Continued...
The Trail Care Crew's Perspective
We asked well traveled Subaru/IMBA Trail Care Crew leader Joey Klein for his perspective on how trail design can ensure that we all get along.
Where have you seen good trail design help minimizing user conflict?
The Buffalo Park and Elden Mountain trail system in Flagstaff, Arizona, are great examples of trail systems that minimize trail conflict. Both are minutes from downtown Flagstaff, but because of their high-quality construction, user conflict is minimal. The trails starting from the parking lot are wide and free flowing with long sight lines. The first few miles of trail on any system are always the most heavily used, so wider pathways that allow amply passing room are desirable. After a few miles, trail users at Buffalo Park have the choice to head for the more challenging trails up to Elden Mountain. These trails are twisty, rocky and narrow but still have long sight lines. Technical trails slow mountain bikers and provide highly desirable challenge. Buffalo Park and Elden Mountain combine slow, technical trails with flowing, open trails and great sight lines to almost eliminate user conflict.
What role can trail layout play in reducing user conflict?
Proper trail design can mitigate any user conflict. The best trail systems provide shared use opportunities for a range of ability levels. The design of a trail dictates how trail users experience that space. Long, smooth, straight stretches of trail are great for beginners but will encourage speed. Twisty, rough and technical sections give advanced riders challenge while keeping speed down. A good trail system has a mixture of "open and flowing" and "tight and technical" trails. Also, in areas with large population bases, single or double use trails can be the best solution.
What are some specific techniques that can help minimize user conflict?
Trails that are too fast can be altered by texturing the tread or bringing obstacles in to make the tread more twisty. Heavily used trails should be wide, but rough and twisty to slow people. Good sight lines are key; if vegetation and obstacles are waist high it keeps users on the trail and allows them to scan over the top for other trail users. Trail junctions should be in open areas so people have time see each other. It's important that all trail users work with land managers to create trail solution that work for everyone.
Communication is Key
Some mountain bikers have mastered technical riding. They are able to negotiate the hairiest sections with grace and style. Other riders are masters of the downhill - launching over rocks and drops without fear. Climbing specialists can stomp their way to the top of a hill with half the effort it takes the rest of us. But more important that strong climbing, technical or downhill skill is mastering the art of the pass - being able to deftly move among hikers and equestrians with the ease of a politician, the grace of a dancer and the good will of an ambassador.
If every rider exercised proper passing etiquette, mountain bikers would be welcome almost everywhere. Land managers wouldn't bristle at the thought of opening trails to bicyclists. Hikers and equestrians would keep an open seat at the trail planning tables - inviting our participation.
The old cliché is true: you never get a second chance to make a first impression - on hikers, horseback riders, trail runners or other mountain bikers. Chances are, trail users with the strongest anti-mountain biking mentalities were probably incited by unpleasant interactions with inconsiderate mountain bikers.
Even after 25 years, mountain biking is still perceived as one of the newest sports on the trail. It's important that we work to counter the negative and false image that mountain bikers are out-of-control and insensitive. The trick is to find a balance between respecting other trail users and enjoying our off-road riding experience.
The elements of a perfectly executed pass include slowing down, being prepared to yield the trail, communicating a plan and passing safely.
Every time we pass another trail user, we have the power to make it a positive experience. It is the single greatest thing we can do for the future access of our sport.
Low Impact Riding Techniques for the X(TR) Generation
It used to be that newbies were lowest on the mountain biking totem pole. Beginners or "freds" didn't get much respect. Times have changed. Nowadays the least respected riders are the ones who threaten our future trail access with their bad behavior. Follow these IMBA soft riding tips and you'll not only avoid the wrath of your fellow riders, you'll help keep trails open for mountain biking.
Respect. It's all about respect. Treat the trail like the valuable treasure that it is. Same goes for other trail users - respect them and they'll return the favor.
Ride softly. Dirt holds a special place in the heart of mountain bikers, so be kind to it. Don't skid; adjust your braking to the soil and terrain. Float over the trail. Ride like a ghost, not a bag of anvils. Pass through unnoticed and silently.
Keep trails narrow. Notice how some popular mountain bike trails grow wider every year? Make it a game to stay directly in the center of the trail at all times. Take corners carefully to avoid blowing off line. Stay off trailside plants. Ride over rocks, logs and waterbars instead of around them. Despite the popularity of recent videos showcasing extreme off-trail riding, most of us ride only on established routes and want to make sure they are around and still narrow for years to come.
Say no to mud. Riding when the trail is muddy can cause tremendous damage. Find trails in your town that are durable and drain well and ride these when it's wet. Volunteer to help your local club build tougher trails that withstand rain. Plan your pilgrimage to Moab during your local wet season. Get a road bike.
Tone down your riding outfit. Ever notice how anti-cyclists love to use the phrase "... and then this neon clad biker ran me right off the trail"? Day-Glo billboards may work at the mall, but on the trail earth tones have less impact. It also helps if you don't run people off the trail.
Be quiet! Learn how to adjust your brakes so they don't squeal. Do something about that rattling seat pack full of wrenches and chain links. Deaden chain slap with a chain stay protector. Don't hoot and holler. Exception: Get a bell and use it, but not right in a hiker's ear. Ring it once at 50 feet and then don't touch it - instead use your mouth to say hello. Don't use bells if horses are around, unless you're certain they'll react well.
Good etiquette extends to the trailhead. Keep that thumping car stereo turned down, and resist the urge to imitate the Duke boys slinging gravel as you peel out in your quest for post-ride pizza and brews.
Quick Tips: Don't ride in large groups. Don't get lost. Pick up trash. Ride busy trails during off-peak hours. Don't ride fast on popular hiking trails. (Speed good: Bozo bad.) Don't do unauthorized trailwork.
posted with permission of IMBA.com. Source:
http://www.imba.com/resources/bike_management/trail_diplomacy.html