Trail Etiquette

YIELD APPROPRIATLY

• On a two-way trail, the uphill rider has the right of way. On a climb trail, the rider behind should yield to the rider in front; if you are significantly faster than them, only pass when it is safe to do so (i.e when there is a pullout, or when you come to a flat/easier section so that they don’t have to dismount to get going again)
• On multi-use trails, hikers, trail runners & equestrians have right of way. Equestrians are rare on the Shore, but if encountered, dismount from your bike and move to the side as they startle easily.  
• E-bikes yield to non e-bikes. On a two way trail, regardless of direction, e-bikes should always yield to non e-bikes; on climb trials, the same applies.

PRACTICE PASSING COMMUNICATION

• Let others know when you want to pass them and make sure they hear you! There are different levels of riders going at their own pace so please be mindful.
• Listen for other riders behind you and find a safe place to pull over and let them pass.

BRAID YOUR HAIR, NOT THE TRAILS

What is Braiding? By definition: an alternate line taken by a trail user off of the trail. These can include shortcuts, trail widening, ride arounds, or any alternate line not envisioned or constructed by the trail builder.

• Trail braids often lead to significant trail erosion issues, destruction of water management features, or trail widening, all of which impact the surrounding environment and vegetation.
• The NSMBA prides itself on conducting sustainable building practices which means that for every braid created, trail builders must take time blocking and repairing that section of the trail, when they could be working on way cooler things!
• Be mindful of where you ride on wet days; consider choosing trails with lots of cedar and rock features.
• Ride, don’t slide! Try to avoid skidding especially on wet and loose dirt.

EARN YOUR TURNS

• Give back to the trails you ride and consider purchasing an NSMBA membership to help fund trail maintenance and trail building projects; membership info here: https://nsmba.ca/memberships/
• Sign up for a trail day and move some dirt. Trail days are a great way to support the trails you ride, learn about trail building, and make connections in the community. For more info on trail days, visit: https://nsmba.ca/attending-a-trail-day/
• If you don’t have the time to help out on the trails, or are visiting from another region, you can also make a donation online. Donation options here: https://nsmba.ca/donate/

RESPECT WORK SIGNAGE AND TRAIL CLOSURES

• Respect signage and trail closures. If the trails are closed, they are closed for good reason; and they will be there for you when they are ready!
• If you see a “work in progress” sign, please slow down and communicate with builders! If the trail is unsafe to ride, builders may ask you to walk your bike.
• Report any issues or hazards on the trails via the Trailforks reporting feature: https://www.trailforks.com/about/features/trail_reporting/
• If you come across a maintenance area, give the builders some space and please walk your bike.

BE PREPARED

• Heading out for a ride? Inform others of where you’re planning on going, consider checking the trail status, wildlife alerts, and weather.
• Be self sufficient with clothing, water, food & spare parts. We like to always ride with a multitool, and spare tube or a tubeless patch kit.
• As the old saying goes, people don’t plan to fail, they fail to plan; the best way to ensure you don’t have any mechanical failures on the trail, is to tune your bike before hand. We love ParkTools short informative DIY videos: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGCTGpvdT04Q5OLMUo0yzTOjLtv7yT47O
• Is your cell phone charged?

RIDE IN CONTROL

• Know your limits, and always ride within them. Most of our trails are multi-use trails, so be considerate to other trail users; it may not seem like you are going fast, but to hikers and trail runners, you are.
• Scope out trail features before hand, and follow a natural progression. If you are scoping out a feature, make sure you’re not standing in a blind spot, and your bike is off the trail. Always be considerate of other riders.
• Can you stop safely? Always be prepared for someone on the other side of a blind corner.
• Understand trail classifications. To see a list of the North Shore trials, and their respective classifications, visit: https://www.trailforks.com/region/north-shore/

BE RESPECTFUL 

• Pack out what you pack in.
• Be mindful of the diverse abilities, activities and riders that use the trails. Please allow at least 2 meters distance from the rider in front of you; their comfort and safety is more important than your Strava time.
• Don’t disturb wildlife; be bear smart and consider riding with bear spray. If riding with a dog, we recommend putting a bear bell on your dog, as to not surprise any bears, and it’s also a good way to alert other users of your four legged friend! For more info on bear safety in the North Shore, visit: northshorebears.com
• Give a helping hand if you think someone might need it!
• Our builders are often out working – please walk your bike through active building areas, and say hi!

DOGS

• Riding with a dog? Make sure that the trails you plan on riding are dog friendly; check the Trailforks trail details to see if dogs are permitted (hint, many of our trails are dog friendly, but not all). Please also refer to the DNV Dog Walker’s Guide: https://www.dnv.org/sites/default/files/dog-walkers-guide.pdf
• Please pick up after your dog!

Thank you everyone and happy riding!

If you have any further questions, please email info@nsmba.ca.