Chicagoan Patrick Nardi couldn’t figure out a good place to put his race number on his bike. So he invented one.
I talked to a former highly competitive runner the other day, who lamented the fact that he wasn’t fast anymore. He’s in his 50s.
Ahh spring. More daylight, warmer temperatures and tons of
mountain bike trails just calling your name—yours and the names of thousands of
other hikers, runners, cyclists and equestrians. Trail etiquette can make or
break access rights for mountain bikers, so using common sense and manners is
always wise.
To brush up on the subject, we talked to representatives from the International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA). Here are IMBA’s rules that are considered standard code of conduct on the trails:
• Ride on open trails only. Don’t trespass on private land; get a permit if you need one. All federal and state wilderness areas are closed to cycling.
• Leave no trace. Practice low-impact cycling by considering other options when your favorite trail is wet. Stay on existing trails, don’t create new ones, don’t cut switchbacks and always pack out what you pack in.
• Control your bicycle. Pay attention and keep your speed in check.
• Always yield trail. Bikes must always yield to hikers and equestrians. Slow down, let others know you’re coming, pass safely and be prepared to stop.
• Never scare animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. Be careful when passing horses and horseback riders, and when in doubt, ask the rider.
• Plan ahead. Know your ability, your equipment and the terrain. Carry supplies for changing conditions.
When you encounter another biker on the trail, courtesy is that descending cyclists should yield to climbing cyclists. But you need to be prepared to stop if you don’t think you can pass safely.
Leave no trace is another IMBA rule that seems simple enough but often has not-so-obvious environmental implications if broken. Consider a trail’s condition before you ride it. For some, a mud puddle makes the ride more fun; others see it as an inconvenience and ride around it.
“The damage caused by riding muddy trails can be stunning,” says Tom Roan, a representative with IMBA.
Most cyclists won’t bag a 15-mile ride because 10 feet of the trail is muddy, so try to minimize the damage as much as possible. Riding around the mud causes more damage than if you ride through it. And if the trail is closed—whether with a sign or with intentionally placed logs and rocks—don’t ride it.
“Following IMBA’s rules of the trail isn’t that hard. If we all do it, I’m confident that our trail access would be secure for years to come,” says Roan.
In addition to following the rules of the trail, you can help ensure trails stay open by:
• Donating. Consider writing a check to more than one organization. For example, Chicago Area Mountain Bikers, a member club of the IMBA, doesn’t necessarily see any of your national or international IMBA dues, but both organizations need the support. Many groups are run solely by volunteers.
• Volunteering. Join a mountain biking group and help out at events. Sign up for a trail maintenance work day in your area. Get to know other enthusiasts in your area to keep the community vibrant.
CHICAGO AREA MOUNTAIN BIKERS MAKE THE EFFORT
Historically, trail users such as hikers and equestrians have bristled at the presence of mountain bikers because they view them as unruly and destructive. The Chicago Area Mountain Bikers (CAMBr) is a group that has worked determinedly to counter that image through promoting responsible biking, maintaining unpaved trails and defending the interests of Chicago-area mountain bikers.
“Had CAMBr not been formed, trail cycling would have been banned throughout Chicagoland,” claims the group’s website.
The group organizes frequent work days in areas such as the Palos Forest Preserve in Willow Springs, Ill., the Plainfield Bike Park and the Deer Grove Trail System in Cook County, among others. Upcoming May work days include: the Bike Park on May 10, the Palos Trail on May 17, Deer Grove on May 18, plus more on May 25 and 26.
Through their efforts, the group aims to “ensure that mountain bikers have diverse and challenging local opportunities to enjoy their sport,” says the Web site. Visit cambr.org to learn more.
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