This entry was originally published on my MySpace blog.

We trekked seventeen mostly uneventful miles this weekend upon a trail that we have probably hiked more often than any other. Wonderhubby guestimates that we have set foot on the Devil’s Backbone/Blue Sky Trail no fewer than 101 times. This stat is not to suggest a sense of entitlement or ownership, rather I tell you that you might appreciate how many encounters with other users we have negotiated on this popular multi-use trail.

Most users are courteous. Most users are kind, aware, happy to be outside and eager to share an uplifting thought while also sharing the path.

With the rise in gas prices we have seen an increase in mountain bikers and a decrease in trail etiquette. It used to be that most bicyclists displayed full knowledge of multi-use trail courtesy. Maybe the rude abusers are not as abundant as seems to me today, and while one bad biker don’t spoil the whole bunch, babe, he certainly will tarnish the moment.

(I’ve included Multi-Use Trail Etiquette as posted on the Bicycle Colorado Web page at the bottom of this blog)

Saturday morning, a mountain biker passed so fast and closely that, though I was on the far right of the twenty-seven inch wide trail, his handlebar collided with my elbow. He did not stop.

Sunday afternoon, a biker riding downhill on the right side of the trail saw me and hoisted this thought in my general direction: “Coming through!” He did not stop; his front tire was aimed right at me. I stopped and stood on the far right of the trail, leaving what I thought was enough room for the cyclist to gain the left side and pass.

He did nothing of the sort. Indeed, the cyclist maintained his speed and trajectory. When it became clear that I did not intend to move off the trail, he said, again, “Coming through!”

I offered the following gentle verbal reminder: “Right of way?” At this point, he did slow, but still he rolled on, stopping only when his front tire hit my knees. I said, less gently, “You’ve got to be kidding!” Then I stepped out of the way.

Wonderhubby, hiking some ten yards behind me, witnessed all this. But now it was his turn to meet the clueless cyclist, who reissued his command, “Coming through!”

It may be good to tell you that of the two of us it is generally me, the tall and muscular girl who grew up fending for herself, that gives cause for pause in would-be antagonists, not Wonderhubby. His is a laid-back, unobtrusive and difficult to provoke to anger demeanor. Of me it has been said that my street persona is stronger than a deflector shield.

Be that as it may, on this occasion, by the time I shook shock out of my system and turned around, the cyclist had passed my sweet baboo, whom I overheard muttering “A$$hole!” toward the rocky terrain.

When he caught up, I asked him to fill me in on the exchange. Seems the mountain biker, still on the right side of the trail, tossed out a couple of ‘coming throughs’ by way of announcing his arrival. Wonderhubby, like me, knowing full well that pedestrians have the right of way, and like me, knowing full well that informed cyclists yield, simply stood his ground.

When the bike was inches away, Wonderhubby mentioned that hikers and horses have the right of way. The reply? “But you’re on the smooth part of the trail!”

Wonderhubby, who knows better than to argue with an idiot, stepped where this biker refused to tread, thereby yielding.

So here’s the deal: there is little to nothing we can do about the cluelessness of folks capable of riding past two trail etiquette signs and two verbal reminders without absorbing the data. Maybe the time has come for us to require a multi-use trail etiquette class for all user groups.

Lest anyone conclude that I am anti-bicycle, hear now this: both Wonderhubby and I have commuted to work on bike. We have spent many a day mountain biking. We are thrilled with the huge growth in bicycle sales here in the US and indeed worldwide. But enough is enough: users should not be abusers.

Multi-Use Trails

While Colorado has no statewide statues regulating multi-use trails, here is a list of suggested practices.

Please be sure to obey any local regulations when using a multi-use trail.

Please use common sense and courtesy on the trail

Always ride, walk, and skate on the right side of the trail

Obey traffic control signs and markings on trail

Pass on the left, when the trail is clear of traffic

Give audible warning before overtaking other trail users

Ring your bike bell

Loudly and clearly call out “Passing”

Listen up! Headphones prevent you from hearing warnings

Use hand signals to indicate turns and stops

Do not stop on the trail, blocking other users

Ride single file so that other user may pass safely

Look for traffic before entering trail

Watch for the unexpected, especially with kids or dogs

Slow down when the trail is crowded, and travel at speeds that are safe and appropriate to trail conditions

IMBA’s Rules of the Trail

The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance our sport’s access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. IMBA’s mission is to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only.
Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.

2. Leave No Trace.
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.

3. Control Your Bicycle!
Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.

4. Always Yield Trail.
Let your fellow trail users know you’re coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don’t startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

5. Never Scare Animals.
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.

6. Plan Ahead.
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding — and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.