A Mountain Biker's Guide to Passing
This information guide was created to help off-road cyclists by the Responsible Organized Mountain Pedalers (ROMP), and describes how to pass hikers and equestrians safely and politely when riding a mountain-bike.
While mountain biking, please remember that you are part of a large community of trail users who must work together to preserve our open spaces. In the San Francisco Bay Area, we are very lucky to have so many trails open to mountain cyclists. The only way we can maintain and improve upon this level of access is through continued work with the land owners, other trail users, and education of all off-road cyclists on the appropriate trail etiquette. As always, remember to follow the IMBA's Rules of the Trail.
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Most people who don't ride bikes have no idea what "on your left" means. If you say this it may actually cause them to move to the left, causing an accident !
Here are a few steps to follow instead :
- Greet the hiker - a simple "howdy" or "hi, nice day !" will do. If you have a bell, ring it once or twice to let them know of you are there.
- Slow down (!) to about the same speed as the hiker. Failure to do so can cause them to panic and consider writing a letter of complaint to whomever owns the land you are riding on.
- If the trail is too narrow for both you and the hiker, then you must stop and yield the trail to them. If they wave you on, you may go ahead.
You may wish to decline and insist that they pass, claiming that your knee has been bothering you anyway, and chat about the flora and fauna you've observed. Our sport needs all the friends it can get.
- If you are approaching from behind, and the hiker appears confused and stops in the middle of the trail, then you should stop and politely say something like "pardon me, may I pass on your left ?"
Small children and elderly people may not know how to behave around cyclists, so be polite !
Consider buying a bell - compact models can be found in most bike shops fairly cheaply. These little gadgets help hikers, walkers, and runners know that you're a considerate bicyclist, and there is talk of making bells required on some trails.
Again, don't ever pass someone on foot at high speed. How would you like it if a car drove past you on your bike at high speed just inches away ? Most hikers really don't like this sensation, and some become truly panicked and upset.
Rocketing past a horse is a really bad idea, because they are easy to startle and may throw their riders, causing injury or death. Mountain-bike riders, equestrians, and horses are at risk of physical harm in these encounters, and it is of extreme importance that mountain-bikers be careful around horses.
Here are a few steps to follow when passing equestrians :
- Greet the equestrian and the horse - "howdy", "hi, nice day !", or "my what a beautiful horse", for example. If you have a bell, ringing it probably won't hurt, but you should also speak, so that the horse knows you are a human, and not a predator.
This is especially important when approaching a horse from behind, because horses spook more easily in this situation.
- Ask the equestrian for instructions on how to pass - it may be necessary for you to stop completely and let the horse pass, depending on the width and condition of the trail.
- Pass slowly and steadily, but only after the equestrian gives you the go-ahead. Sudden movements can spook a horse.
Every trail user is another nature lover and potential friend of multi-use.
Some of the above information came from the following articles on how mountain-bikers, hikers, and horses can co-exist on trails, from IMBA's site on Soft Cycling and Bicycle Management - Principles And Policies :
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