8 Easy Ways To Spread Positivity On The Trails
Spreading positivity, providing education, and promoting respect, inclusivity, safety, and enjoyment on the trails are part of FAST’s mission. A positive culture can cultivate a positive community for all people and all levels of experience within mountain biking, and across all trail user groups. Here are 8 easy ways to spread positivity on the trails:
Before You Go
1. Have a kind state of mind
Being kind benefits all situations: sharing the trail, caring for the environment, and acting as good overall ambassadors for the sport. Let’s set good examples, welcome everyone, and be nice.
2. Know (and ride) open trails
When riding in new places research the trail you are about to ride. Be familiar with city rules and ordinances. Not all trails are open to mountain bikes. Not all trails open to mountain bikes are open to eMTBs. Some trails close seasonally to protect wildlife, or temporarily close for damage or repair. Some trails only open for bikes on certain days of the week. Some trails are one-way travel only. There’s a lot to know! Know before you go.
Sioux Falls Bicycling & Recreational Trail Ordinances: https://codelibrary.amlegal.com/codes/siouxfalls/latest/siouxfalls_sd/0-0-0-55313
Check the trailhead map and on trail posts at your local FAST trail for directional indicators. All trail maps can be also be found on our website under the trails tab in the menu.
3. Be prepared
Be self-sufficient and safe on the trail. Have the tools and the know-how to fix a flat and make minor repairs, carry enough water and snacks, and know where you’re going. Carry a map or have a mapping app on your fully charged phone. Don’t get lost!
You can find maps of all FAST trails on our trails pages.
On the trail
4. Be aware and share the trail
In many places, hikers and/or trail runners all share our right to enjoy the trails. The classic FAST triangle trail sign shows that mountain bikers yield to all foot traffic. When in doubt, yield with a hello and a smile!
5. Stay in control
For our own safety and the safety of others, it’s critical we stay in control of our bikes at all times. We should be aware of blind corners— assume a child or a dog is just around the bend. Let’s all ride with caution and care.
6. Respect the land
Let’s preserve the land and the efforts of trail builders by staying off muddy trails and always practicing Leave No Trace principles. When letting other pass, stop riding and carefully step off the trail to protect the environment and to keep singletrack single.
7. Keep the tech in check
Wearing earbuds limits our awareness on the trail, getting caught up in virtual racing can be dangerous, and all of us on mountain bikes and eMTBs should heed speed and safety guidelines.
8. Mind All Animals
Give animals plenty of space, including wildlife and fellow trail users’ fidos. When we take our dogs to the trail, we must follow leash laws, leave no trace, and train our dogs to be as respectful of other trail users — human and non — as we are.
Oh and Also…
Get involved!
Joining FAST or other local trail groups keep you in the know, helps you become a steward of the trails you ride, run, hike, and connects you to the community.
To get involved with a FAST trail session follow us on facebook, instagram, twitter, and check the events page on our website. The best way to get involved is to become a member of FAST-IMBA. Your membership helps us make strategic investments that will ease the cost of maintenance and allow us to plan and develop new mountain bike trails in the Sioux Falls area.
Beyond two wheels
Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge. We can safeguard this privilege through our actions for the land and our actions toward one another.
Source: Article adapted from IMBA ride vibes. https://www.imba.com/ride/ride-vibes