Trail Etiquette

Please respect the trails and other users

Helmets

Yep, they’re mandatory (do we really need to mention that?). If you see someone riding GORBA trails without a helmet, please politely let them know it’s a mandatory part of our agreement to maintain access to the land. An unfortunate accident with a helmetless rider could shut down the trails.

Music

Earbuds are not a great idea from a safety point of view, but if you have to have ‘your tunes’, please keep them low enough to hear our bell (or other polite utterances) when you’re in our way. Speakers blasting out your tunes are just as unacceptable on the trails as in any other public space. We don’t swim in your toilet, please don’t pee in our pool (do we need to explain that?). The majority of GORBA members enjoy ‘being in nature’, that means without your music. Keep it to yourself – please be respectful of others.

Muddy trails

Don’t ride them, it’s just a bad idea all ’round. If you are leaving ruts, then the trail is too soft. If it’s raining, stay home. This applies to the winter trail as well.

Shortcuts

Stay on the trail, don’t take shortcuts.

Trail alterations

Please don’t change the trail, leave the trail work to GORBA’s official trail crews.

Share the trail

Be polite to everyone you meet.

Yield to hikers and runners.

Use a bell and/or politely announce your approach.

Don’t block the trail when you stop.

If you are stopped or walking on a hill, move out of the way for other riders.

Never stop in a blind spot.

Bi-Directional Hills

Downhill riders must yield to uphill riders. Yeah we know, you’re having fun bombing down a hill and you’re being asked to stop while some rider is slowly poking up the hill. Yep! Think about it, it is far easier for you to get going again from a stop, going down a hill, then for them going up! Life’s hard!