Tactics for Dealing With Unauthorized Trails
Presented at the 2006 IMBA Summit/World Mountain Bike Conference
Speakers: Jim Richardson, Surrey Off-Road Cycling; Shawn Gurney, City of Surrey, BC; Mark Peterson, WHIMPS and Kona Bicycles
Facilitator: Woody Keen, Trail Dynamics
An unauthorized trail is any trail that the landowner has not built, authorized or recognized as legitimate. In this session, land managers and trail advocates explored management techniques and shared lessons.
General tips for managing unauthorized trails:
- Avoid closing trails without providing safe, legitimate alternatives
- Engage local riders and consult with them before closing a trail
- Both sides must be willing to make compromises
- Be patient - resolving a closure takes time
- Mountain bikers and land managers should cooperate to find solutions that work for everyone
- When possible, trail networks should accommodate a wide range of user groups and ability levels. There should be trail opportunities for beginning, intermediate and expert visitors
Alternatives to trail closures include:
- Reroute dangerous or damaging sections
- Enlist volunteer patrols to gain authorization
- Determine why the trail exists, and propose alternatives
Key techniques for closing a trail:
- Employ signage
- Use natural barriers
- Re-vegetate to make it look like nothing was ever there
- Enlist enforcement officers if necessary
- Do NOT construct barricades - they seldom work, and often inspire graffiti
- Build an alternative route adjacent to the closed trail
Additional IMBA Resources:
Unauthorized Trails - Do They Threaten Our Sport?
10 Common Trailbuilding Mistakes
Success Story: Going Big in Hood River
Closing and Reclaiming Damaged Trails
