We’ve partnered with Leave No Trace — here’s how to minimize your outdoor impact

Panoramic view of a lake surrounded by forest with autumn colors

We’re proud to announce that we’re supporting Leave No Trace in 2026. This nonprofit organization helps inform and empower people to minimize their impact on the outdoor spaces we all recreate in.

This aligns with our desire to foster connection not only between you and your bike, but between you and the places you ride. We hope that this partnership will help more riders learn how to preserve the amazing places in which they pedal. Get started now by reading the Leave No Trace 6 Principles developed for mountain and gravel biking below.

Van with bicycles and camping gear in a forest setting

Principle 1: Plan ahead and prepare

  • Ensure your bike is in good working order. A properly maintained bike reduces the risk of injury, a long walk out, or the need for rescue.
  • Check with land managers, local bike shops, cycling groups, and trail apps for the most up-to-date trail information.
  • When riding in popular areas or at peak times, keep groups small.
  • Be self-sufficient and pack appropriately. Water, food, a rain shell, and a repair kit all help ensure a safe and fun ride.
  • Wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear. It could save your life.

Three people riding bicycles on a forest path with autumn foliage.

Principle 2: Travel and camp on durable surfaces

  • For biking, durable surfaces include established trails, authorized slick rock areas, dirt roads, and pavement. Check local regulations to see which trails are open to biking.
  • Respect trail and road closures. Do not trespass on private land, and obtain permits to ride when necessary.
  • Avoid riding muddy, excessively wet, or icy trails. When encountering patches of mud or ice, ride through it and not around to avoid trail widening.
  • Avoid skidding. Locking up your tires creates ruts or brake bumps, increases erosion, and decreases your control.

Person with a bicycle loaded with gear in a forest setting

Principle 3: Dispose of waste properly

  • Pack it in, pack it out. Litter can endanger wildlife, attract scavengers, and diminish other visitors’ experiences. This includes toilet paper and other hygiene products.
  • Designate a pocket for litter, wrappers, and leftover food.
  • Use restroom facilities before hitting the trail. Otherwise, deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished. Urinate well away from water sources and out of sight of others.

Stones on a wooden surface with blurred background of people on bicycles

Principle 4: Leave what you find

  • Preserve the past: observe, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, and other natural objects as you find them.
  • Avoid introducing or transporting non-native species. Check your clothing, bike, and equipment before and after each ride for seeds. Wash your bike between rides.
  • Do not engage in unauthorized trail work. Instead, look for opportunities to work on land manager-approved projects. You could unknowingly damage sensitive vegetation or contribute to further erosion and other trail damage.

Small lizard on a sandy ground

Principle 5: Respect wildlife

  • Stick to the trail. Wildlife accustomed to riders can predict actions, but riding ;off-trail confuses wildlife.
  • Observe wildlife from a distance. Do not follow or approach them.
  • Never feed animals. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors and exposes them to predators and other dangers.
  • Control pets at all times, or leave them at home.
  • Avoid wildlife during sensitive times: mating, nesting, winter, dusk, and dawn.

Three cyclists on a dirt road with a 'Logging Operations Ahead' sign in a forest setting.

Principle 6: Be considerate of others

    • Respect other trail users and protect the quality of their experience. Always ride within your limits.
    • Be courteous. Yield to hikers and equestrians. Be prepared to stop and dismount on a durable surface if the trail is narrow or crowded. Yield to climbing cyclists when descending.
    • When encountering slower traffic, announce your presence with a friendly greeting or bell to avoid startling others.
    • Dismount and step to the downhill side of the trail to avoid scaring pack stock or horses.
    • Ride in small groups to avoid excessive dust and noise.
    • Keep your speed under control and don't forget that there may be someone just around the next turn.
    • Take someone new for a ride and teach them proper trail riding technique.


© Leave No Trace: www.LNT.org

 

Learn more about Leave No Trace and find more ways to take action here

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