The Salt Lake Ranger District of the Wasatch-Cache National Forest has some guidelines for trail riding in their district. Here they are:

1. Yield the right of way to other non-motorized recreationists. People judge all cyclists by your actions. Move off the trail to allow horse to pass and stop to allow hikers adequate room to share the trail.


2. Slow down and use caution when approaching another and make your presence known well in advance. Simply yelling bicycle is not acceptable.


3. Maintain control of your speed at all times and approach turns anticipation of someone around the bend. Be able to stop safely within the distance you can see down the trail.


4. Stay on designated trails to avoid trampling native vegetation, and minimize potential erosion by not using wet or muddy trails or shortcutting switchbacks. Avoid wheel lockup. If a trail is steep enough to require locking wheels and skidding, dismount and walk your bike. Locking brakes contributes to needless trail damage. Do not ride cross-country. Water bars are placed across to direct water off the trail and prevent erosion. Ride directly over the top, or dismount and walk your bike.


5. Do not disturb wildlife or livestock.


6. Do not litter. Pack out what you pack in and carry out more than your share whenever possible.


7. Respect public and private property, including trail use signs, no trespassing signs, and leave gates as you found them. If your route crosses private property, it is your responsibility to obtain permission from the landowner. Bicycles are excluded from designated Wilderness Areas.


8. Always be self sufficient. Your destination and travel speed will be determined by your ability, your equipment, the terrain, and the present and potential weather conditions.


9. Do not travel solo in remote areas. Leave word of your destination and when you plan to return.


10. Observe the practice of minimum impact bicycling. "Take only pictures and leave only waffle prints."


11. Always wear a helmet.


12. If you abuse it -- you lose it!. Since mountain bikers are newcomers to the forests, they must prove to be responsible trail users.


13. In National Parks and National Monuments bicycles are considered vehicles and restricted to roads.


14. On BLM land -- ride only on roadways, trails, and slickrock. The desert crust (microbiotic crust) is fragile and takes up to 50 years to recover from footprints, waffle tracks, etc.


15. When camping out of improved campsites camp at least 500 feet off the road or trail. Try to leave no trace of your campsite.


16. Toilets in unimproved areas -- move off trail, and dig a 1 foot deep pit, cover after use.