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1. Always Yield- Even if at times it seems inconvenient. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters. Remember, bicycles in the back-country are a new experience for horses and hikers. 2. Pass With Care-Let others know of your presence well in advance. Use a chime or audible greeting to avoid startling others. Be especially careful when passing a horse, as each will react differently; stop and ask the rider for instructions. By asking if the horse is easily spooked, you show an awareness of the rider's needs. Sometimes it may be necessary to dismount and remove your bike from the trail to allow others to pass. 3. Stay On Trails -Riding cross-country damages meadows and other fragile ecosystems. Never cut switchbacks as this accelerates erosion. Be aware of the type of soil you plan to ride on. Never ride on muddy trails and carry your bicycle around muddy spots. 4. Control Your Speed - Safe speeds are relative to terrain and your experience as a rider. Be able to stop safely without skidding in the distance that you can see ahead. Approach switchbacks and turns in anticipation of someone coming around the bend. 5. Respect Wildlife and Livestock - Do not frighten animals. Close gates as you pass through, unless it appears obvious that they have been intentionally left open. 6. Do Not Litter - Pack out what you pack in, and if possible, carry out more than your share. 7. Ride Only On Authorized Trails - Check with local authorities regarding open trails and conditions, and with landowners regarding private land access. Stay off trails that are closed to bicycles! 8. Plan Ahead - The off-road bicycle will open new horizons to you. Some of these should be approached with respect. If distances are involved, do not travel solo. Expect weather changes. Leave word where you plan to go and when you plan to return. 9. Minimize Impacts- The practice of minimum impact wilderness use is the philosophy of the responsible offroad cyclist. Take only pictures. 10. Wear A Helmet At All Times. The Bicycle Trails Council of Marin was formed in 1987 to promote safe, responsible mountain biking. The BTC is dedicated to the acceptance of mountain biking as a legitimate and environmentally sound use of the land. The BTC works to educate bikers, as well as other users, of local regulations and proper trail etiquette. The BTC serves as an advocate for the mountain biking community. We organize and direct efforts by mountain bikers to become involved in the conservation, administration and maintenance of the public lands of Marin. The BTC meets with the various land agencies and is politically active in supprting our belief that mountain bikers should be treated as equal members of the outdoor user community. The BTC is an all volunteer organization that depends completely upon
the involvement of our members. Please join us in our efforts to keep the
public land open to us.
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