Responsible Riding

Does anyone remember the debate mountain bikes caused back in the day? The concern over damage to trails, the natural environment, etc.?

Noting a post about riding over dunes on a fat bike, I was minded of all that controversy.

Things really have changed, generally speaking.

Yes, we still get gripes from hill walkers, etc., but mountain bikes have on the whole been embraced as just another method of accessing the environment around us.

That said, I still see riders leaving gates open. Crossing fields off the paths, often due to mud. (Hello, what are those things on your wheels for?) Littering, especially perturbing. Parking off designated areas causing damage to land. Riding irresponsibly on shared paths. Using paths signposted as closed due to lambing/shooting/etc. Wearing lurid clothing in an otherwise calm environment.

Now, I am sure walkers are equally guilty of some of these things, but anyone riding in the countryside should think about the effect their behaviour has on future access arrangements.

The debate about shared use of pedestrian rights of way continues, it is not beyond the imagination to see things reaching a point where the presumption that cycles are welcome wherever walkers roam is no longer the norm.

This is especially likely where previously public land has been sold off or handed to 'private' concerns, who have no brief to favour access.

Just a reminder, most of us would never need it but it always pays to think about what you are riding on in terms of the terrain as well as the bike between your legs.