Issue
Friends of Pathways has recognized a community need to develop a concise clear message regarding pathway and trail ethics, safety, and encouragement. This is best addressed by a multi-layered, coordinated partnership with an overall campaign concept of respect and responsibility that land managers, local government, and community organizations can tailor to unique situations and different user groups.
Central concepts are “respect” – be respectful, be courteous of others and nature; and “responsibility” – understand our responsibilities to share the trails and pathways, protect wildlife, and help teach others lifelong stewardship values.
The Solution
Create an integrated and effective campaign called “R&R – Respect and Responsibility” that will encourage stewardship and appropriate behavior to:
- Build awareness
- Convey a clear, consistent message
- Get people to focus on their own behavior – what they can do, not what others should do
- Convey clear expectations – what is the specific desired behavior
- Roll out an ad campaign for the summer of 2007 with partner groups
Friends of Pathways Role
Friends of Pathways is a founding partner in an exciting new campaign called “R&R – Respect and Responsibility.” This campaign aims to teach and encourage good behavior on trails and pathways, and promotes sustainable trail ethics for all trail users. Working with other non-profits, the National Forest, and Jackson Hole Community Pathways, FoP will assist in developing and implementing these multi-year education and encouragement campaigns.
Friends of Pathways is an established partner with government agencies for ongoing stewardship of our local pathways and trail systems. FoP will continue to invest time and efforts into specific projects, such as new Greater Snow King Area and Teton Pass Area trail maps and information guides. We will also continue to work on a new Safety Campaign underway for the Jackson Hole Community Pathways. Friends of Pathways will help our members stay involved in stewardship campaigns such as R&R – Respect and Responsibility.
Public Action
Building a sense of shared responsibility and respect for our pathways, trails and natural resources requires public support and involvement. Friends of Pathways members and all trails and pathways users have an important role to play in this ongoing stewardship.
Friends of Pathway will help you understand the simple rules of the trails and pathways, and provide opportunities for you to help comment on the ongoing process of stewardship. The best outcomes often come from effective public participation, and FoP will be one of the lead community partners in encouraging appropriate public use of trails and pathways.
Please sign up for our e-mail alerts, and Friends of Pathways will keep you informed and provide the specifics on how you can help. FoP will do the hard work of researching pathway and trail stewardship plans and provide useful factual summaries to best utilize your time and maximize your effectiveness in commenting.
More Information
KEY ELEMENTS OF THE R&R CAMPAIGN
- Greet before you meet. For dog owners this means asking if it is OK if their dog approaches another person or dog; for horse riders this means saying hi and asking if person needs passing instructions; for mountain bikers and runners this means providing warning around blind corners or when approaching others from behind and negotiating safe passing.
- Thank others for their courteous behavior
- Adopt an attitude of sharing the trail with all users; no use has more rights than others.
- Let others know how many are in your group when passing.
- Be able to hear other people approaching so consider leaving the headphones at home or at least keeping volume low enough to hear others.
Rules of the Trail for Mountain Bikes
The way we ride today shapes mountain bike trail access tomorrow. Do your part to preserve and enhance mountain bike access and image by observing the following rules of the trail, formulated by IMBA, the International Mountain Bicycling Association. These rules are recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. Following these rules will help to promote mountain bicycling that is environmentally sound and socially responsible. Friends of Pathways is a member organization of IMBA, which has developed the following Rules of the Trail.
1. Ride On Open Trails Only
Respect trail and road closures (ask if uncertain); avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. Federal and state Wilderness areas are closed to cycling. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
2. Leave No Trace
Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice low-impact cycling. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage. When the trailbed is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don't cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.
3. Control Your Bicycle!
Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations.
4. Always Yield Trail
Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.
5. Never Scare Animals
All animals are startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement, or a loud noise. This can be dangerous for you, others, and the animals. Give animals extra room and time to adjust to you. When passing horses use special care and follow directions from the horseback riders (ask if uncertain). Running cattle and disturbing wildlife is a serious offense. Leave gates as you found them, or as marked.
6. Plan Ahead
Know your equipment, your ability, and the area in which you are riding -- and prepare accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times, keep your equipment in good repair, and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction to you and not a burden to others. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.
Keep trails open by setting a good example of environmentally sound and socially responsible off-road cycling.
