You said it great here. I know people want to set their PR but sometimes you just need to slow down for passing hikers or bikers. Then you have the hikers who want to make a point that they don’t want mountain bikes on their trail and refuse to move for you… Just be kind everyone, please.
I am not religious but there I a chapter in the Bible that I live by. It is chapter 6 in the book, Micah. The prophet Micah is asked what God requires of us. Micah responds. Walk humbly with your God. Do what is just. And to love chesed. Most Bibles translate the Hebrew word chesed as mercy but the correct translation is kindness. The Jewish religion teaches that out of the three things God requires of all of us, kindness is the most important.
If everyone acted humbly. Always did what is right and just. And most importantly, always seek to do acts of kindness, this world would be like heaven.
You really don't like bikers...but you're ok with horses on trails. I hope you have the privilege of cleaning a future trail of horse dung on your shoes, this will help everyone as you exit the trail.
NOBODY likes mountain bikers. They are incredibly selfish. Hikers & equestrians have no problem sharing trails with humans, including mountain bikers. But bicycles aren't humans. DUH!
So true (and well-written). I default on getting off the trail whether descending or ascending. It’s like being the one who opens the door for the other or something, because that’s always what my dad did, maybe. Once another rider slowed because I had the right of way and informed me as such. Told me no sense in both of us stopping. That’s as heated as things ever got from me deferring. That Strava guy should have slowed down, of course. Does a little kid on the trail not fill adults with disarming tenderness? Damn. Of note, I’ve seen my share of mouthy, sanctimonious hikers.
Yeah, the kid thing can be tough. I’ve had other experiences on the trail where my kids have “been in the way.” I expect people to be stoked to see a dad and kids out there, but what I get back is annoyance. Of course I get defensive but I have to remember that not everyone gets their heart strings tickled by children. My kids are pretty rad, though…
21 states require a bicyclist to yield to a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk.
18 states require a bicyclist to give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk.
4 states limit the speed of at which a bicycle can be ridden on a sidewalk.
Pedestrian Laws
13 states say that a bicyclist riding on a sidewalk has all the rights and duties of a pedestrian in the same circumstances.
In all but one of these states there is a variation of the requirement that pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard."
You lost me at assuming the uphill rider is only thinking about his Strava. That’s such a cop-out on your part. Shifting blame on a pure assumption is a chump move at best.
What nonsense! Bringing a bicycle or other non-wheelchair machine onto a trail is already rude! It's obvious that they are incompatible with pedestrians. Why do you think that bikes aren't allowed on sidewalks?!
I definitely try to follow the rules... with common sense, and understanding that new riders may not know the rules. The closest trail network to my house is less than 10 minutes down the road. They're a network of pretty easy stacked loops. It's hard to get lost, and the trails are very mellow for any experienced rider, so they attract a large number of novice riders and families with kids. This was especially so during the pandemic. There are a couple of one-way only (light blue) jump line trails thrown in as well. On several occasions I've come across folks stopped on the jump line trails in really bad spots. One is a blind step up jump right after a wood wall. By the time a rider is pointed at the step-up, they are well past a point of no return. I've encountered riders with young children stopped on the trail at this step up several times. Thankfully I didn't hit anyone either time. Rather than responding angrily, I just took time to make sure they weren't dealing with a crash or mechanical. Then shared that they were in a really unsafe spot to be stopped in the middle of the trail for their safety, and other riders. I've never had an encounter where someone has responded negatively. The parents thanked me both times and made corrections. I've always found the MTB community to be pretty welcoming. I certainly don't want to be the one to change that vibe.
As someone who lives in an area that only as one directional travel for trails I don't think I fully understand the logic for allowing bikers to go in both directions, assuming it's not an out and back, having some trails just for going up... And others just for going down makes sense.
We even have trails that change direction based on the day of the week.
I assume there are probably use cases I'm not thinking about but one way trails just seem better
Lots of great points in there. We as Bikers are lucky enough to Share the Trails with others. But yeah, in most cases have some common sense and do what you would want the other person to do if the roles were reversed.
Spot on. I am new to MTBing, I'm a dad trying to teach my kiddos to ride and the way of the walk on the trails. So this confirms what I've been taught and also gives me insight on scenarios.
I recall a time I had some steam on me going up hill with momentum and having part of the trail ahead blocked from view while a family was coming down, and while I was startled because I didn't want to run anyone over, I still gave a friendly hello while I came to a track stand pause while they adjusted on the trail's Turn that was rooty and down hill for them.
I don't know how they felt but perhaps if I knew they were on the trail I would have waited further back for them to clear out.
So I really like hearing about other's experiences on the trails. Some time after I was met with an individual that was just doing her dancing thing in the trail enjoying the nature and I washed out on an attempt to avoid collision. Still gave her a hello even though slightly annoyed with a skinned elbow.
I may be reading into your comment. Or maybe misread it with a different tone, or...or read it with my typical sarcasm, whichever way I still can't make sense to your exact meaning. Apologies I may be dense, over analytical, or just not as intelligent as I thought, but you are saying that by me saying "hello"indicates I am forcing them to accept my MTBing?
