Yield
- To hikers, runners & horses.
- Downhill bikers yield to uphill bikers.
- Stop! Yield with one foot on the ground and two wheels on the trail when yielding to hikers,
runners & bikers. Don’t ride parallel to the trail. Keep singletrack single. - Announce your presence to others as you approach from behind. Say “Coming up!”
and thank your fellow trail users for yielding the trail.
Mud
- Stay off muddy trails. If you are making tracks, turn back.
- In winter, ride early in the morning when trails are frozen hard.
- If you do encounter mud, ride through it. Don’t leave the trail. Again, keep singletrack single.
Control your speed
- Ride, don’t slide. Do not skid. Feather your brakes, and be sure to use your front brake
and back brake when slowing down on steeps. - Don’t cut corners or curves.
- Stay on the trail.
International Mountain Bicycling Association’s (IMBA) Rules of the Trail
These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. They help foster good relations between mountain bikers, landowners and other trail users. They protect the trail system and our right to use it. Know the code. Follow the rules. Protect the resource.
- Ride On Open Trails Only Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
- Leave No Trace Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed 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 Bicycle! Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
- Always Yield Trail Let your fellow trail users know you’re coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don’t startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
- Never Scare Animals All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra 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 is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
- Plan Ahead Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
