Mountain biking etiquette on trails is a matter of safety

BENT CREEK - Road biking laws, rules, conversation and conflict are well known in Asheville. The N.C. General Assembly even enacted new traffic laws pertaining to road cycling that went into effect Oct. 1.

But when it comes to biking on the trails and in the forest, is it a lawless free-for-all?

As much as Western North Carolina is known as a playground of wild-like forested swaths and sweet single-track trails, it isn’t quite so lawless compared to city streets.

Last week Ryan Zsido was visiting Bent Creek Experimental Forest, one of the most popular places for mountain biking in Asheville, with a group of buddies from the Gulf Coast of Florida.

“You should give a heads-up to tell someone you’re coming by saying ‘on your left,’” said Zsido, 26, a pilot in the Marine Corps. “You should give yourself an interval between the rider in front when going downhill."

Page Campbell of Hendersonville, is a regular trail hiker with her yellow Lab, Addie, but she took her first mountain bike ride at Bent Creek last week.

“Everybody is aware of everyone else on the trail. When you’re with a dog, you should move out of the way of the bike,” she said.

Jeff Pinter, of West Asheville, rides on the trails at Ledford Branch about three times a week.

“A downhill rider should yield to an uphill rider,” Pinter said. “And pedestrians and horses have the right of way.”

Most riders and hikers seem to know the basic “rules of the trails,” even though there are no Forest Service laws governing mountain bike trail use. But there are strong recommendations, said Jeff Owenby, Cradle of Forestry Director with the U.S. Forest Service.

He said mountain bikers must ride only on trails and roads that are authorized for mountain bike use. Read the signs at trailheads, or check with the ranger station before heading out. Some trails are open only to pedestrians – such as hikers, dog walkers and runners.

Mountain biking is not allowed in national parks, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and Great Smoky Mountains National Park, and is not allowed in wilderness areas of the national forests, such as Shining Rock and Linville Gorge.

DuPont State Recreational Forest offers great mountain biking, but many state parks do not allow trail riding (like Mount Mitchell and Grandfather Mountain), while Lake James State Park in McDowell County has designated mountain bike trails. Always check ahead to see what the land management rules are.

The fall might be the most popular time of year for riding in the Pisgah National Forest (which encompasses Bent Creek), with full parking lots at noon in the middle of the week. The Pisgah District is the most visited area of all the national forests in North Carolina, and Pisgah National Forest is the second busiest national forest in the country.

So look out. You’ll hardly ever be riding or hiking the trails alone.

Mark Stierwalt, a board member of the Pisgah Area SORBA (Southern Off Road Bicycle Association), said even if there aren’t laws, there is etiquette to be followed by all mountain bikers.

The No. 1 rule is you’re responsible for your actions,” Stierwalt said.

“One etiquette issue is yielding. The universal yellow triangle sign is very clear in stating that mountain bikers must yield to all other trail users. Almost without exception bikers know and understand this concept. But on the trail it is not always as black and white as one would think.”

Even though hikers always have the right of way, they almost always move off the trail and out of the biker’s way, indicating that they are yielding, Stierwalt said.

Cyclists often will slow down and exchange pleasantries,​ and roll past the hiker. ​This can cause ​some ​confusion, he said, since the hikers feel the bikers should ​not ​proceed and let them back on the trail. But in real time, once you have yielded, the process is already in motion and it will play out in a few seconds."

But the farmers and the ranchers can be friends.

“This is where courtesy, kindness and good communication are imperative. Simply being kind and respectful can solve most of the world's problems, including trail etiquette issues,” Stierwalt said.

He said Pisgah Area SORBA, which has volunteer forces as do hiking clubs to maintain trails, are in touch with land managers and membership to build relationships with other user groups.

With advancements of suspension, tires and brakes, bikes are able to stop completely in a very short distance, so hikers shouldn’t be intimidated if they see mountain bikers speeding through the forest.

Mountain biking etiquette extends to other bikers as well.

"When climbing I almost always yield to the downhill rider​. This is for the safety and convenience of the downhill riders. I think it is easier for the uphill rider to pick a safe area to pull over and it usually takes less time for me to pull to the side than is does for a group of riders to stop and wait for me to pass. This is my preference, the rule is for the downhill riders to yield."

“You have to be in control, just like in snow skiing. How fast you go depends on the skill of the rider and the kind of bike you have. Bikes with hydraulic brakes can stop in an incredibly short distance,” he said.

Wearing helmets is a no-brainer, even though it is not a state law, and practicing Leave No Trace, a philosophy for using the forest sustainably and respectably, are also strongly encouraged. But having no laws doesn't mean there is unlimited immunity.

"We have 'rules' that you could say are highly recommended, not really enforceable like a law – yielding the right of way, wearing a helmet," said Cathy Dowd, Forest Service spokeswoman. "Technically someone could be ticketed for careless and reckless operation if they were to operate their bike in a manner that endangered or injured others."

While mountain biking accidents were on the rise a few years ago, Owenby said they seem to be on the decrease in Pisgah.

“Many of the trail clubs and outfitters in the area are helping us communicate information that is making outings safer and more enjoyable,” Owenby said. “A positive trend is that social media is increasingly highlighting responsible and sustainable use.”

Mountain biking trail rules and etiquette

Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

Control your bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Obey all regulations and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

Yield appropriately: Let other trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or “passing on left” are good methods. Cyclists should yield to other non-motorized trail users. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill. Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.

Never scare animals: Wildlife are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. When passing horses, use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain).

Plan ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient - keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Stand out: Be visible and wear orange or bright colors during hunting season.

Source: U.S. Forest Service

Learn more

For more mountain biking information, visit www.fs.fed.us/visit/know-before-you-go/mountain-biking.