MCBC Takes it Off-road!
New Program Launched for 2012
The Marin County Bicycle Coalition (MCBC) is happy to announce our organization's official support for off-road cycling in our education, outreach, and advocacy efforts.
Since 1998, MCBC has worked tirelessly to promote bicycle ridership, improve bicycle infrastructure and cyclist safety, and to educate everyone regarding the importance of sharing the road. In this effort we have achieved tremendous success: over the period of 1999 – 2010 weekday cycling trips increased 135%, while cycling collisions declined 34%. As mountain biking popularity continues to rise, particularly here in Marin, MCBC is compelled by its enthusiastic membership base (almost half our members ride off-road) to devote its unique experience and resources to achieving similar success off-road.
Get the Dirt
Learn about our new program's priorities - land stewardship, trail user conflict resolution, trail etiquette education, and increased trail opportunities.
Meet our new Off-Road Director!
Read about MCBC's first Off-Road Director, Erik Schmidt, in the Winter 2012 Pedal Press, and in this article from the Marin Independent Journal.
Contact Erik by email here, or by phone at (415) 456-3469 ext. 6#. Your thoughts, suggestions, and questions are welcome any time.
We pledge that the same philosophy guiding our current advocacy work will guide our Off-Road Program. We will participate in trail planning processes alongside government agencies, land managers, environmental organizations and the public. We will be deeply involved in activities encouraging all users to create a cooperative, respectful, friendly and safe environment on trails.
Join MCBC today to support our newest program - off-road bike education, outreach, and advocacy!
Trail Etiquette
- Ride on open trails only - Stay off of trails that are closed to bikes. The way you ride will influence trail management decisions and policies.
- Leave no trace - Don't cut switchbacks, don't ride after heavy rain, don’t skid. Don't litter and please pick up garbage when you see it.
- Control your bicycle! - Obey all bicycle speed regulations and recommendations, 15 mph Max, 5 mph when passing. Ride it, don’t slide it!
- Always yield trail - Slow down, announce your presence, be prepared to stop. Uphill riders have the Right of Way, both riders should slow down and stay to the right.
- Never scare animals - When encountering equestrians announce your presence early, slow down and ask if it’s safe to pass.
- Plan ahead - Know your ability, take a map if you are riding in a new area, start early in case you get lost, pack enough food and water and always wear a helmet.