past with care.
Today I shared the trail with... a camel?
© Naim Chidiac/Red Bull Content Pool
2. Don’t litter
No one wants to be friends with a litterer. It’s just not cool. Nature is here to be enjoyed and appreciated, not to be filled with plastics, empty gel packs and used inner tubes. You take something with you out riding – you take it back home. Simple! You can also earn some brownie points by picking up litter you find on the way – karma will come back and thank you.
Nature in all its glory
© Hanna Jonsson
3. Let trails dry
The summer can mean thunderstorms and a mass of rain from absolutely nowhere. This can often leave the ground saturated with mud and water puddles scattered everywhere. Even though you're ready to shred, certain trails might need extra time to dry up. Make sure you give them time to do so; otherwise you might ruin a trail forever, especially if it is one that sees a lot of use throughout the year. Be patient – it’ll be worth it!
Take care of the trails if they're wet
© Arturs Pavlovs/Red Bull Content Pool
4. Don’t cut corners
Trail builders put in a lot of work so that all riders can enjoy their creations. So don’t go and ruin their hard work by cutting corners and creating lines outside of the track. That’s just selfish. If you feel like getting creative, why not grab a shovel and make a trail of your own?
Not cutting corners obviously also applies to singletrack that has been created over time (and not hand-built). It ruins nature as bushes and grass on the side of the trail will get worn down. That's not going to put riders in the good books, so just enjoy the awesome trail you have in front of you and get creative within its boundaries.
Respect trail builders and trails
© Marko Djuric/Red Bull Content Pool
5. Lend a helping hand
If you see someone sitting down by the side of the trail, or struggling with their bike, or just looking a little lost – stop and check if they need help. Everyone will at some point end up in a situation where they’ve forgotten to bring a spare tube, a map, left their multi-tool at home, had a rough crash or simply gotten a little lost. Help goes both ways!
Help out when someone needs it
© Graeme Murray/Red Bull Content Pool
6. Be nice – say hi!
Most importantly, be nice and say hi. It goes a long way both on and off the trails. Next time you ride past someone make sure to add a little “Hi” and “Thanks” as you pass. It'll be appreciated!
Now, get out and shred some trails and enjoy being on the bike!
