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Mountainbikers' Code

"2009 MTB Code": The Mountain Bikers' Code - Be the Difference! The Land Access Committee of Mountain Bike NZ has been at it again, working on your behalf to ensure you have access to those trails you love to ride. A revamped Mountain Bikers' Code has been developed by MTBNZ in conjunction with track builders and land managers around the country and the Department of Conservation. You can greatly assist the land access cause by giving regard to the new code and promoting it to others. Mountain biking has come a long way since the first code was released. Trail networks have increased around the country, largely due to riders advocating for access and building new tracks. There has also been an increasing acceptance and respect for mountain biking from within our communities and other trail users that has undoubtedly aided this growth. Good off-road etiquette is clearly in the best interests of all mountain bikers as well as the individual rider - reducing track wear 'n' tear, staying in control and respecting other trail users, will ensure we enjoy access to existing trails and greatly assist in access to new trails. The new Code will support continued advocacy work by MTBNZ, BikeNZ and clubs into the future. So, the next time you're out riding the trails or building tracks, whether you have a role as a land manager, club web master or newsletter editor, or run events please take the opportunity to promote the Code. You will find the new Code is more universally applicable across different track types and regions, and is presented in number of user friendly formats for use on trailhead signs, ride guides, newsletters and web sites.

Etiquette for Horses and Mountainbikers

Remember: Horses are animals with minds of their own. Unlike a bike rider, someone on a horse does not always have total control over their horse... 

If you are on a multi-use trail where you may encounter horses, such as Waimea River Park, it is your responsibility to know what to do. 


What mountain bikers should do when they encounter a horse: 


1. Stop and get off your bike. Yes, you should get off your bike. This helps the horse recognize that you are a human (versus some weird thing with wheels attached to it). 


2. Communicate! This is probably the most important thing you can do. If the horse sees you standing there and not saying anything, instinct tells it that you are a predator. Say hello to the rider and try to strike up a conversation. This will calm the horse and also does wonders for relations between cyclists and equestrians. Talk about the weather or talk about the trail. Anything you can do to make a positive impression on the equestrian will help ALL mountain bikers. 


3. Ask the rider what you should do. Sometimes the rider will ask you to continue riding while they wait on the side of the trail. Sometimes they will pass through while you wait. Again, remember that horses have individual personalities and only the horse's owner/rider knows that personality. Trust their judgment.


4. Take EXTRA care if approaching the horse from behind. Horses can't see behind themselves very well, so approaching from behind can be dangerous to both the equestrian and the cyclist. Again, communication is critical: gently announce, well in advance, to let them know that you are approaching from behind. 


What NOT to do: 


1. Don't stand there silently. This makes the horse think you might be a predator and the horse might run as a result.


2. Don't speed past by the horse. This is almost certain to startle the horse which puts the equestrian and YOU in danger.


3. Don't do anything that might startle the horse. This might include yelling or making your brakes squeal.

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