Calgary Mountain Bike Alliance

Education

IMBA
The City of Calgary's Cycling Policy on Undesignated Trails in Parkland
Rules of the Trail

See also:

CMBA's Position on Mountain Bicycle Use in Natural Area Parks
The CMBA Responsibility Code
Access: How To Keep It
Effective Letter Writing
How To Develop An Effective Grassroots Campaign

If you want to preserve your right to ride, you will need to be fully aware of the most recent literature on the subjects of trail conflict and closure, trail protocol and legal issues. The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has a great resource page available. Please check it out and familiarize yourself with the issues that currently threaten your right to ride. If there isn't an IMBA affiliated club in your neck of the woods already, what are you waiting for? IMBA can help you get your local chapter off the ground. Don't wait for a cycling ban... be proactive and make sure cyclist's points of view and concerns are represented in the development of your communities and trail areas.

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CMBA has been instrumental in preserving your right to ride trails in and around Calgary. With your help, we've assisted in the formulation of the City's Cycling Policy on Undesignated Trails in Parkland. This is the best thing that's happend to cycling in Calgary since the invention of the wheel... and Fish Creek Provincial Park is adopting the same policy as the City of Calgary! Is Parks Canada listening?

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Ride on open trails only

Respect trail and road closures (ask if not sure), avoid possible trespass on private land.

Leave no trace

Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Even on open trails, you should not ride under conditions where you will leave evidence of your passing, such as on certain soils shortly after a rain. Observe the different types of soils and trail construction. Practice low impact cycling. This also means staying on the trails and not creating any new ones.

Control your bike

Inattention for even a second can cause disaster. Excessive speeds maims and threatens people. There is no excuse for it! Observe posted speed limits on trails and pathway systems. Slow down even more if pedestrian or bicycle traffic is particularly heavy (such as near Prince's Island Park). Avoid skidding, especially on descents. Never cut switchbacks.

Always yield the trail

Make your approach well in advance. Ringing your bell is considerate and works well (and is the law in these parts); startling someone may cause loss of trail access. Show your respect when passing others by slowing to a walk or even stopping. Anticipate that other trail users may be around corners or blind spots.

Never spook critters

All animals (including dogs) are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others and for the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. In passing, use special care and follow the directions of horseback riders.

Plan Ahead

Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding - and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times. Wear a helmet, keep your machine in good condition and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions.

* Modified from IBMA's Rules of the Trail to address local riding conditions and laws.

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