single track etiquette/right of way.

[vash]

i live near an awesome trail system..

kinda grey area if mountain bikes are even allowed on the trails..they say we stay off of trails a certain width, but they clear them super wide twice a year..and they grow back narrow. never seen a ranger to ask him/her.

i ride the trails and i jog them (jog them more often).

and both times, i find myself offering the safe passage. if i am biking and i see a jogger coming towards me..i stop, get over and let them by..if i am jogging, i step off the trail and let them by..

any rules? i dont mind stopping but doenst seem like anyone ever beats me to the punch.

this one lady on a horse, no problem. i get off my bike and talk while she rides by.

[Gogar]

I think it's like this:

1. Horses win always.
2. hikers are second,
3. Then Bikes.

I think downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic regardless of what it is, except horses.

[Jeff Higgins]

Horses on mountain bikes going downhill always have the right of way. Unless they're yammering on their cell phones.

[porsche4life]

Originally Posted by Gogar

I think it's like this:

1. Horses win always.
2. hikers are second,
3. Then Bikes.

I think downhill traffic yields to uphill traffic regardless of what it is, except horses.

What about a horse's ass on a bicycle?

[wildthing]

This is what I see in the trails by my house:


And if the embedded image doesn't work, paste this on the address bar of your browser: http://sharemtb.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/share-the-trail-sign.gif

[Gogar]

Originally Posted by porsche4life

What about a horse's ass on a bicycle?

They usually stay off the trails and stick to paved roads, apparently.

[Don Ro]

vash, is this in Wunderlich park, above Woodside?

[regency]

I've always heard, the person with the Colt .45 1911 Gold Cup National Match, has the right a way.

1973 911 T MFI Coupe, Aubergine

Steve

[Laneco]

The rules are simple - Wheels Yield to Heels.

This makes things very simple for approaching traffic. You stop or move over if on the bike. Its a little more complicated when you are overtaking on the bike. Remember the right of way is theirs and you should ask for permission to pass. Give a horse a very, very wide berth as one good kick will pretty much end your day. Very good idea to wait until they can safely move or stop which if you are polite, they are willing to do. Also helps to talk to the rider on the horse as that helps the horse identify you as a person (because you look kind of weird on the bike) when you are approaching and when you are passing. Take your time and never rush around a horse. Don't be a STRAVA jerk. Seriously, don't do it.

When in doubt, remember that good manners keep shared use trails open to all users. I've been mountain biking on shared use trails in multiple states for over 25 years and have NEVER had a "conflict" with another user.

angela (IMBA and DORBA member)

[billybek]

Angela is bang on.

A couple of other things worth mentioning.
If you are passing a hiker/jogger on a wide trail in the same direction, don't sneak up on them and ring your bell or call "on your left". When you can see them, talk to them from a distance so you don't surprise and scare them.
If passing in opposite directions knock your speed down so bad things don't happen. Especially if you are rocking a sweet downhill. It just makes you look like you are not an inconsiderate dick when you are passing them at a reasonable speed.
Initiate a little conversation. Being on a bike (as we have seen in other threads) seems to dehumanize us in some way so talking to others on the trail system reminds them that we are people out to enjoy nature too.
Horses.... They win hands down. Give them lots of room and announce your intentions and move off the trail if required.

Edit: As someone else had mentioned, the uphill rider on a narrow path has the right of way.