Basic Riding Ethics
From DirtyTorque
'Some basic riding ethics for all dirt bikers. If we all stick to the basics, riding becomes safer. Its all about respect for each other, the land we ride on, land owners and their property.'
1. Do not litter, clean up after yourself.
2. Respect wild animals and locals livestock, never chase animals, pass animals at a slow speed.
3. When you encounter horse riders, turn off your bike and allow them to pass.
4. Do not speed in the pits and car parks, stones may damage cars and injure people.
5. When on out rides, never ride to closely to the rider in front of you, always allow at least a 10 to 15 meter gap.
6. Never overtake another rider on an out ride, rather wait untill the group stops and then arrange with the rider that you change places.
7. Always try point out danger situations to the rider behind you by pointing to the danger.
8. Always use hand signals to indicate to riders behind you about turning left or right or to slow down.
9. If you loose your group, wait at the last place you saw them, never go looking for the group ,someone will go back to find you.
10. Always wait for the rider behind you and be certain he knows which direction to go.
11. When you go on a ride with someone you have never ridden with before ensure that you all know each other capablities and riding levels.
12. On outrides we sometimes use the same terrain as guys on mountain bikes. Try to move out of their way if they come from the front and pass them slowly
13. Some riders enter a MX track from an outride and don't make 100% sure what direction it goes in. Make 100% sure before you go on it. if in boubt, ask someone.
14. When arranging an out ride always ensure all riders are of similar riding level.
15. When leading an out ride, always set the ride pace according to the slowest rider in your group
16. Always wear safety cloathing
17. When you and your group stop for a break, make sure its not on a blind corner or on the racing line
18. When leading a ride, take care around blind corners to avoid head on collisions
19. When you approach a group from the opposite direction, always indicate the number of riders in your group
20. Before you go on your out ride count the number of riders in your group and check the numbers on a regular basis.
21. When you approach a built up area or settlement, reduce speed to minimize dust and noise
22. Always stop and ask if all is well when you come across a rider or group on the side of the trail
23. Never ride alone, even if you have a cell phone with you
24. Always stop at a road crossing, even if its not a busy road, wait for your whole group to cross before you carry on
25. Never wheelie or try show off in front of people, this is normally when things go wrong.
26. Hydration is important, drink at regular intervals when riding to avoid de-hydration.
27. Always carry money with you on an outride....you never know what you might need it.
28. Ensure you have your own spare spark plug and tyre weld..they are expensive things just to give away, even when a promise to replace is made..never happens.
29. Always carry a basic First Aid Kit with you
30. Booze and bikes dont mix, dont drink and ride
31. When riding on a MX track, dont move over for a faster rider, keep your line, the faster rider will find a way past
32. In a race, when a faster rider catches you, dont decide its now time to try race him, he caught you, so he is faster than you, let him past as soon as its safe.
33. When a slower rider allows you to pass, thank him by a simple gesture of gratitude, either lifting your hand or leg.
34. When racing, check behind you every now and then when its safe to ensure a rider is not behind you trying to pass, some bikes are very quiet.
35. In a race, if you do get lost, and have to ride against the race direction, do this at low speed and if possible, off the obvious race line.
36. When going on an outride and the outride happens to be marked ensure that you are made aware of the markings and that you know how they work. eg: keep single marking on your left etc...
37. When possible always ride with a cell phone and give your number to the lead rider as well as an emergency contact persons number
38. If you are a smoker, use a little water from your tripper to to kill the smoke before you toss it onto the ground, this way you are certain its out and it wont start a bush fire.
39. Never give the locals or their kids a lift on your bike or quad, if they get hurt, you will be held responsible, its just not worth it.
40. Never lift anyone on a bike or quad not designed to do so. The risk of accidents are just too high.
