J.A.B UK - Trail guidlines and riding etiquette

Article: Trail Etiquette

Whenever we head out for a pedal on our pride and joy, we often forget that when we are doing this - whether that be the local singletrack, dirt jumps or even a local street ride - that we are actually being representatives of our sport. The way we behave will actually have an impact on how our sport is viewed on the whole, and therefore a single person can spoil it for many.

I have heard of cases where certain public land owners have declined interest for Mountain Biking access, due to negative past experiences with Bikers. So we could have a lot more great local riding if everyone pulled themselves together. The following is some of the rules outlined that should be the basic etiquette of every rider out there…

If you decide to ride on a pavement and people are walking in the way, go round them via the road. Do not shout at them as it’s legal to walk on the footpath, not to ride.

The quickest way to upset the non-riding public is to ignore ‘Private Land’ signs. MTB’ers have a bad name for this. Check with a land owner before riding/building etc.

If you wish to visit someone else’s jumps, contact them first to check it’s ok. Do not invite everyone you know to join you just to give yourself brownie points with the ‘Lads’. Jump spots are kept low-key for a reason, and are quickly ruined by over popularity.

If you are allowed to ride the jumps, show respect to the locals; don’t skid, if you manage to case or damage a jump, fix it. Also, don’t push in front, give the locals priority on the lines. Don’t even consider medalling with the jumps without full permission…

Never drop or leave litter behind. Riding spots have been closed down for this very reason in the past.

If someone speaks unpleasantly to you, don’t retaliate, regardless whether it’s a horse rider, hiker or any such breed. The more pleasant you are back the more silly they’ll feel.