Trail Etiquette and Wilderness Protection

The result of off-trail riding in Utah's Canyonlands National Park

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All in all, the NORBA code of behavior is a good list, and surely we mountain bikers would be liked more—and excluded less—if we followed the suggestions.

But let me offer a "code of ethics" I first bumped into more than a decade ago: a guide to environmentally sound and socially wise riding that I much prefer to any other. Developed by Utah's Wasatch-Cache National Forest Office and distributed to dirt-hungry cyclists, it read:

Study a Forest Map Before You Ride
Currently, bicycles are permitted on roads and developed trails within the Wasatch-Cache National Forest except in designated Wilderness. If your route crosses private land, it is your responsibility to obtain right-of-way permission from the owner.

Keep Groups Small
Riding in large groups degrades the outdoor experience for others, can disturb wildlife, and usually leads to greater resource damage.

Avoid Riding on Wet Trails
Bicycle tires leave ruts in wet trails. These ruts concentrate runoff and accelerate erosion. Postponing a ride when the trails are wet will preserve the trails for future use.

Stay on Roads and Trails
Riding cross-country destroys vegetation and damages the soil.

Always Yield to Others
Trails are shared by hikers, horses, and bicyclists. Move off the trail to allow horses to pass and stop to allow hikers adequate room to share the trail. Simply yelling, "Bicycle!" is not acceptable.

Control Your Speed
Excessive speed endangers yourself and other forest users.

Avoid Wheel Lock-Up and Spin-Out
Steep terrain is especially vulnerable to trail wear. Locking brakes on steep descents, or when stopping, needlessly damages trails. If a slope is steep enough to require locking wheels and skidding, dismount and walk your bicycle. Likewise, if an ascent is so steep your rear wheel slips and spins, dismount and walk your bicycle.

Protect Waterbars and Switchbacks
Waterbars—the rock and log drains built to direct water off trails—protect trails from erosion. When you encounter a waterbar, ride directly over the top or dismount and walk your bicycle. Riding around the ends of waterbars destroys them and speeds erosion. Skidding around switchback corners shortens trail life. Slow down for switchback corners and keep your wheels rolling.

If You Abuse It, You Lose It
Mountain bikes are relative newcomers to the forest and must prove themselves responsible trail users. By following the guidelines above, and by participating in trail maintenance service projects, bicyclists can help avoid closures that would prevent them from using trails.