Managing Mountain Biking IMBA’s guide to Providing Great Riding
The 3 Major Issues of Mountain Bike Management 1. Can public safety be ensured? 2. Can environmental impacts be mitigated? 3. Can different types of users share the same trail?
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
I. WHAT DO MOUNTAIN BIKERS WANT? Connection to Nature
Escape Fun Challenge Exercise Variety Connections Camaraderie A sense of belonging
Facilities Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Types of Mountain Bikers Beginner Cross Country Rider Avid Cross Country Rider All Mountain Rider Downhillers Freeriders Dirt Jumpers
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
12 Tips for Marketing Mountain Bike Trails 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12.
Build Great Trails Provide supporting facilities Install effective signs Share the local knowledge Team up with local bike shops Get other local businesses involved Create a cool website Offer free trail maps Tell great stories Photograph your trails professionally Develop region-wide destination Track the numbers
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
II. PLANNING AND DESIGNING TRAILS 13 steps for creating a successful Systemwide Trail Plan 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Understand the importance of systemwide planning Research existing trail strategies and planning templates Establish goals and objectives Engage in collaborative planning and develop partnerships Analyze users Analyze the landscape Understand constraints Draw the plan Establish design and management criteria Establish phases and priorities Strategize funding Adopt your master plan Develop an action Plan
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Shared or Single Use?
“When trails are well designed and visitors observe basic trails etiquette, most people, whatever their means of conveyance, will have a satisfying experience on shared use trails. However, there are specific situations where separating trail users may be a better choice….”
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Single Use (or Preferred-Use) Trails Here is a list of situations where separating visitors may be the best option…
Crowded trails Crowded trailheads
Extraordinary mountain bike trails High speed trails Bike parks Nature trails Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Shared Use Trails 7 Reasons why shared use trails make sense: 1.
Shared use trails best accommodate the needs of the most users
2.
Sharing helps build a trail community
3.
Shared trails are most cost effective for land managers
4.
Shared trails empower responsible, experienced users
5.
Shared use trails take better advantage of the available space
6.
Trail systems with shared trails require fewer trail miles and therefore have less impact
7.
Shared use trails manage the most users
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Should an Existing Trail be Open to Mountain Bikers? 15 questions to ask: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Are there any federal or local regulations that prohibit MTB’ing on the property? What are the pre-existing uses? Will the pre-existing use patterns mesh with MTB’ers? Does the trail have a sustainable alignment? Could the trail be altered to have a more sustainable alignment? Is the trail well located? Will the trail meet local needs? What kind of trails do local cyclists seek? Would MTB’ers like to ride the trail? Will the trail fit within an existing MTB trail network? If not part of an existing network, will the trail fill a local need for MTB trails? Are there presently sufficient trailhead resources, and if not, what would be needed? Are resources available to meet maintenance needs that may arise with increased use? Is there a local bike club available and willing to support the trail? If no local bike club exists, can one be created?
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Managing Unauthorized Trails “Most trails today are built as part of a master plan that considers multiple factors. The construction of unauthorized trails undermines this process – not only because it defies the spirit of cooperation between trail users and land managers, but also because it poses environmental uncertainties.
To keep those partnerships moving forward, it is essential that unauthorized trail construction be discouraged, and that existing unauthorized trails be either closed or incorporated into a larger, managed system.� Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Tactics and Solutions for Dealing with “Renegade” Trails
Collect information Build partnerships Provide adequate trail opportunities Provide diverse trail experiences Set fair and logical mountain biking policies Learn from unauthorized trails Offer opportunities for authorized trailwork Add challenging lines Add single-use mountain bike trails Create special-use bike parks Replace closed trails with appealing alternatives Provide logical connections Avoid dead end trails Plan for shuttling Enforce regulations
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
12 Elements for Creating a Trail Proposal 1.
Who are you?
2.
Who will benefit from this trail?
3.
Who will build the trail?
4.
Who will manage the trail once it is built?
5.
How long will it take to complete the project?
6.
How much will it cost to built the trail and who will pay for it?
7.
Where (on a map) will the trail be located?
8.
How will you manage risk and liability?
9.
How will you minimize environmental impacts?
10. What steps will be taken to ensure that the trail won’t affect neighboring property? 11. How do you plan to deal with parking and litter? 12. Will the public be able to participate in the planning of the trail? Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
11 Steps for Designing Great Trails 1.
Build a partnership
2.
