MOUNTAIN BIKE TRAIL ETIQUETTE ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS Use your mountain bike responsibly and be considerate of other outdoor recreationists. Leave others with the best impression possible to ensure continued use of approved trails. LEAVE NO TRACE Avoid trampling vegetation. Minimize erosion by staying on designated trails, and not shortcutting switchbacks or crossing open country. Avoid riding in muddy conditions. Bicycle tires leave linear trenches in the mud encouraging rapid erosion of trails. Pack out what you pack in. RIDE ON OPEN TRAILS ONLY Use your bike only on trails officially approved for mountain bike use. Respect public and private property. Avoid possible trespass on private land. Use permits when they are required. Respect areas designated off-limits to bicycles. Leave farm gates in the position you found them in. PLAN AHEAD AND BE PREPARED Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare accordingly. Be selfsufficient at all times. Wear a helmet, keep your bike in good condition, be prepared for dramatic weather changes. Essential supplies include: bike helmet, gloves, pump, spare tube, tire irons (and the ability to change a blown tube on the trail), tools, food, water, wind/rain shell, maps, compass, and basic survival gear. Let someone know where you are going and when you'll return. ALWAYS YIELD THE TRAIL On multiple-use trails yield the right-of-way to hikers and horseback riders. Never spook animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, use special care and follow the directions of horseback riders (ask if uncertain). CONTROL YOUR BICYCLE Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking another person. Make your presence known in advance. Maintain control of speed on turns in case someone is around the bend. For technical problems with this web site contact the webmaster Copyright © 1998, 1999 Cayuga County New York