Bike Etiquette For Beginners

Etiquette - "The customary code of polite behavior in society or among members of a particular profession or group."

New to Mtb or Urban biking? No worries! Follow this etiquette guide to avoid sticking out like a sore thumb!

Trail Riding

• RESPECT THE TRAIL AND ALL ITS INHABITANTS 
• Read trail signage before attacking the trail! They are there for a reason… They warn you about potential floods, dangers, wildlife, and one way trails!
• When riding downhill and encountering another rider traveling uphill, yield to that rider before resuming your ride. Getting started on uphills is way harder than it is traveling downhill
• Stay on the trail! Singletrack is meant for ONE rider. Going off or around riders widens the trails and damages wildlife areas, completely ruining the experience. 
• When passing other riders you come across on the trail, greet them in a friendly manner! We’re all here for the same reason… to have fun!
• Know your trail and stay in control! Blind corners are a real danger when going top speed. Always stay on your toes and anticipate technical obstacles.
• Use all your senses! Sometimes there’s nothing more satisfying than putting in your earbuds and zoning out on a trail, but your ears are one of your most valuable tools for awareness.
• Respect Uni-directional trails. We all love going fast, but that’s hard to do when you have to worry about trail rule breakers. 
• Leave no trace. Pick up your d*mn trash, and try not to tear up the trail. Just be respectful to the space and clean up after yourself
• Be respectful to beginners, children, and slower riders! Slow down and alert slower riders of your presence when approaching behind them and passing!
• Yield to faster riders, Pull off the trail safely.

Urban Biking Etiquette

• Follow the rules of the road! Bikes are categorized as vehicles and expected to follow local rules and regulations. Yes.. that does mean you have to yield to pedestrians… stop at red lights… and stop signs… and yes you can get fined.
• Avoid blind spots. Typically trucks, busses and oversized vehicles have bigger blind spots on their right side. Take caution at intersections and avoid being on the right side of large vehicles. (On one way streets take caution on both the left and ride side of large vehicles.)
• Be aware of opening car doors. Leave at least 3 feet when passing parked cars. Its best to assume that all parked cars are not empty.
• USE LIGHTS AND A HELMET AT NIGHT OR IN DARK AREAS!  It may be life saving.
• Be predictable! Use hand signals to help others on the road to know where you're heading.