Blog - Kindness on the Trail: How Small Gestures Can Make Big Impacts

Kindness on the Trail: How Small Gestures Can Make Big Impacts

Ready to be a trailblazer with a heart of gold? Conquer the trails with your stellar bike skills and spread good vibes like summer wildflowers.

Trails are shared spaces. Following Responsible Riding and Rules of the Trail, outlined by the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA), allows everyone to experience and preserve the outdoors for years. A sprinkle of kindness, a dash of etiquette, and a dollop of respect can transform your biking escapade into a harmonious adventure for everyone.

Why is trail etiquette important?

Trail etiquette allows everyone to enjoy the outdoors. With more users on the trail, we all have to do our part to follow trail rules. Good trail manners promote safety and courtesy while protecting our open spaces. They also create a ripple effect of positivity, making the outdoor experience enjoyable for all.

Ready to rule the trail with grace? Here are six important Rules of the Trail we should all abide by:

Rules of the Trail

Respecting the trail means respecting others and the environment. IMBA has set some golden rules to ensure trail harmony. Let’s break them down:

Ride on open trails only:
Trails are closed for two reasons: wildlife protection and preservation. In the spring, many trails are closed to accommodate wildlife patterns, especially elk calving. Imagine biking through an elk’s nursery—not cool. When people don’t respect trail closures, they negatively impact wildlife and make it harder to work with land managers to propose new trails.
Secondly, trails are closed if they’re muddy. Riding on them can turn pristine paths into muddy messes by creating ruts, widening the trail, and destabilizing topsoil. Think of it as trail karma: treat the path well, and it will reward you with smooth riding for years to come.
Leave no trace
Mother Nature is not your trash bin; no one is here to pick up after you. Pack out what you pack in. This rule is simple: don’t leave behind wrappers, bottles, or any other trash. Leave the trail as beautiful as you found it, if not better.
Control your bike
Speeding down a trail might give you an adrenaline rush, but it can be dangerous if you’re flying around a blind corner and encounter another trail user. Maintain control at all times and ride within your limits to avoid accidents. Remember, a controlled ride is a safe ride.
Yield to others
Sharing is caring. You’re not the only one on the trail.
Uphill riders, hikers, and horses always have the right of way. When approaching from behind, politely announce your presence. A friendly “on your left” or “rider behind” can go a long way in preventing surprises.
Never scare animals
Wildlife encounters are a treat—don’t ruin them by startling the animals. Slow down and give them space. Sometimes, you might need to pull out a trail snack and give them a few minutes (and plenty of room) to pass through.
Plan ahead
Colorado weather is as fickle as life is—so come prepared, be ready to pivot, and enjoy the ride. Check the weather and trail conditions, and have the necessary gear. A few essential items we always have on hand:
- Basic bike repair kit with tire levers, a bike multitool, mini-pump, and tubes.
- First Aid kit
- Water
- Snacks
- An extra layer or rain jacket
- Phone (for maps and emergencies)

Being prepared means handling surprises like a pro and keeping the ride rolling smoothly.

E-bike Etiquette

E-bike enthusiasts, you’ve got some extra responsibility, and your role in maintaining trail harmony is crucial. In addition to the IMBA rules and responsible riding, there are specific guidelines.

Always yield to pedestrians and slower-moving cyclists.

You’ve got the power of pedal assist—use it wisely. A bike path, like the Eagle Valley Trail, is actually a multi-use path. In addition to bikers, there are walkers, runners, mama’s pushing strollers, and little kids on Striders. When overtaking other trail users, slow down below 10 mph and give pedestrians and other slower cyclists the right of way. Many of them may have music or a podcast on, so you can’t count on them hearing you. A bell or a friendly heads-up can make a huge difference.

Know where it’s legal to ride your e-bike.

Class 1: Pedal assist, no throttle, max speed 20 mph.
Class 2: Throttle and pedal assist, max speed 20mph.
Class 3: Pedal assist, no throttle, speedometer, max speed 28 mph.

Class 1 and 2 e-bikes (when governed to a max speed of 20 mph) are typically allowed on bike paths and pedestrian lanes, but Class 3 bikes belong in designated bike lanes and roadways.

E-bikes are allowed on motorized trails but not on non-motorized trails on BLM land. This means most bike trails in the Vail Valley DO NOT allow e-bikes.

Where can you ride your e-bike?

Vail Mountain: Class 1 e-bikes only.
Beaver Creek Mountain: Class 1 e-bikes only.
Arrowhead Mountain: Class 1 e-bikes are allowed on public trails through private property.
Eagle Valley Recreation Path: Class 1 and 2 e-bikes only. E-bikes are not permitted on Vail Pass. They must stop at the gate past the Gore Creek Campground.

Be overly respectful to others.

E-bikes are faster than any other trail user. Overtake other riders with care and kindness, especially as they work hard to keep up. They might not be able to match your speed, but they deserve the same trail respect.

Volunteer opportunities

Looking to give back to the trails you love? Join the Vail Valley Mountain Trails Alliance (VVMTA) for an evening of trail maintenance. Volunteering helps preserve the trails and fosters a strong sense of community and stewardship. It’s also a wonderful opportunity to meet fellow bike enthusiasts and earn some trail karma points.

Remember, trail etiquette isn’t just about following the rules; it’s about fostering a community of respect, kindness, and joy on the trails. Every small gesture—from yielding the right of way to packing out your trash—contributes to a better experience for all trail users. Next time you gear up for a ride, remember: your kindness on the trail makes a significant impact.