I think the gist was I couldn't see them coming down the hill that was parallel to the creek due to a massive tree that I had to climb up it's roots on a 90° turn left. They were literally in a blind spot and I didn't hear them at all while they walked down. But yes I usually operate with a "when in doubt, whip it out" approach (this is a military mental self assessment when dealing with a formal Salute - to align a friendly gesture on the trail) as I'd rather be the first to be friendly as I clearly have a vehicle I'm needing to be in control of.
Needless to say, I hope that clarifies whatever, and apologies for missing your point.
My point was that mountain bikers think simply saying "Hello" makes a big difference in how people react to the presence of bikes on the trail. It doesn't. It's totally irrelevant. It doesn't remove the bikes.
Mike, hear me out, how would you react to being run over by a bike all of a sudden out of the blue?
I'm guessing you wouldn't like one bit and then you would have wanted a warning to get out of the way. Because you most likely feel entitled to at least a warning no?? A heads up? A "heyah, I'd like to pass...."
Or would it be more please for both of us if we both had some kind of communication between us letting each other know how we can both enjoy the trail. In some cases, a hello is acknowledging that the other person is there.
That was my hello as I was surprised and halted my climb.
But if you speak for all folks on trails maybe as bikers, we don't have to say hello and we just take that climb aggressively with wreckless abandon.
(I prefer the former, less Karen's, less drama, and more enjoyment for all)
Good point. But you didn't hear me. I don't care to encounter large pieces of machinery, when I'm out trying to enjoy nature. If I wanted to do that, I would stay in the city! I doubt that you would enjoy having dirt bikes or jeeps or bulldozers on your trails. Why don't mountain bikers exercise empathy?
Lol bro you are lost. This is a mountain biking thread that spills into many facets of life related to mountain biking and the outdoors, hence the etiquette discussed (keep in mind mountain bike trails as worked on by community members for the purpose of enjoying riding on said trails and adding to existing hiking trails.) we exercise empathy when we say hello, we see you hiking, we thank you for letting us pass, we wish you well taking on the trail we just left behind.
You said it great here. I know people want to set their PR but sometimes you just need to slow down for passing hikers or bikers. Then you have the hikers who want to make a point that they don’t want mountain bikes on their trail and refuse to move for you… Just be kind everyone, please.
I am not religious but there I a chapter in the Bible that I live by. It is chapter 6 in the book, Micah. The prophet Micah is asked what God requires of us. Micah responds. Walk humbly with your God. Do what is just. And to love chesed. Most Bibles translate the Hebrew word chesed as mercy but the correct translation is kindness. The Jewish religion teaches that out of the three things God requires of all of us, kindness is the most important.
If everyone acted humbly. Always did what is right and just. And most importantly, always seek to do acts of kindness, this world would be like heaven.
It's obviously not kind to force hikers & equestrians to put up with bikes on the trails. DUH!
You really don't like bikers...but you're ok with horses on trails. I hope you have the privilege of cleaning a future trail of horse dung on your shoes, this will help everyone as you exit the trail.
NOBODY likes mountain bikers. They are incredibly selfish. Hikers & equestrians have no problem sharing trails with humans, including mountain bikers. But bicycles aren't humans. DUH!
So true (and well-written). I default on getting off the trail whether descending or ascending. It’s like being the one who opens the door for the other or something, because that’s always what my dad did, maybe. Once another rider slowed because I had the right of way and informed me as such. Told me no sense in both of us stopping. That’s as heated as things ever got from me deferring. That Strava guy should have slowed down, of course. Does a little kid on the trail not fill adults with disarming tenderness? Damn. Of note, I’ve seen my share of mouthy, sanctimonious hikers.
Yeah, the kid thing can be tough. I’ve had other experiences on the trail where my kids have “been in the way.” I expect people to be stoked to see a dad and kids out there, but what I get back is annoyance. Of course I get defensive but I have to remember that not everyone gets their heart strings tickled by children. My kids are pretty rad, though…
Rad like Eric Porter’s kids, I imagine. Beasts.
Also find this excerpt:
"Bicycle-specific Laws
21 states require a bicyclist to yield to a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk.
18 states require a bicyclist to give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian while riding on a sidewalk.
4 states limit the speed of at which a bicycle can be ridden on a sidewalk.
Pedestrian Laws
13 states say that a bicyclist riding on a sidewalk has all the rights and duties of a pedestrian in the same circumstances.
In all but one of these states there is a variation of the requirement that pedestrians cannot suddenly leave a curb into the path of a vehicle that is so close as to constitute an immediate hazard."
https://bikeleague.org/bike-law-university-sidewalk-riding/#:~:text=21%20states%20require%20a%20bicyclist,be%20ridden%20on%20a%20sidewalk.
Seems like there is not a "ban" like you mentioned, but specific requirements for use.
So I am determining your commentary is a false narrative.
Thank you for not being a mountain biker on a mountain biking thread.
You lost me at assuming the uphill rider is only thinking about his Strava. That’s such a cop-out on your part. Shifting blame on a pure assumption is a chump move at best.
