When Mountain Biking is a Crime: Tickets and Fines

Have you ever been fined while riding your mountain bike? These days many parks departments are handing mountain bikers tickets and fines for everything from riding the wrong trails to going too fast to riding at the wrong times. Here are some tactics for avoiding a mountain biking ticket from the man.

1. Stay on approved mountain bike trails. This is perhaps the most common mistake mountain bikers make and it can often carry the stiffest penalties. In fact, some riders have been threatened with jail time and saddled with big community service debts for mountain biking in places like the Grand Canyon. If signage is unclear or you accidentally find yourself on a hiker-only trail, be respectful and honest with the park ranger and you’ll often get off with a warning (just don’t get caught there again!). Read about this mountain biker’s recent fine in Pennsylvania.

2. Control your speed. While we don’t know about many departments using speed detection devices on the trail, we have received our share of speed warnings from local patrollers. Most parks ask mountain bikers to ride “in control” and to allow plenty of space for braking. Some parks even have posted speed limits for bikes but enforcing these limits can be tough. Once again, be respectful of other trail users and you’ll often avoid a ticket (just watch for speed traps 🙂 ).

3. Respect shared use schedules and trail conditions. Of all the possible MTB infractions, this is usually the hardest fine to talk your way out of. Riding wet trail is one of the most destructive things a mountain biker can do (outside of building illegal trails) and to teach folks a lesson they won’t forget, clubs and land managers often fine those who disobey trail closures. And hey, we have to admit, in this case at least the fines collected can go toward trail repair so it seems like a fair deal. Think of it as a surcharge on stupidity, or convenience, depending on how you look at it.

4. Pay for parking and permits. Some mountain bike trails require either a per-car or per-rider usage fee and we recommend paying these to avoid a much larger fine. Parking fees often go toward maintaining trailhead facilities and even though it may seem like no one ever checks, believe us, sometimes they do – and you will be fined. Trail use permits work the same way, though often these exist to help cover insurance and liability costs associated with opening private land to mountain bikers. While you may not receive a fine for riding on private land without a permit, you could be charged with trespassing or, even worse, the landowner could close the trails to everyone for good.

5. BUI. Biking under the influence is illegal and carries stiff penalties just like the “D” version. While it’s foolish and dangerous to BUI on the road, it’s even more so on the trail. If you plan on drinking, be sure to have a designated biker with you, not just to avoid a fine but more importantly to stay safe.

6. Follow other park regulations regarding alcohol consumption, swimming, campfires, etc. ‘Nough said.

As parks struggle with budget concerns, expect to see an increase in fines to cover expense gaps. Although we don’t have any hard numbers to go on here, expect fines to range from as little as $5 to $50 or more, depending on the park and infraction. Our advice: ride smart and save your cash for post-ride brews!