The Complete Guide to Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette: Let Everyone Enjoy the Mountains

Introduction: Why Trail Etiquette Matters

Mountain biking in Taiwan is booming, with more and more people embracing trail riding. However, as rider numbers increase, conflicts on the trails are becoming more frequent: friction between mountain bikers and hikers, damage to the environment, unpleasant encounters between riders… If these issues are not addressed, they may ultimately lead to trails being closed to bicycles.

There are already many cases around the world where entire trails have been permanently closed to mountain bikes due to the inappropriate behavior of a few riders. In Taiwan, we are fortunate to have abundant mountain resources, but this resource needs every rider to help protect it.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of all aspects of mountain bike trail etiquette, from the internationally recognized IMBA guidelines to situation-specific advice for Taiwan, helping you become a rider welcomed by both the mountains and other trail users.

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1. IMBA International Mountain Bicycling Association Guidelines

The International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) has established globally recognized trail riding rules, known as the “Rules of the Trail.” Here are the six core principles:

1. Ride Open Trails

• Confirm that the trail allows bicycle access
• Respect any signage indicating closed or under-maintenance sections
• Do not create new trails on your own
• Respect private property boundaries

In Taiwan, many trails do not clearly indicate whether bicycles are permitted. It is recommended to check the regulations of the Forestry Bureau or local government in advance, or confirm with the local riding community.

2. Leave No Trace

• Take all trash with you (including energy bar wrappers and bottle caps)
• Do not relieve yourself on the trail
• Avoid riding on muddy sections that could create deep ruts
• Do not pick plants or disturb wildlife

3. Control Your Bicycle

• Always maintain a speed at which you can stop safely
• Slow down before corners with limited visibility
• Dismount and walk if your technical skills are insufficient
• Do not ride beyond the limits of your ability

4. Yield Appropriately

This is the most important and most often overlooked principle:

• Mountain bikers yield to pedestrians: Always give way to hikers
• Mountain bikers yield to horses: Less common in Taiwan, but very important abroad
• Descending riders yield to ascending riders: Climbers have the right of way (because restarting is difficult)
• Announce yourself when overtaking from behind: Say a friendly “hello” or “coming through” as you approach

5. Never Scare Animals

• Slow down when approaching animals
• Stay quiet around livestock
• Stop and wait for wildlife to move away when encountered

In Taiwan’s mountains, you may encounter Formosan macaques, muntjacs, snakes, and other wildlife. Keep your distance, and do not chase or feed them.

6. Plan Ahead

• Understand the trail difficulty and distance
• Bring enough food and water
• Inform family or friends of your riding plan
• Carry basic repair tools and first-aid supplies

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2. Special Etiquette for Riding Trails in Taiwan

Interacting with Hikers

Taiwan’s trails and paths are often shared with hikers. Here are recommended ways to interact:

When approaching:

• Start slowing down from a distance
• Alert them in a friendly voice: “Hello, bicycle coming through, thank you”
• Do not ring your bell aggressively or shout loudly
• If they do not hear you, wait patiently or speak up gently once more

On narrow sections:

• If the trail only fits one person, mountain bikers should stop and let hikers pass first
• Dismount and stand to the side, keeping your bike on the mountainside
• Smile and greet them to show a friendly attitude

When riding in a group:

• The first rider should warn that more riders are coming behind
• For example: “There are three more behind us, please excuse us”
• The last rider to pass should say “Thank you, we’re the last ones”

Interacting with Other Mountain Bikers

Riding toward each other:

• Descending riders yield to ascending riders
• If the ascending rider voluntarily gives way (for example, stopping at a wide spot), wave in thanks
• On technical sections, whoever arrives first has the right of way

Catching up from behind:

• Do not overtake from behind without warning
• At a wide spot, politely ask: “Mind if I pass?”
• When being overtaken, do not speed up to race
• Say thanks after passing

Around Temples and Indigenous Communities

Many trails in Taiwan pass by temples or indigenous communities. These areas require extra respect:

• Slow down and keep noise down when passing temples
• Do not ride through community areas at high speed
• Respect local culture and customs
• If there are signs prohibiting entry, be sure to obey them

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3. Environmental Protection and Trail Maintenance

Rainy Days and Muddy Trails

Core principle: Do not ride when the trail is muddy.