What nonsense! Bringing a bicycle or other non-wheelchair machine onto a trail is already rude! It's obvious that they are incompatible with pedestrians. Why do you think that bikes aren't allowed on sidewalks?!
You're that guy huh?!? Getting triggered over every little thing. May you trip on every root available on your next trail.
No empathy, huh? NOW do you see why everyone hates mountain bikers.?
I definitely try to follow the rules... with common sense, and understanding that new riders may not know the rules. The closest trail network to my house is less than 10 minutes down the road. They're a network of pretty easy stacked loops. It's hard to get lost, and the trails are very mellow for any experienced rider, so they attract a large number of novice riders and families with kids. This was especially so during the pandemic. There are a couple of one-way only (light blue) jump line trails thrown in as well. On several occasions I've come across folks stopped on the jump line trails in really bad spots. One is a blind step up jump right after a wood wall. By the time a rider is pointed at the step-up, they are well past a point of no return. I've encountered riders with young children stopped on the trail at this step up several times. Thankfully I didn't hit anyone either time. Rather than responding angrily, I just took time to make sure they weren't dealing with a crash or mechanical. Then shared that they were in a really unsafe spot to be stopped in the middle of the trail for their safety, and other riders. I've never had an encounter where someone has responded negatively. The parents thanked me both times and made corrections. I've always found the MTB community to be pretty welcoming. I certainly don't want to be the one to change that vibe.
As someone who lives in an area that only as one directional travel for trails I don't think I fully understand the logic for allowing bikers to go in both directions, assuming it's not an out and back, having some trails just for going up... And others just for going down makes sense.
We even have trails that change direction based on the day of the week.
I assume there are probably use cases I'm not thinking about but one way trails just seem better
Lots of great points in there. We as Bikers are lucky enough to Share the Trails with others. But yeah, in most cases have some common sense and do what you would want the other person to do if the roles were reversed.
Spot on. I am new to MTBing, I'm a dad trying to teach my kiddos to ride and the way of the walk on the trails. So this confirms what I've been taught and also gives me insight on scenarios.
I recall a time I had some steam on me going up hill with momentum and having part of the trail ahead blocked from view while a family was coming down, and while I was startled because I didn't want to run anyone over, I still gave a friendly hello while I came to a track stand pause while they adjusted on the trail's Turn that was rooty and down hill for them.
I don't know how they felt but perhaps if I knew they were on the trail I would have waited further back for them to clear out.
So I really like hearing about other's experiences on the trails. Some time after I was met with an individual that was just doing her dancing thing in the trail enjoying the nature and I washed out on an attempt to avoid collision. Still gave her a hello even though slightly annoyed with a skinned elbow.
I don't understand why mountain bikers think saying "Hello" makes it okay to mountain bike. It's coercion.
I may be reading into your comment. Or maybe misread it with a different tone, or...or read it with my typical sarcasm, whichever way I still can't make sense to your exact meaning. Apologies I may be dense, over analytical, or just not as intelligent as I thought, but you are saying that by me saying "hello"indicates I am forcing them to accept my MTBing?
I think the gist was I couldn't see them coming down the hill that was parallel to the creek due to a massive tree that I had to climb up it's roots on a 90° turn left. They were literally in a blind spot and I didn't hear them at all while they walked down. But yes I usually operate with a "when in doubt, whip it out" approach (this is a military mental self assessment when dealing with a formal Salute - to align a friendly gesture on the trail) as I'd rather be the first to be friendly as I clearly have a vehicle I'm needing to be in control of.
Needless to say, I hope that clarifies whatever, and apologies for missing your point.
My point was that mountain bikers think simply saying "Hello" makes a big difference in how people react to the presence of bikes on the trail. It doesn't. It's totally irrelevant. It doesn't remove the bikes.
Mike, hear me out, how would you react to being run over by a bike all of a sudden out of the blue?
I'm guessing you wouldn't like one bit and then you would have wanted a warning to get out of the way. Because you most likely feel entitled to at least a warning no?? A heads up? A "heyah, I'd like to pass...."
Or would it be more please for both of us if we both had some kind of communication between us letting each other know how we can both enjoy the trail. In some cases, a hello is acknowledging that the other person is there.
That was my hello as I was surprised and halted my climb.
But if you speak for all folks on trails maybe as bikers, we don't have to say hello and we just take that climb aggressively with wreckless abandon.
(I prefer the former, less Karen's, less drama, and more enjoyment for all)
Way too late, but do not feed the trolls.
Good point. But you didn't hear me. I don't care to encounter large pieces of machinery, when I'm out trying to enjoy nature. If I wanted to do that, I would stay in the city! I doubt that you would enjoy having dirt bikes or jeeps or bulldozers on your trails. Why don't mountain bikers exercise empathy?
Lol bro you are lost. This is a mountain biking thread that spills into many facets of life related to mountain biking and the outdoors, hence the etiquette discussed (keep in mind mountain bike trails as worked on by community members for the purpose of enjoying riding on said trails and adding to existing hiking trails.) we exercise empathy when we say hello, we see you hiking, we thank you for letting us pass, we wish you well taking on the trail we just left behind.