Sharing the woods!

We are not the only user community out there, but it’s pretty easy to think that we are. Paying taxes does NOT entitle us to access – like a driver’s license, riding is a privilege. So when you are out riding, try to remember that others love the trails just like you do, so please be courteous and yield to all other trail users.

Hikers and Trail runners

Hikers and runners are out on the trails for the same reasons we are – to work out, and enjoy the outdoors. It’s important to remember to be courteous, and yield to these folk.

Equestrians

Have you ever endo-ed? From 5 feet off the ground?? By catapult?? Well, this is a possibility if you are on top of a 1200 lb. animal who regards the approaching bicycle as a predator. Here is a great little article that Mare wrote for us in 2010, it’s a good read and has many useful bits of information.
https://www.jorba.org/sites/default/files/Cant_We_All_Just_Get_Along.pdf

Hunters

After Labor Day, it’s always best to check the Park kiosks for hunting schedules to ensure your safety, or check NJDEP website for details https://www.nj.gov/dep/fgw/hunting.htm . Hunters are usually present in the early morning, or evening hours. When hunting season arrives, prepare and protect yourself by wearing orange/bright clothing and avoiding brown/dark colors.

Dog walkers

In most parks, dogs are required to be on leash for everyone’s safety. When approaching a dog walker it is best to stop and let them pass so that no one is endangered by a tangled leash. Remember, while on the trail we must yield to all trail users.

Leave no trace!

Many parks have a “Carry in/Carry out” policy which means there are no trash cans – so please take your trash with you. This includes old tubes, broken chains, as well as food and gel wrappers. Leaving no trace also applies to our use of the trails – skidding and riding in poor conditions can leave scars that can lead to erosion which none of us want.

Illegal trail building

Building, or creating new trails without approval from the respective land manager is a criminal offense, not to mention the harm caused to the ecosystem if not built correctly. JORBAs policy is to create trails with land manager approval and use proper trail design so they can withstand years of use.