Riding Softly

Since its inception in 1988, the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA–www.imba.com/) has promoted a culture of mountain biking that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. One of the biggest challenges, notes IMBA’s Executive Director Tim Blumenthal, is instilling an ethic of “soft cycling” among new riders. The key to success, he believes, is environmental education.Many new riders have little knowledge of the impacts of bikes on the land or on other trail users. In the desert, for example, cyclists and hikers who stray off the trail can crush the delicate community of lichens, liverworts, mosses, algae, and fungi that make up the cryptogamic crust of the desert floor. It can take several generations for this “belly plant” community to grow back. In the meantime, the exposed, slow-building desert soil is vulnerable to wind and water erosion. Insects and wildlife dependent on this plant community are displaced. With widespread damage, an entire local ecosystem can be thrown out of whack.As riders become more aware of the ecosystems in which they cycle and connect with the community of trail users, they develop a broader and more responsible perspective, says Blumenthal. This is transmitted from peer to peer, and in this way a mountain biking culture is created.Trailheads are prime locations for education outreach to people new to the sport, points out Blumenthal, because virtually all cyclists begin and end the day at a trailhead.It is easy to tell by trailhead signs where the mountain biking culture has taken hold. Trailhead signs display IMBA’s rules of the trail, show maps of trails open to bicycles, and tell riders what other user groups are welcome and therefore likely to be encountered on the trail. At some trailheads, a friendly mountain bike patrol volunteer might be present. This person may help cyclists to evaluate routes, invite users to participate in trail maintenance events, inform people of trail closures and realignments, share interesting information about the sensitive natural and cultural resources of the area, or offer tips about how to safely share the trail with other user groups.Through such efforts, IMBA hopes to bring out the best in mountain biking, says Blumenthal. “It’s our reason for being.”Elements of Soft Cycling for Erosion ControlIf trail is wet, choose another trail or day to ride.Ride only on open trails; don’t make new trails.Carry your bike across soft streambeds if an engineered crossing is not available.Travel in small groups to minimize impact on other trail users and wildlife.Don’t ride around trail obstructions; help keep the trail narrow.Ride through muddy sections, not around them, to prevent trail widening.Don’t ride over trailside vegetation.Respect private property.Don’t skid or brake slide; apply brakes evenly, both front and back.Ride over water bars, not around them. Help keep the trail narrow.Slow down when encountering other trail users.Don’t cut switchbacksIMBA’s Six Rules of the TrailRide on open trails onlyControl your bicycleNever scare animalsLeave no traceAlways yield the trailPlan aheadIMBA sponsors 30 trail-building schools around the world per year; has spawned 60 volunteer mountain bike patrol; has more than 100 corporate sponsors, 400 affiliated clubs, and 32,000 members worldwide; and has become a leader in trail design and maintenance for erosion control.