Open letter to all SWIMBA members,

This Spring, an important group of foothills trail users (dog owners) came very close to losing the kind of access to the Ridge to Rivers trails that they have traditionally enjoyed. Are mountain bikers next? Certainly there are plenty of trail systems that have banned or restricted mountain bikes. What about our community? Usage of the foothills trails by all user groups has increased drastically. At the same time, behavior has eroded. If you are like me, you have seen an increase in mountain bikers not yielding when they should, not slowing down for others, riding off of the trail and demonstrating general disregard for others.

Most mountain bikers obey the rules and treat other users with respect. Nevertheless, when some bikers behave badly, the memories last along time. This makes us all look bad.

As president of SWIMBA, I have received numerous emails this Spring complaining about mountain bikers’ lack of trail etiquette. Ridge to Rivers rangers also report problems. Internet discussions on Yahoo Idaho Outdoors and IdahoStatesman.com have featured threads in which many posters are critical of mountain bikers. I am also aware of at least two riders who have been injured this season by other riders who weren’t following the posted rules of the trail.

Why does this matter? We bike on public land. Our access to Ridge to Rivers and other trails depends on the good will of both the general public and the trail using public. Further, each trail user’s experience and safety depends the behavior of others on the trail. If you are not familiar with the rules of the trail, I urge you to visit the education section of SWIMBA.net.

However, even those of us who ALWAYS abide by the rules still need to consider changing our behavior:

1) If your riding companions don't practice proper etiquette, call them on it!

2) If you see strangers riding irresponsibly, point it out!

3) When you see riders doing the right thing, such as yielding, thank them.

You don’t have to be confrontational or even criticize. Instead, mention the correct behavior or the consequences of the incorrect behavior (“SWIMBA and the other user groups are really encouraging everyone to slow down for joggers, hikers and equestrians.” “I recently read that when people ride off the trail, it destroys single track”). Research shows that when errant riders understand that their behavior is inconsistent with the community’s expectations, they will change. Only by acting collectively can we make those expectations clear.

When he was in Boise recently, Gary Fisher called the foothills trails one of the best systems anywhere. Of course we all knew that. Let’s work together to keep them that way and to ensure that our access remains.

Thanks,

David Thomas, President

SWIMBA