Mountain Bike Riding: Respect Nature, Stay Safe, Follow the Rules

Mountain bike riding is an exhilarating way to enjoy the forest and open spaces. An enjoyable ride involves appropriate gear and trail etiquette. When mountain biking, stick to open forest roads and marked bike trails. Some roads might be closed, either for a little while or forever to protect nature.

These closures are part of a management plan to help stop erosion, water pollution, plant restoration, and/or protect wildlife habitat. Closed trails are posted with signs designating the area as off-limits. Obey posted signs, don’t go around barriers, and leave gates the way you found them. If a bike trail goes through private land, there may be special rules. Always respect private and public land by mountain bike riding with care.

Respect Nature When Mountain Bike Riding

Protect nature while bike riding by staying on the paths and roads marked for it. Don’t cut across switchbacks or make your own paths. This can cause erosion and harm the landscape. Riding through muddy or wet areas damages the trail and costs time and money to repair. Stay on the trail when riding in snow, through meadows, or near lakes and streams. Don’t bother wildlife or farm animals. If you’re mountain bike riding with someone new, show them good trail riding behavior. Pick up any trash you see even if it’s not yours.

Stay Safe and Be Kind

The forest is for everyone including cyclists, hikers, and horseback riders. When riding always wear a helmet and other safety gear. Stay within trail boundries, preferably the trail center, and avoid making the trail wider. Be polite and let others go pass safely, especially horses. Horses can get scared by fast or sudden movement, so slow down, move to the side, or even get off your bike to let them go by. Watch your speed, go slow around corners and be ready to stop. Avoid dangerous riding.

Before you head out on a mountain bike riding trip, check the weather, don’t ride alone, and let someone know where you’re going. Take appropriate emergency supplies including a Shake Light 40-B Rechargable Flashlight.

EcoCentricNow Supports Environmental Protection

EcoCentricNow LLC (ECN) distributes interior and exterior LED property lighting, handheld lighting, and an assortment of batteries. ECN’s mission is to support nature conservation by distributing well-designed, long-lasting, energy-efficient LED lighting products and supplies that promote ecological sustainability and human well-being.

References
Mountain Biking
10 Tips for sustainable mountain biking with respect for nature
Mountain biking and being a nature conservationist – does that go together well?
Forest Management and Climate Change: A New Approach