Hikers vs. Bikers: Trail Use Conflicts
Trail 401 in Crested Butte, CO is open to hikers and bikers
Trail use conflicts between hikers and mountain bikers have been around almost since the birth of mountain biking in the 1970s and although relations seem to be improving there are still those on either side who just can’t seem to get along. As a hiking mountain biker I can see both sides and I’m hopeful that both hikers and mountain bikers can continue to coexist on popular trails.
Some hiking enthusiasts argue that mountain bikes cause excessive erosion but studies have shown this is simply not the case. Mountain bikes do cause some erosion but it’s comparable to the erosion cased by foot traffic and less impactful than equestrian traffic. In fact mountain bikers are giving back to the trails in record numbers to improve and maintain existing multi-use routes. In my area mountain bikers are better organized than hiking groups and contribute the majority of the work to local trail systems enjoyed by everyone.
Admittedly encountering a mountain biker screaming down the trail can be a jarring and annoying experience when you’re hiking and I honestly think twice before hiking a trail where I know mountain bikes are ridden. When I’m on the mountain bike I try to be mindful of this and slow to approach hikers and look them in the eye with a pleasant greeting. We’re all on the trail for the same reason - to enjoy the great outdoors - and when you’ve seen both sides you can be much more empathetic. As a hiker I try to step off the trail if possible when I hear a mountain biker approaching, even though bikes should technically yield to hikers. A little consideration on both sides goes a long way.
Many trails are designated hiking or biking only and while this eliminates potential conflicts it seems to reinforce the idea that hikers and mountain bikers can’t coexist. As I hiker I prefer trails that are closed to bikes just because it makes them seem more exclusive but is that what we really want - to rope off parts of the outdoors to certain user groups? Let’s all just get along.
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Tags: mountain biking
June 29th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
I agree that mountain biking and hiking can have some conflicts. As both a hiker and mountain biker, the trails I want to hike can’t be ridden on a mountain bike even if it is allowed, if you catch my drift. So if you want to go out and hike on some trails that aren’t going to require a whole lot of climbing and effort expect to see mountain bikers. If you want to get away from bikers go hike up a steep trail with fallen trees, sorry mountain biking is here to stay and growing.