This is a key point many riders overlook. Riding on muddy trails creates deep ruts that, once dried, become gullies and accelerate trail erosion. The damage caused by a single rainy-day ride can take months or even years to recover naturally.

How to judge:

• If your tires sink more than 1 cm deep, the trail is likely too soft
• If clear mud tracks are left behind your tires, you should stop riding
• Wait at least 24-48 hours after heavy rain before riding trails

Trail Erosion Caused by Braking

Locking up the rear wheel (skidding) is one of the main causes of trail damage. A locked rear wheel scrapes grooves into the trail surface, which become starting points for water erosion.

Proper braking technique:

• Use the front brake as the primary braking force (about 70%)
• Use the rear brake for stability and assistance
• Avoid prolonged brake dragging
• Complete your braking before the corner, not while in it

Giving Back Through Trail Maintenance

As trail users, we have a responsibility to give back through trail maintenance:

• Participate in local trail maintenance volunteer events
• Report trail damage to the managing authorities
• Remove small obstacles from the trail (fallen branches, loose rocks)
• If you have the means, support trail maintenance organizations

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4. Safety-Related Etiquette

Speed Management

On public trails, your speed affects not only your own safety but also the safety of other users.

• Corners with limited visibility: Reduce your speed so you can stop within your field of vision
• Sections with pedestrians: Your speed should not exceed a jogging pace
• Descents: Always anticipate that someone may be climbing up ahead
• Busy holidays: Ride more conservatively than on weekdays

When an Accident Occurs

If you witness or are involved in an accident:

1. Stop immediately and check if anyone is injured
2. Call 119 or 112 if necessary
3. Provide basic first aid
4. Record the location and time of the incident
5. If there is a question of liability, exchange contact information

Gear Is Also Etiquette

• A helmet is basic respect (for yourself and for those who might have to rescue you)
• Lights are essential at dawn and dusk
• A bell is a great tool for friendly alerts

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5. Group Riding Etiquette

Before Departure

• Make sure everyone understands the route and difficulty
• Agree on meeting points and waiting rules
• Confirm everyone’s equipment and physical condition
• Designate a lead rider and a sweep rider

During the Ride

• Maintain proper spacing (at least 3-5 meters)
• When the front rider encounters obstacles or pedestrians, call out loudly to pass the message back
• Wait for riders behind at intersections
• Do not let anyone ride alone and get left behind

After the Ride

• Confirm everyone has returned safely to the starting point
• Do not leave any trash behind
• Check that the parking area is tidy

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6. Social Media Etiquette

In the age of social media, every photo and video we share shapes the image of mountain biking.

What You Should Do

• Share beautiful mountain scenery
• Showcase safe riding practices
• Promote trail maintenance activities
• Encourage proper trail etiquette

What You Should Not Do

• Do not show off dangerous riding on social media
• Do not publicly share the locations of unauthorized trails
• Do not ignore safety for the sake of a good video shot
• Do not spread content that damages trails

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Conclusion: We Are All Guests of the Mountains

The core spirit of mountain biking trail etiquette can be summed up in one sentence: Leave the trail better than you found it.

Every trail we ride is a gift from nature and the result of the careful maintenance of those who came before us. When we follow etiquette, respect the environment, and honor other users, we are not just protecting our own riding privileges—we are preserving these precious trail resources for the next generation of riders.

Remember, in the mountains, we are always guests. Ride every trail with the humility and gratitude of a guest.

Related Reading

• Cycling Etiquette and Safety Culture: Code of Conduct for Shared Bike Lanes in Taiwan
• Group Riding Etiquette for Taiwan Road Cycling Clubs: Group Riding Rules, Hand Signals, Hazard Calls, and Emergency Response
• E-Mountain Bike Trail Etiquette: The Harmonious Coexistence of Technology and the Mountains
• Taiwan’s Off-Road Riding Environment: A General Overview of Trails and Industrial Roads, and Concepts of Mountain Access Regulations