Should Trail Etiquette Training Be Required?

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Jeff Barber

Jeff Barber has been mountain biking since 1992 and has tested hundreds of mountain bikes and components. He is the co-founder of Singletracks and serves as Editor in Chief. Contact him at [email protected].

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12 Comments

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duncanmc42 New Zealand // 2021
Apr 19, 2021

I posted this response on the Singletracks Facebook page a few hours ago then realised that the real, intelligent discussion is here. So here's what I said, hoping it's useful:

Very interesting question and very interesting survey result!

One of our absolutely best trails here in NZ's South Island is the Old Ghost Road which was created and run by a Trust. Go to their website and read what it says about Trail Courtesy - NOTHING about who has rights or one group always giving way to another. It talks about leadership and courtesy: "Users respect each other and take the lead on courtesy and giving way – don’t expect or wait for someone else to. Help make others’ experience an enjoyable one."

More about that here: https://oldghostroad.org.nz/trail-courtesy/.

Point is: It works! Although the trail was built for mountain biking, the organisation recognises the value of the place for walkers as well. The huts are happy places in the evening and mornings, the trails also.

I love the photo of the sign-post that says "Be nice, say hi". It really is that easy. I'm constantly amazed at the number of walkers/hikers want to stop and have a chat. Who needs KOM when you can connect with all manner nice folk enjoying the hills and valleys out there!

8 reply

Phonebem Utah // 2017
Apr 21, 2021

This is a very concise way of expressing my view of trail etiquette. Why make it more complicated than "whoever can more easily/safely yield should" regardless of which direction you're going? As far as hikers; I use a passive bell and more often than not, they are off the trail waiting for me before I even get to them thanking me for the warning.

2 reply

SteveHunt Florida // 2012
Apr 22, 2021

Yep, not a new concept at all, in the marine world the most maneuverable vehicle always gives way to the least maneuverable.

2 reply

wareagle4130 2010
Apr 19, 2021

As most point out, actual training is unlikely. I like the sign on this post though. Things like that, and like duncanmc42's example of a sign or something that emphasizes being courteous would be helpful. I always say thanks to hikers I pass, and tell them how many riders are behind me. Can't stand when I move over to let a rider pass and they say absolutely nothing (even more fun when I move back over and they're buddy rear ends me). How hard is it to say thanks and "one back"?

3 reply

SteveHunt Florida // 2012
Apr 22, 2021

You’re way over emphasizing the seriousness/danger of sharing the trail with other riders. If a rider actually comes up behind you out of nowhere he can easily get past you without you doing anything, you moving over is for your own comfort. It is also out of courtesy to you that the rider coming up from behind be patient and give you time to move over and say thank you to you for doing so.
His buddy rear ending you...come on...with typical recreational trail speeds being 7-10 mph on a mere 30 lb vehicle that, worse case, can completely stop in 5 ft after you clamp the brakes. If you’re traveling in the same direction then the closing speed is much less and there is even more time.
I’m all for interaction/conversation friendliness/sharing at the trailhead, intersection stops, break stops etc that’s just basic human decency and if your parents didn’t teach you that then a sign isn’t going to make it happen now but all the yapping in motion is a bit annoying to me.

0 reply

Zoso 2016
Apr 18, 2021

Implementing a "requirement" in the real world won't happen. So just smile and say Hi. Also, don't be a wiener.

2 reply

enduroexpert78 Virginia // 2019
Apr 19, 2021

Ha! Perfect response. Aren't we all out to enjoy nature and exercise?

0 reply

pcgo Ontario // 2018
Apr 18, 2021

If there were signs posted at trail heads, with common etiquette and vernacular (“use your bell”, “say ‘Solo’ when passing if you’re riding by yourself”), then likely more people would be aware without needing to police it?

1 reply

sentientcalifornian 2018
Apr 22, 2021

the hell bent speeders that charge up and down trails as if they were racing the devil are the usual suspects in the conflicts... however the hikers and horse riders have caused plenty of friction with their refrains of no mechanical devices in the holy outdoors they have been using for generations... I've ridden bikes for over 70 years and mountain bikes, klunkers for over 40 years and the conflicts always seem a result of idiots using multiple use trails as race venues... also some hikers have taken too boobytraps and other criminal acts too force the issue... then there is the so called damage done by bikes that may be true when the ground is soaked causing ruts that become channels for erosion...
balance that against the damage done by horse's hooves and of course the piles of horse shit equestrians refuse to clear from the trails... there is no answer but the need for commonsense on the trails... if cyclists make the effort to accomplish some parity among us and the other users we will at least show that we are aware and willing to change the dynamics of interactions and improve our chances of not being blindsided by wires and spiked traps...

1 reply

Endlessbikegirl North Carolina // 2021
Apr 25, 2021

From my experience all users need more education not only on trail etiquette but also and possibly more importantly on Leave No Trace Outdoor ethics. LnT is much more than just pack it in pack it out. It is also traveling on the most durable surfaces and staying on the trail tread as one example. What does that mean for trail users? It means things like ride on the rock and stay off of the moss in places like DuPont state recreational forest. It means things like walking your bike up and down features that may be too technical for the rider /hiker rather than riding or walking around them in a national forest. It also means riding and walking through puddles and not around them. Without the knowledge and deep understanding of Leave no Trace outdoor ethics, people recreating are destroying the places we love just by their ignorance of how to recreate responsibly. The lack of this knowledge and practice especially in national forest type trail locations will result in trails being either removed from trail register or being rerouted like the iconic Black Mountain trail in Pisgah National Forest. Every time we go adventuring into the great outdoors we make an impact on the land. Knowing how to reduce that impact is incredibly important to our future access in these public lands. Also, being nice and saying hi. Yielding to other trail users and understanding the yield triangle is for the safety of all users as well as reducing impact to the trails we love.

0 reply

baillie2 2016
Apr 25, 2021

We absolutely DO NOT need more laws, especially for non-critical matters!

BUT........we can use education more effectively too teach people to act responsibly (and humanely) to safeguard our MTB pleasure.

0 reply

Peddlinglugsnotdrugs Utah // 2020
Apr 18, 2021

With everything going on from police brutality to trail stabbings, not to mention wildlife and rabid wildlife; I do carry a 'fix-it' bundle with me in a pack. The normal stuff, multi tools, tube pump and a knife. The knife not quick access, it's not spring loaded and I keep is sharp, but it is not quick access. A bike is valuable both to buy and own. After many years riding etiquette takes a few grains of salt and a little trail awareness goes a long way. On popular hike and walk areas there's no need to push for the KOM. When it's double track coming to a complete stop for uphill traffic doesn't feel as mandatory. Am I alone in that assumption? Most people are just as scared of you as you are of them, but that doesn't excuse runners from running down or up downhill trails. Respecting signage and usage dates are extremely important for everyone's safety. And to all the dog owners out there. Please if you feed the thing clean up what comes out and don't just leave it thinking you'll remember it when you come back. Also when the dog is off leash you still have to clean up after it. I think they're as adorable as you and I'm happy to pet your dog and praise it, but it's yours not mine, I can't poop and leave it out there, so what is yours shouldn't be allowed to either. It's public not private, we all own it, but it isn't anyone's.

0 reply

Tagged: etiquette, share the trail, survey, community

First published April 18, 2021 @ 2:24:03