Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance - Access: How To Keep It

Education

Access: How To Keep It

by Jody Wasend, adapted from Climbing #195

There is no denying it, mountain cycling is "in," all the yuppies are doing it and it is getting more and more press, both negative and positive. How can you insure the yuppie (you and I) and everybody else does not get cyclists banned from trails? A few simple concepts should be followed.

Minimize YOUR impact. First, all cyclists, in fact all outdoor enthusiasts, even the drumbeaters, spirits of the land, and tree-hugging sensitive types have to accept this: Our recreational activities have an effect on the land. As soon as we get over ourselves and admit that we do have an impact the sooner we can begin to minimize that impact.

Some No-no's include: do not crush delicate vegetation with your feet, wheels, or Fido, don't cut trails through fragile land, don't skid through a corner, don't ride side by side on singletrack, if you want to race then enter a race, showing off signals the presence of an idiot. Some obvious no-no's that some people never get include, holding an impromptu rock concert in the trailhead parking lot with your car stereo, throwing your trash on the ground, going to the bathroom anywhere but the outhouse, and not picking up after Fido.

Build a partnership between cyclists and land managers. As soon as the first tread hits the trail get in touch with the local land managers and explain what mountain cycling is all about, take them out for a ride. This is your land (Crown land, parks), and you have the right to recreate on it, but it is also a habitat for plants and animals and may have cultural or archeological significance. Prompt dialogue with land-management specialists is the best way to identify and address any concerns, and avoid serious conflicts down the road. Don't wait for a problem to occur before something is done. By talking to land managers you can find out their concerns and express yours, and put a proactive system into place.

Publicity awareness. Make sure land managers know how important an area is to you, not only from a recreational aspect but from a cultural, personal, environmental aspect as well. Think about more than just the ride.

If your favorite trail is about to become a destination warn the land manager. Tell the land manager what may happen and how other "destination" trails have managed the onslaught of "foreigners." If land managers know of forthcoming pressures then you have made a good impression. Remember, first impressions only happen once.

Educate in conjunction with land management agencies. Land managers have a job, to manage the land. Usually land managers are trained to manage the land, you on the other hand, are not. Do not assume you know more about land management than the land manager and then go out and blow your own horn to the world. Working with land managers to publish brochures, explain practices, educate the public leads to good will and trust between all parties. Going your separate ways usually insures a high level of distrust between groups.

Events and activism. Sure, sometimes what is needed is some good old placard waving protesting but use this as a last resort. By hosting events with land management agencies such as garbage pick-ups, slide-shows, membership drives (local historical group and user groups), trust and understanding are gained. Use any proceeds to fund local trail days and other events. Try to turn your complaint into positive action by finding a midway point, some common ground and work with that.

Advocacy organizations. If you have not done so already join IMBA and your local advocacy group (CMBA in Calgary). Donate at least 20 hours a year to trail work, $20 dollars to IMBA and $20 dollars to CMBA. Volunteer with your local advocacy group, they more than likely need the help. Most advocacy groups are run entirely by volunteers, especially at the local level. Also, don't complain about volunteers, they do not have to be there. They are doing whatever they do on their own time without pay and most often without much acknowledgement of thanks. Give them a pat on the back and if you have a complaint then step up to the plate and contribute. Remember your right to access will ALWAYS be at risk.