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Bicycles
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Responsible Mountain Biking
Cycling in natural areas has become a very
popular sport over the last few years. Unfortunately, this has led to
significant damage to natural areas in some (or many) cases. Sometimes the damage is
the result of irresponsible cyclists who do not respect the area. In other
cases it is simply not appropriate for bicycles to be in that particular area.
In light of this, please
observe these guidelines for cycling in natural areas:
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Whenever possible, ride on trails that are
specifically designated for bicycle use. This does not include
trails for which no rules for or against bicycles have been
implemented. In other words, please do not assume that if there are no
specific rules it's wide open.
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Warn pedestrians of your approach
while you are still some distance away. Ring a bell, or say
"excuse me" in a voice loud enough to be sure that they hear you.
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In most cases where the trail is being
shared by hikers, pedestrians have the right of way.
This does not mean that they have to move aside for you. This does
mean that they can continue walking, and you will have to ask to get by,
dismounting and walking past if necessary. Do not leave the trail
to get past them. Also please remember that not everyone has good
hearing.
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Keep the speed down. Ride at an
appropriate speed for the trail and conditions.
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Please avoid loud talking and noise.
This is irritating to other users of the area, and disrupts bird and animal
life. Similarly, if your bike has squealing brakes, please get them
fixed so that they are silent (or nearly so).
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Stay on the trail. This is worth
repeating...a lot of the damage done by mountain bikes in natural areas is
done by bikers who stray from the trail....Stay on the
trail. Additionally, stay on trails that are designated for
bicycles. Again, a lot of the damage done by bikes is done by riding
on trails not designed for bicycles.
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Please do not widen trails in wet or
muddy areas, or create bypass side trails.
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Watch for wildlife and birds on the trail.
This being a natural area, it is their home. You are a visitor.
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Please engage in technical mountain biking
only in areas designated for this activity. This type of riding can
have an extreme negative impact on natural areas.
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How NOT to ride on regular trails! |
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Because of the increasing use of natural areas by
cyclists, there is increasing opposition to having bicycles in natural
areas. Overall, if the above simple guidelines are followed, this
opposition can be dispelled, and cyclists may continue to be allowed access to
these areas.
Generally speaking, it is the arrogant, fast,
noisy and aggressive cyclists that turn people off the most. And
irresponsible cyclists riding in areas either unsuitable for the sport or not
designated for it will help to close an area to cycling.
Cycle responsibly and respectfully, and there
will continue to be areas open to the sport. Remember that every cyclist
(you) is an emissary for the sport of cycling. Act aggressively and loud,
and people will quickly brand all cyclists as aggressive and loud. On the
other hand, ride responsibly and respectfully, and people will not mind the
presence of bicycles. |
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