Natural Trails- mountain biking etiquette and access
Mountain biking is a fantastic sport that offers many benefits for health and well being. However, as the sport increases in popularity over the years, I am often seeing more and more people on paths they shouldn’t be on. I have decided to do a quick blog on general etiquette and where you are allowed to ride.
This blog is specifically for England and Wales. It is different in Scotland as they have a different access rights.
Etiquette
Unlike purpose-built trail centres where the trails are normally pedestrian free, natural trails can often have many other users on them i.e. walkers and horse riders. You'll even come across off-road vehicles on certain rights of way.
When paths have multiple users there is a rule which consists of:
horse riders give way to walkers
cyclists give way to horse riders and walkers
motorized vehicles give way to everyone.
With this being said, people normally step aside when they see you coming so just slow down and be polite as everyone is there to enjoy the outdoors.
You can find loads of information on the country side code here. The key things to remember are:
Respect everyone.
Be considerate to those living in, working in and enjoying the countryside.
Leave gates and property as you find them.
Do not block access to gateways or driveways when parking.
Be nice, say hello, share the space.
Follow local signs and keep to marked paths unless wider access is available.
Access
There are several different rights of way that you are allowed on with a bicycle. I have listed these below. The symbols for each type of right of way can be found in the legend on any map (this is a key which every map has to show all of the symbols on the map and what they represent).
Bridleway – Permitted use for walkers, horse riders, cyclists.
Permissive bridleway (these are where the landowner has granted permission for use, they also can withdraw their permission). Permitted use for walkers, horse riders, cyclists.
Restricted byway - Permitted use for walkers, horse riders, horse drawn carriage, cyclists.
Byway - These are open to all forms of traffic – walkers, horse riders, cyclists and cars or other motor vehicle drivers.
National off road cycle route – These are traffic free routes. Those that are part of the National Cycle Network or are a national route have the addition of a red network number. Permitted use by cyclists.
Additionally, in certain areas, such as forestry land, there may be different rules on where you are allowed to ride i.e. some forests will allow cyclists on hard standing paths, even when it is not marked on the map. You can normally check for any additional access rights on the relevant website.
Top tip: Although a map can clearly show a route, it does not mean that the route will be visible on the ground when you are out riding. When you are looking at the map, if there is a black dashed line under your right of way it normally means there is a visible path.
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