Identify boundaries
3.
Determine trail users
4.
Identify control points
5.
Configure loops
6.
Plan a contour route
7.
Determine type of trail flow
8.
Walk and flag the corridor
9.
Develop a construction plan
10. Conduct an assessment study 11. Flag the final alignment and confirm permission Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
III. PARTNERSHIPS “The process of managing mountain biking begins by forming solid relationships. Today, successful trail systems involve collaboration between land managers, volunteer groups, and other local stakeholders, such as business, private landowners, environmental organizations, and community leaders.�
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
10 Partnership Principles
Write specific agreements Start simple Have patience Respect each others viewpoint Be civil Plan for ongoing communication Adapt to change Upgrade knowledge and skills Keep your eyes on the prize Think locally
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Memorandum of Understanding Key elements of an MOU: Which organizations will be involved in this project?
What is the goal of the partnership? Who (by title) will represent the interests of each organization? What trail or specific section of land will be included? What, specifically, will be done in the name of mountain bike management? (New trails, bike patrol, signage?) What management philosophies will be employed? (design, education, trail revamps?) What trail design and construction strategies will you use? Who will be responsible for what task? What’s the timeline for each stage of the project? Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Become More Political Savvy 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13.
Mobilize Know the players Use your voice for the greater good Pick up the phone Keep your message simple Invite elected officials to address your group Get mountain bikers appointed to trails councils Solicit a guest newsletter column Be a part of the trails community Consider changing your clubs non-profit status Volunteer for political campaigns Run for office Follow up
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Balancing Trail Access and Game Land Management Understand and accommodate all stakeholders needs Emphasize common stakeholders interests Acknowledge funding sources Emphasize the positive impacts mountain bikers bring
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
IV. MANAGING VOLUNTEERS Common pitfalls facing volunteer groups: Right volunteer, wrong job No succession plans Short term thinking Abandoning ship Going it alone
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
10 Tips for Recruiting and Keeping Volunteers 1. Just ask 2. Publicize 3. Take it to the people 4. Look beyond the usual suspects 5. Host regular group rides 6. Celebrate good times 7. Chuck it down 8. Swag it up 9. Nurture newcomers 10. Stay regular Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Planning Trailwork 12-4 months before the event: • • •
Identify goals and develop a plan Set dates early Designate point people
4 months-2 weeks before the event: • • • •
Secure sponsorship Get the word out Pre-register volunteers Identify and train project leaders
2 weeks before the event: • • •
Match leaders project to the expected turnout Finalize project preparedness Coordinate social aspects of the event
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Tips for Successful Volunteer Work Days
Be prepared Emphasize fun Provide trained leaders Share knowledge Be safe Don’t waste time Feed the troops Keep the workday short Avoid leaving a job half finished Thank and reward them Record your success Stay in touch
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
V. Mountain Biking and the Environment “All trail users affect the trail surface and surrounding
environment, especially when trails are poorly constructed. However, there is no evidence that mountain bikers cause greater environmental impact that other trail users. The current research suggests that mountain biking impacts are similar to hiking, and far less damaging that equestrian and motorized users. The major issue is not the user, but the way the trail is designed and built. If a trail is properly located and constructed, it can handle a variety of users without damaging the environment.�
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Common Environmental Impacts Associated with Recreational Use Vegetation loss and compositional changes Soil compaction Erosion Muddiness Degraded water quality Disruption of wildlife Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Recommendations to Reduce Vegetation Impacts Design trails that provide the experience trail users seek to reduce their desire to venture off trail. Locate trails away from rare plants and animals and from sensitive or critical habitats of other species. Involve resource professionals in designing and approving new trail alignments. Keep trails narrow to reduce the total are of intensive tread disturbance, slow trail users, and minimize vegetation and soil impacts. Limit vegetation disturbance outside the corridor when constructing trails. Locate trails on side-hills where possible. Constructing on a side-hill requires greater initial vegetation and soil disturbance but sloping topography above and below the trail bench will clearly define the tread and concentrate traffic on it. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Four Common Form of Soil Degradation on Trails Compaction – caused by the weight of trail users and their equipment, which passes through feet, hooves, or tires to the tread surface. Muddiness – commonly associated with locations where water flows across or becomes trapped with flat or low-lying areas. Displacement – users can also push soils laterally, causing displacement and development of ruts, berms, or cupped treads. Erosion – generally caused by flowing water. Subsequent use compacts and/or displaces soils over time to create cupped or in sloped tread surface that intercepts and carries water. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Recommendations to Reduce Impacts to Soil Discourage or prohibit off-trail travel. Exceptions could include areas of solid rock or non-vegetated cobble.
