They also evolve as my opinions, knowledge, thoughts and theories change; compare them now to the original post in Nov '09 and you can see how that has happened already.
- Think carefully about which trails to ride - even if it isn't 'authorised' for riding doesn't mean you shouldn't care. Consider the weather and season, too.
- Restraint is to be observed in sensitive areas e.g. Conservation Parks, around Bush for Life sites. Stay on formed trails only.
- Be extra mindful of the Native Vegetation and Wildlife in particular; stay on the trail to leave it in peace.
- If a trail has closure signs on it, observe and respect them. It's normally as the trails are being improved and developed or re-routed anyway, which means fun, new experiences, if you can just hold back a bit.
- The closer the trails are to civilisation, the more acceptable it is to share them.
- The smaller the amount of available trail an area has, the more reason we have to share it.
- Recreation Parks are for recreation. Recreation certainly encompasses riding.
- If the trail has no classification but walkers have been seen on it then it’s fair game to ride on. However, if you know it is meant to be closed for good reason, educate folks that still use it - be they riders walkers or anyone else.
- When encountering other users, always behave like you should on any shared trail; slow down, stop and yield as necessary, smile, have a chat. When you make a bit of effort, others do to. Even if it is hard work at times...
- If you continually encounter others, consider the value of the trail and when best to use it, if at all. Whilst sharing is fine, stopping every hundred metres isn't the greatest of riding. Furthermore, you are more likely to attract attention to yourself if not 'allowed' to be there or encounter one of "The Few" who will want to argue with you about your use of the trail. Not much fun...
- If you're riding at a peak-time - say, mid-morning on a warm, sunny weekend - take extra heed of the above point; adapt your route to the likely trail traffic as necessary.
- Do not hang around on any 'cheeky' trails - but always stay in control. Don't give walkers the extra ammo of being able to question our ability to share in a positive way, by playing up to their fears and presumptions.
- Ride happy! What you are doing is not wrong when on publicly owned land. It's there for us all - not for "The Few" to dictate over. If you're on private land... well, that's plain foolish. I don't want strangers in my actual backyard, why would others? Know where you are going.
- If someone says “Bikes are not allowed on here” or similar, reply with “And yet, here we are, sharing like adults, enjoying being outside" or the like. After all, you should have stopped and shown your ability to share the trail already.
- Don't get deeper than the above into any usage arguments on the trail - it generally only leads to a disagreement. Bid them "Adieu" and continue your ride. Remember, ride happy!
- If stopped by a Ranger, being smart won't help, but being reasonable, polite, knowledgeable of the facts and situation will give you a far better outcome to the situation. They have no right to touch or behave abusively to you (inc language), or confiscate your bike. They can accompany you to ensure you the leave the land under their control and request your name, which you must provide.
- If you ride a trail regularly, whether it's authorised or not - put something back in! If there is trail care, get involved, even if only once or twice a year. If it's pulling weeds or re-routing eroded sections of trail, it makes for a nicer experience. If nothing exists at all, at least pick up litter if you see it. Every little helps.
- If you bring it in, take it out. Don't litter. That should be a life skill, not just for on the trails. And that includes flat tubes. Leaving them on gates, fences or in a tree is not cool. This always applies - even if you are racing. In fact, especially then.
