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Ride Vibes

Spread Positivity on the Trails

IMBA Ride Vibes are an educational, pro-bike advocacy tool to promote respect, inclusivity, safety and enjoyment on the trails. Ride Vibes can cultivate a positive community for all people and all levels of experience within mountain biking, and across trail user groups. Here’s to good trail vibes for all.

Jess The Maker x Trails are Common Ground

We are all trail users with a common goal of enjoying the outdoors and, as such, we're much more alike than we realize! By being kind and considerate towards each other, we can recreate together and make our experience more enjoyable.

Spread Good Trail Vibes

BEFORE YOU GO:

Three mountain bikers talking mid-ride.
Photo courtesy of: Liz Chrisman
Have a kind state of mind.

Being kind benefits all situations: sharing the trail, caring for the environment, and acting as good overall ambassadors for the sport. Let’s set good examples, welcome everyone, and be nice.

THOR Trail Equity
IMBA Ride Vibes: Ride Open Trails
Know (and ride) open trails.

Not all trails are open to mountain bikes. Not all trails open to mountain bikes are open to e-MTBs. Some trails close seasonally to protect wildlife, or temporarily close for damage or repair. Some trails only open for bikes on certain days of the week. Some trails are one-way travel only. There’s a lot to know! Know before you go.

Be Prepared
Be prepared.

Be self-sufficient and safe on the trail. Have the tools and know-how to fix a flat, make minor repairs, carry enough water and snacks, and know where you’re going. Carry a map or have a mapping app on your fully charged phone. Don’t get lost!

Pre-Ride Checklist

ON THE TRAIL:

Share the trail sign
Be aware and share the trail.

In many places, hikers, trail runners, equestrians, and/or motorized users all share our right to enjoy the trails. The classic IMBA triangle trail sign shows that mountain bikers yield to both horses and foot traffic. When in doubt, yield with a hello and a smile!

Bells4Bikes
Stay in control, IMBA ride vibes
Stay in control.

For our own safety and the safety of others, it’s critical we stay in control of our bikes at all times. We should be aware of blind corners— assume a child or a horse is just around the bend. Let's all ride with caution and care.

Getting young kids on bikes
Respect the land, IMBA Ride Vibes
Respect the land.

Let’s preserve the land and the efforts of trail builders by staying off muddy trails and always practicing Leave No Trace principles. When letting others pass, stop riding and carefully step off the trail to protect the environment and to keep singletrack single.

Respecting the land with Crankjoy
Keep tech in check
Keep tech in check.

Wearing earbuds limits our awareness on the trail, getting caught up in virtual racing can be dangerous, and all of us on mountain bikes and eMTBs should heed speed and safety guidelines.

eMTB Etiquette
Mind all animal
Mind all animals.

Give animals plenty of space, including wildlife, livestock, equestrians, and fellow trail users’ fidos. When we take our dogs to the trails, we must follow leash laws, leave no trace, and train our dogs to be as respectful of other trail users – human and non – as we are.

Passing Horses Safely

AND ALSO:

get involved
Get involved!

Joining an IMBA Local Partner or other local trail group keeps you in the know, helps you become a steward of the trails you ride and the sport you love, and connects you to the community. Find IMBA Local Partners here or search for other trails groups near you.

MORE Trail Liaisons

Beyond two wheels

Access to trails is a privilege we acknowledge. We can safeguard this privilege through our actions for the land and our actions toward one another.

hellbenders
Have a Kind State of Mind
How a youth team in West Virginia is stewarding trails and spreading kindness in the community
Hellbenders Youth Team
Photo courtesy of: Sarah Elkins
NICA Teen Trail Corps
Get Involved
Developing a Culture of Service Through Youth MTB
NICA Teen Trail Corps
Photo courtesy of: Aaron Puttcamp
Baja Divide
Be Prepared
A roundup of the best trail signs submitted by the MTB community
Trail Signs
Photo courtesy of: @gabrielamadeus
Two women laughing, one riding while the other stands nearby to coach her
Have a Kind State of Mind
Etiquette and Empowerment on the Trail
MTB Adventures with Izzy
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