Design trails with sustainable grades and avoid fall-line alignments. When possible, build trails in dry, cohesive soils that easily compacts and contain a larger percentage of course material or rocks. Minimize tread muddiness by avoiding flat terrain, wet soils, and drainage-bottom locations. Use grade reversals to remove water from trail treads. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Recommendations to Reduce Impacts to Water Resources Trails should avoid close proximity to water resources. It is best to minimize the number of stream crossings. Design water crossings so the trail descends into and climbs out of the stream crossing, preventing stream water from flowing down the trail. Armor trail at stream crossings with rock, geotextiles, or gravel to prevent erosion. Include grade reversals, regularly maintained out sloped treads, and/or drainage features to divert water off the trail near stream crossings. On heavily used trails, a bridge may be needed to provide a sustainable crossing. Where permanent or intermittent stream channels cross trails, use wheel-friendly open rock culverts or properly sized buried drainage culverts to allow water to cross properly, with out flowing down the trail. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Recommendations to Reduce Impacts to Wildlife ď‚— Route trails to avoid riparian or wetland areas, particularly in environments where they are uncommon. Consult with fish and wildlife specialists early in the planning of the trail phase. ď‚— For existing trails, consider discouraging or restricting access during sensitive times/seasons (e.g., mating or birding seasons) to protect wildlife from undue stress.
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Key Observations About the Environmental Impacts of Mountain Biking 1. Environmental degradation can be substantially avoided or minimized when trail users are restricted to designated formal trails. 2. Trail design and management are much larger factors in environmental degradation than the types or amount of use. 3. The environmental degradation caused by mountain biking is generally equivalent or less than that caused by hiking, and both are substantially less impacting than horse or motorized activities. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
The 11 Essential Elements of Sustainable Trails 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11.
Trail location Sustainable trail alignment Half rule Sustainable grade Maximum sustainable grade Grade reversals Outsloped Adapt trail design to soil texture Minimize user-caused soil displacement Prevent user-created soils Maintenance
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
VI. MANANGING USER CONFLICT Types of Conflict: o Environmental – The perception that mountain biking causes excessive trail damage and unacceptable environmental impacts. o Safety – The perception that mountain biking threatens the safety of the rider and other visitors. o Social – The perception that mountain bikers have goals and values that are incompatible with those of other users. Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
4 Solutions to User Conflict 1. Information and Education a.
Signs
b. Setting expectations c.
Paid staff trail patrols
d. Volunteer trail patrols
e.
Peer education
f.
Clinics
g. Handouts
h. Interpretive trails i.
Passing etiquette
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
4 Solutions to User Conflict 2. User Involvement and Partnerships a. Mountain bike clubs b. Trail advisory groups c. User group coalitions d. Volunteer trailwork e. Shared-use events
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
4 Solutions to User Conflict 3. Trail System Design a.
Provide adequate trail opportunities
b. Provide diverse trail experiences c.
Trail design to control speed
d. Spread them out e.
Concentrate use
f.
Use stacked loops
g. Think region wide h. Preferred-use and Single-use trails i.
One-way loops
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
4 Solutions to User Conflict 4. Regulations a.
Favor light handed management
b. Fair and logistical policies c.
Open communication with all user groups
d. Rules of the trail e.
Single use trails
f.
One-way trails
g. Alternating user restrictions h. Speed limits Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
VII. SAFETY AND RISK MANAGEMENT
At the most basic level, there are two trail related risk management goals: 1. 2.
Manage the risk on your trails. Minimize the threat and losses from lawsuits.
To accomplish these goals, you’ll need to tackle 3 things: 1. 2. 3.
Design trails appropriately Manage and maintain them consistently and responsibly Employ insurance coverage or other “risk transference” strategies, such as waivers.
