Politics

Most mountain bikers would rather have a root canal done than get into politics. Yet, that is
what we must do. Mountain bikers are the largest local trail user group, but are the least
vocal in the constant battle for trail access rights. In the summer of 1996 bikes were
banned from our favorite Yellow and Blue Trails in Shelby Farms.

Our political leaders and land managers are under constant pressure from trail groups
about who should be able to use which trails. In many cases, the chorus is the same "keep
the mountain bikes out." This is what happened in Shelby Farms. Mountain bikers must
be in the political arena or expect to be left out when trail decisions are made.

The information on this page will outline what the mountain bike community must do to
assert ourselves in the battle for trail access. Check back often for the latest information.
We must speak up for ourselves, because no one else will speak for us.

Patrollers-

I just wanted to take a minute to share this inspirational email with you. John Southrey, of the Austin
Mountain Bike Patrol, wrote the following email in response to the last issue of IMBA Trail News...

Club Message from: Austin Ridge Riders

Food For Thought:

If you haven't already read the latest IMBA Trail News (Summer 2001) or in case you're not a member of
IMBA, the newsletter focused exclusively on what IMBA considers the number one problem facing the
mountain biking community: the lack of trail diplomacy (courtesy and respect) towards other trail users.
Indeed, IMBA believes, "What happens when we meet and pass people--especially hikers and horse riders--
is the most important factor in shaping trail access." IMBA's message of BE NICE TO THE PEOPLE YOU
MEET ON THE TRAIL sounds so basic: saying a simple Hi or Good Morning as you pass by some hikers, or
a Thank You to another trail user when they step aside for you to pass, or politely slowing down as you
approach a hiker, etc. Yet personal experience has proven it's certainly a forgotten behavior, as evidenced by
the way some mountain bicyclists ride (including my own negligence at times).

As a member of the Austin Mountain Bike Patrol for over two years, it's not uncommon for us during our
patrols, especially on the Greenbelt, to be approached by a hiker who's angry and wants to complain about
the "rude behavior" or indifference they've experienced with some mountain biker(s). Usually, these
individuals had a close encounter with or were run off the trail by a hellbent rider near some blind curve. And,
in my opinion, the main culprits are typically "newbies" who are new to our sport and don't know basic trail
etiquette (teach them), or riders who are training for a race or just plain racing on a trail not designed for
racing (e.g., the popular Greenbelt).

As a reminder then to all of us--when we're in that rhythm and focused on riding--is to not forgot to practice
the following trail etiquette espoused in IMBA's six Rules of the Trail:

1. Ride on Open Trails only (respect private property and trail closures).

2. Leave No Trace (don't discard GU packets or tire tubes or cut vegetation).

3. Control Your Bicycle (and announce your presence)!

4. Always Yield Trail (right-of-way to hikers, runners, and equestrians).

5. Never Spook Animals.

6. Plan Ahead (be self-sufficient carrying an extra tube or patch kit/levers, basic bike tools, adequate water,
etc.)

Thousands of miles of trails have been closed to mountain bicyclists in the U.S. The irresponsible riding
habits of a few riders have been a factor. In the end, we all share in these unforunate closures because we

all have the same goal: unencumbered access to local trails. The way we ride will influence land managers
and their land access decisions and policies. So the best thing we can do, individually, to ensure trail access,
is to differentiate ourselves by always showing superior courtesy and respect toward other trail users. We
can't change the rude behavior of other users who, for example, walk/run with their dog(s) off their leash or
hog the trail, but we're entirely in control of how we ride. Think about it.

-John Southrey

- Kevin

Kevin Stein

National Mountain Bike Patrol Coordinator

International Mountain Bicycling Association

PO Box 7578 Boulder CO 80306

ph: 303-545-9011 x106, fax 303-545-9026

email: kevin@imba.com, web: http://www.imba.com

LONG LIVE LONG RIDES.