Yielding on Trails

[Paradox]

Hi all,

So went for another newbie mountain bike ride yesterday on a fairly popular "beginner" trail in Boulder. There were about 5 sections with rocks which I walked over, but the rest I rode (slowly). So here is my question: what do you all do when coming up behind a newbie mountain biker on a narrow trail? I had several people suddenly appear behind me when I stopped to walk over the rock sections or right when I was trying to get going again on my bike. They came up quite fast (as this is considered an easy trail for most) and it seemed like they were annoyed that I was going so slow and/or stopped. Twice I got as far off the narrow trail (steep incline on one side, drop off on the other) as I could, one time I slipped on the steep embankment trying to get over (and got several splinters in my hand when I caught myself), apologizing profusely each time for my ineptness. The other time I was riding so I sped up as fast as I could for a section until I realized the dude was still on my back tire and I reached a wider spot where I could pull off. One gal thanked me for getting out of her way, the other (men) didn't say anything. They didn't even announce their presence behind me as we are supposed to do when encountering a hiker (if I was off my bike I guess I was a hiker?).

Is the attitude when coming up on someone who is not as fast as you on the trail the same as how most people feel when coming up on a car in the left lane of the highway going 20 mph below the speed limit? Are they thinking, "you shouldn't be on the (trail) you f***ing moron"?

I am well aware of the "mountain bikers yield to everyone else" on multi-use trails, and I always stop and pull off the trail for hikers or equestrians (of course the hikers usually get out of the way even though bikes are supposed to yield to them). I also know to yield to uphill mountain bike traffic when going down - although to tell the truth I'm so slow going uphill I usually stop and let the person going down go by. But what is the protocol for when faster mountain bikers approach slower mountain bikers going the same direction on a narrow trail? I guess since I used to hike a lot my instinct is to jump out of the way quickly and at all costs before I get run over by anything/one going faster than me.

[bike4ever]

My first suggestion is to review the IMBA rules of the trail:

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.


I think rule number 4 answers your question. I always announce myself when coming up on other riders/hikers. I try very hard not to startle them since I know I can get startled easily. I do believe that the women I see on the trail are more friendly than then men who blow by without any sort of grunt.

[Paradox]

My first suggestion is to review the IMBA rules of the trail:

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.

I think rule number 4 answers your question. I always announce myself when coming up on other riders/hikers. I try very hard not to startle them since I know I can get startled easily. I do believe that the women I see on the trail are more friendly than then men who blow by without any sort of grunt.

Yes, but I don't think most mtn bikers think this applies to bike-bike conflicts. It's like beginners really don't have a place to ride or learn, because if you go ride any trail with other riders, they don't think you should be there if you aren't at the expert level yet. Not once have I encountered a newbie that was slower than me while riding, which means I must be really slow.

[han-grrl]

My own opinions on the matter - and there are unfortunately a lot of jerks out there -

if you are hung up on a trail - move out of the way best you can to let people pass...say hello, ask if there is any particular line they need...

speaking of lines through a section, where you are, is likely a preferred line, so best to move off that line to allow people to pass.

We all need to commnunicate, unfortunately many people are caught up in their own worlds, and forget they are sharing, if they are "mad" just apologize for being in the way...nicely...even smiling, and wish them a great ride.

In theory if you are climbing, and some is approaching descending, you shoud have the rigt of way, but again, thats in theory, and there are meanies out there.

my own advice - be polite and move to the less used part of the trail when someone is passing, because likely you are on the line they want.

smile

[SadieKate]

Doesn't matter whether they are faster or not, it's a shared use trail and everyone should be riding for the conditions (which includes other users) and their own skills. If you are riding and can't move over to let them pass, just yell that you'll move as as soon as possible. If you are walking, get out of their way as soon as possible. Yield to uphill traffic but if someone is in the middle of a technical rocky downhill, prudence may dictate that you stop. It's a judgment call for everyone's safety.

Under no conditions should you try to get off a trail if it is not safe (like a cliff edge).

Relax and just tell them you'll do what you can when you can. If they're speeding around a blind corner and out of control -- their problem not yours.

One day, some unknown guy might even say "thanks, sweetheart" Made me laugh all day.

[singletrackmind]

They should be polite about passing. You shouldn't feel apologetic that you don't ride everything yet or that you are 'slow'. So long as you are considerate then don't let the rude ones get to you, they weren't always fast, either. Some obstacles work better taken at speed so that may be part of some riders' deal (they'll live), uphill mostly has right of way but sharing and working with trail conditions is what it's about.


I did inadvertently scare a newer rider on the whoop-dis on Monarch Crest several years ago. Followed her at a distance and passed when I had several feet between us to do so, announcing myself well in advance and several times. I guess she was so white-knuckle on the downhill she was really concentrating on that and I startled her. She let me have it and boy, did I ever feel really bad.
Point of the whole long drawn out story is try to remember to listen to what's happening around you, it's really easy to zone in on what you're doing and forget about everything else....actually, I still sometimes do that and they surprise me too, every once in awhile.