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
16 Considerations for Risk Management Planning 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16.
Create a risk management team and designate a leader Write a philosophy plan Establish a trail design and construction policy Establish a trail inspection and maintenance policy Maintain the trail system consistent with policy Eliminate unreasonable hazards Develop an effective sign system Implement a trail difficulty rating system Institute rules and advise visitors Develop an emergency plan Purchase or review an insurance policy Create a record keeping system Develop an incident reporting and analysis system Deploy a trail patrol Recruit outside advisors Perform periodic reviews of the program
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Risk Management Best Practices 1. Design and construct the trail appropriately
2. Inspect and maintain the trail appropriately 3. Address unreasonable hazards and post warnings 4. Anticipate foreseeable activities and take reasonable steps to protect or warn users
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
VIII. MOUNTAIN BIKE PATROLS Bike patrols help manage trails by: o Enhancing visitor experiences • Providing trail information • Offering mechanical assistance to other bikers • Providing water, food, sunscreen and other amenities o Assisting land managers • Keeping tabs on trail conditions, hazards, and maintenance needs • Observing visitor and trail use trends • Helping with trail and sign maintenance • Educating users about trail etiquette, safety, and stewardship o Promoting trail stewardship • Providing information about proper trail use and local resources • Explaining policies to visitors • Organizing volunteer trail work projects o Incident response • Administering first aide for minor trail injuries • Helping to mobilize professional emergency medical services Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
10 Traits of Highly Successful Patrols 1. Professional and organized 2. Regularly communicate with patrol members 3. Are a part of the bike and trail community 4. Offer frequent training 5. Are visible and recognizable on the trail 6. Partner with local EMS providers to keep costs low 7. Are effective volunteer managers 8. Are media savvy and share their success 9. Are effective fundraisers 10. Keep it fun! Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
IX. SIGNS ď ś What signs accomplish o o o o o o o o o
Trail identification Route selection Route reassurance and confirmation Guidance to destinations and key points of interest Describe regulations and allowed users Location identification Visitor education about responsible recreation and trail etiquette Resource protection Risk and hazard description
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Types of Signage 1. Informational/Directional Signs a.
Trailhead identification signs
b. Trailhead signs c.
Primary trailheads
d. Secondary trailheads e.
Tertiary trailheads
f.
Trail intersection signs
g. Waymarks h. Difficulty rating system i.
Trail length and elevation gain/loss
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Types of Signage 2. Regulatory/Warning Signs a.
Visitor rules & regulations
b. Allowed activities c.
Warning signs
d. Road/trail intersections e.
Emergency signs
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
Types of Signage 3. Educational/Interpretive Signs a.
Responsible use
b. Interpretive signs
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
How to Rate a Trail 1. Rate technical challenge only 2. Collect trail measurements to measure technical challenge 3. Include difficulty and trail length on signs and maps 4. Evaluate difficulty relative to local trails 5. Use good judgment 6. Consider other trail qualities 7. Use common sense and seek input Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
IMBA Trail Difficulty Rating System
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
X. PROVIDING CHALLENGING TRAILS ď ś How to design challenging trails o Understand what advanced riders want o Look at the larger trail system o Determine shared use, preferred use, or single use o Develop risk management tools o Offer opportunities for all skill levels o Emphasize skill instead of consequences o Understand relative speed versus absolute speed o Provide clear sightlines o Make it flow o Provide optional lines o Anchor the trail o Install choke points o Modify the surface texture o Use gateways to filter visitors o Provide for skills progression o Provide appropriate fall zones o Make space between technical challenges Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
15 Steps for Building a Bike Park 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15.
Get permission and build a partnership Form a team and seek input Select a location Design a visually appealing facility Develop a risk management plan Develop an effective signage system Acquire insurance Develop a scheduled inspection and maintenance program Design the jumps and features Include jumps and obstacles for all abilities Develop a construction plan Consider hiring a professional builder Grade the site for drainage Encourage stewardship Plan for growth
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.
In Closing… “There will always be several solutions for each management challenge. One approach may have been developed by a federal land management agency decades ago, while another may have been recently devised by an IMBA expert. The solution you choose will depend on several factors, and the type and number of visitors you serve. It’s up to you – the land managers and volunteers – to choose the most appropriate methods and techniques for your particular situation.”
Webber, Pete. (2007). Managing Mountain Biking, IMBA's Guide to Providing Great Riding. Denver: Publication Printers Corp.