| The following is the official list of | | | | vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed |
| mountain biking rules of the trail from | | | | is soft, consider other riding options. |
| IMBA, otherwise known as the | | | | This also means staying on existing |
| International Mountain Bicycling | | | | trails and not creating new ones. Don't |
| Association. | | | | cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at |
| These mountain bike rules are designed | | | | least as much as you pack in. |
| to minimize our impact on our | | | | 3. Control Your Bicycle! |
| environment as well as promote friendly | | | | Inattention for even a second can cause |
| relationships between all trail users by | | | | problems. Obey all bicycle speed |
| creating a safe environment for us all. | | | | regulations and recommendations. |
| By following these rules we help ensure | | | | 4. Always Yield Trail. |
| our access to trails in our local | | | | Let your fellow trail users know you're |
| communities will continue and hopefully | | | | coming. A friendly greeting or bell is |
| grow. | | | | considerate and works well; don't |
| Every mountain biker should know and | | | | startle others. Show your respect when |
| live by these mountain biking rules from | | | | passing by slowing to a walking pace or |
| IMBA: | | | | even stopping. Anticipate other trail |
| Rules of the Trail | | | | users around corners or in blind spots. |
| The way we ride today shapes mountain | | | | Yielding means slow down, establish |
| bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part | | | | communication, be prepared to stop if |
| to preserve and enhance our sport's | | | | necessary and pass safely. |
| access and image by observing the | | | | 5. Never Scare Animals. |
| following rules of the trail, formulated | | | | All animals are startled by an |
| by IMBA, the International Mountain | | | | unannounced approach, a sudden movement, |
| Bicycling Association. | | | | or a loud noise. This can be dangerous |
| These rules are recognized around the | | | | for you, others, and the animals. Give |
| world as the standard code of conduct | | | | animals extra room and time to adjust to |
| for mountain bikers. IMBA's mission is | | | | you. When passing horses use special |
| to promote mountain bicycling that is | | | | care and follow directions from the |
| environmentally sound and socially | | | | horseback riders - ask if uncertain. |
| responsible. | | | | Running cattle and disturbing wildlife |
| 1. Ride On Open Trails Only. | | | | is a serious offense. Leave gates as you |
| Respect trail and road closures - ask if | | | | found them, or as marked. |
| uncertain; avoid trespassing on private | | | | 6. Plan Ahead. |
| land; obtain permits or other | | | | Know your equipment, your ability, and |
| authorization as may be required. | | | | the area in which you are riding -- and |
| Federal and state Wilderness areas are | | | | prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient |
| closed to cycling. The way you ride will | | | | at all times, keep your equipment in |
| influence trail management decisions and | | | | good repair, and carry necessary |
| policies. | | | | supplies for changes in weather or other |
| 2. Leave No Trace. | | | | conditions. A well-executed trip is a |
| Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. | | | | satisfaction to you and not a burden to |
| Recognize different types of soils and | | | | others. Always wear a helmet and |
| trail construction; practice low-impact | | | | appropriate safety gear. |
| cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more | | | | |