You wanna talk trail
damage and noise?
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In an early attempt to defuse the conflict among cyclists, hikers, joggers, and equestrians (and thereby forestall further trail closings to mountain bikes), many national off-road bicycle organizations formed. They provided guidelines to their members for safe, responsible trail use.
One of the earliest calls for civility and common sense on the part of riders came from NORBA (National Off-Road Bicycle Association — see their Web site), which published the following suggested code of behavior for mountain bikers:
1. I will yield the right of way to other non-motorized recreationists. I realize that people judge all cyclists by my actions.
2. I will slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another and will make my presence known well in advance.
3. I will maintain control of my speed at all times and will approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend.
4. I will stay on designated trails to avoid trampling native vegetation and minimize potential erosion to trails by not using muddy trails or short-cutting switchbacks.
5. I will not disturb wildlife or livestock.
6. I will not litter. I will pack out what I pack in, and pack out more than my share whenever possible.
7. I will respect public and private property, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and I will leave gates as I have found them.
8. I will always be self-sufficient and my destination and travel speed will be determined by my ability, my equipment, the terrain, the present and potential weather conditions.
9. I will not travel solo when bikepacking in remote areas. I will leave word of my destination and when I plan to return.
10. I will observe the practice of minimum impact bicycling by"taking only pictures and memories and leaving only waffle prints."
11. I will always wear a helmet whenever I ride.
Now, I have a problem with some of these. Number 9, for instance, suggests against the most enjoyable mountain biking I've ever done. There is nothing like the solo and slow discovery of new terrain while using my bike as a two-wheeled jeep on roads where few jeeps tread and on trails they couldn't traverse. And as for always leaving word of my destination and time of return, well, to me that's a bit too much mothering. I've enjoyed living in such a way as to say,"I'm off to pedal Colorado. See you in the fall." Of course it's senseless to take needless risks, and I plan a ride and pack my gear with this in mind. Still, for me, number 9 smacks too much of the never-out-of-touch mentality. And getting away from civilization, deep into the wilds, is, for many people, what mountain biking is all about.
