Mountain biking in San Francisco is a challenge. This is what makes it so incredibly fun. The techniques of riding on the urban dirt are different and require a grittier interpretation and refinement of trail skills which are normally employed. Mountain biking in San Francisco is more unpredictable, faster changing, riskier, and with more chances of car/bike/pedestrian/dog interaction than is biking in "regular" outdoor recreation areas of greater environmental stature. When riding in a mixed environment of trails, roads, traffic, intersections and sidewalks, the urban rider must be highly adept at judging other moving objects, skilled at precise speed-control & maneuvering, and highly respectful of other people.

Many responsible mountain biking organizations such as IMBA and ROMP have determined mountain biking "Rules of The Trail". These rules are generally recognized around the world as the standard code of conduct for mountain bikers. They are listed below along with some, um, amendments which are required when applying these rules to San Francisco mountain biking.

1. Ride On Open Trails Only - Respect trail and road closures; avoid trespassing on private land; obtain permits or other authorization as may be required. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies. In San Francisco, however, there are places that are closed to bikes but which are crucial elements of the linked San Francisco trail system, namely Golden Gate Park and the Presidio. Until the park land managers recognize the need for sustainable mountain bike trails on public land, illegal riding is unavoidable in these areas. This contradiction is troubling to us at sftmb.com and we will work to open legal, sustainable trails within the closed regions until true multi-use trails are a reality.

2. Leave No Trace - Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Recognize different types of soils and trail construction; practice "soft 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. One thing that is unique to coastal riding, especially in San Francisco, is that the trails are often very sandy. This sandy trailbed composition will create a different riding condition when it gets wet: when sandy trails are wet, they become more hard packed and better to ride. Really dry sand becomes soft and hard to ride in. Wet sand is packed and better for riding. Many of the trails in San Francisco are not pure sand but a sand/dirt mix (S.F. was mostly built on a sand dune after all). You don't want to ride immediately after a heavy rain in S.F. but damp trails in the city are ideal.

3. Control Your Bicycle - Inattention for even a second can cause problems. Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations. Keep your weight back and be prepared to brake without skidding or locking up the real wheel.

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 that you should slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely.

4a. How to Pass Hikers on a Trail - Be extremely courteous to other trail users. Respect other trail users and they'll return the favor. For many people, mountain biking on "trails" in the city is a ludicrous concept. Most people on a stroll on a city trail don't expect to be passed by a bicycle or confronted by bike coming the other direction. Most people who don't ride bikes have no idea what "on your left" means. If you say this it may actually cause them to move to the left, causing an accident! Here are a few steps to follow when passing another user: Greet the hiker - a simple "howdy" or "hi, nice day !" will do. If you have a bell, ring it once or twice when you are a reasonable distance away to let them know of you are there. Slow down (!) to about the same speed as the hiker. Failure to do so can cause them to panic and consider writing a letter of complaint to whomever owns the land you are riding on. If the trail is too narrow for both you and the hiker, then you must stop and yield the trail to them. If they wave you on, you may go ahead. You may wish to decline and insist that they pass and chat about something you've observed as they go by. Our sport needs all the friends it can get. If you are approaching from behind, and the hiker appears confused and stops in the middle of the trail, then you should stop and politely say something like "pardon me, may I pass on your left ?" Small children and elderly people may not know how to behave around cyclists, so be polite!

4b. How to Deal With Horses on a Trail - There are horse trails in Golden Gate Park (as well as a stable). Horses can be rented near Fort Funston and ridden up the length of Ocean Beach, though this is unlikely to conflict with any biking. Even though I have no idea how one would ride a horse down the Park/Presidio Connector Trail, I have also seen clearly defined hoof marks on rides there. When passing a horse and rider from behind, you must call out first, slow down, and pass very slowly as you talk and say hello. When passing a horse and rider going the opposite direction, you should slow dramatically to yield the trail. It is usually prudent to stop and let the equestrian go by.

A great article can be found on the International Mountain Bike Association's (IMBA) website about titled, "Trail Diplomacy: The Simple Path to Mountain Biking's Future."

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). Leave gates as you found them, or as marked. In San Francisco, dogs will be your biggest concern. Dogs are unpredictable and will often instinctively chase a biker. Though San Francisco has leash laws, dogs are generally allowed to run free on the trails by their owners. If a dog chases you and threatens to attack, the best option is to stop and use your bike to block the dog's approach. Usually dogs will settle down if you stop and talk. Trying to outrun a dog can work but is more dangerous due to the greater chances of crashing.

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. In the city, it is imperative that your bike have a bell. When mountain biking in San Francisco, the supplies that you should carry are: pump, patch kit, spare tube, spoke wrench, folding allen wrench set, small phillips screwdriver, chain tool, bike lock, water.

OTHER RULES

How to Navigate Trail/Road Intersections in the City - Trails in the city will inevitably require the crossing of more than a few intersections. Even though it is tempting, you should never cross against a traffic light. Treat intersection crossings as a pedestrian would in most cases. If you can safely enter the roadway and the traffic flow, then it is OK to navigate the intersection as a car would.