How can we make mountain biking more sustainable? I made a list.

It's very hard to determine how much damage we do in this sport but I hope we can continue to find ways to reduce our negative impact and take responsibility.

The better we engage with our environment and community the more reason our sport has to receive support and possible funding.

Here are a few points I think are valid steps to reduce (and possibly improve) our impact.

Consuming:

  • care for the products we buy to maximize their lifespan (whether a cheapie or an expensive piece)
  • buy from companies that produce quality products that are; durable, sustainably sourced materials, offer repairs, biodegradable consumables, free from known contaminants that harm the wildlife or water bodies
  • consider where products are made, some countries have lower environmental policies (? I'm missing the right term) (such as cheap electricity, poor waste management etc, China is classic for this as well as having poor conditions for the factory workers)
  • split bulk purchases of biking fluids/greases/detergents like; suspension or brake fluid, grease with riding friends and family to reduce small individual packaging
  • buy second hand, reuse**/**recycle materials when possible,

Riding:

  • save skidding, ripping, 100% shredding and off-line routes for man-made trails that get responsibly and legally maintained
  • ride slower on natural trails to reduce soil erosion,
  • avoid causing mud ruts or beeline puddle routes by riding in damp-dry conditions over muddy days
  • location bells such as bear bells, Timber! can reduce accidents on the trail by alerting other trail users, wildlife to be aware of an oncoming rider. This can reduce unnecessary skidding to a stop, off-trail lines to avoid a clash and thus reducing erosion
  • ride/train/public transport to the trailhead or if you can't then drive there with a fuel-efficient/electric vehicle full of passengers (if you've got a spare seat and we're not in a pandemic then put an offer out in your online community). (idea from u/metengrinwi thanks)
  • IMBA Rules of the trail- responsible riding

Trail Condition

  • Clear drains if you see they are clogged (thanks u/redyellowblue5031 )
  • try and remove fallen trees from the trail instead of riding newly formed paths around the obstruction (additional paths remove biomass)

Sustainable Trail Building (tbc, please share info and resources and I'll gladly add it)

Additional actions:

  • don't litter, bring a bag with you to collect rubbish so it's nicer for the next animal (incl. humans) or plant in the area. If you have just used an energy gel - put the empty package in your f*cking pocket! (thanks u/k-one-0-two )
  • volunteer at trail building days to hopefully improve the trail's condition, drainage and fun-factor
  • support your local mtb association, be a member if you can ( thanks u/glittermouton )

If you have some other suggestions/experiences/ideas please share them!

Ride on and stay safe

Edit: the title is becoming less accurate, "We made a list" would be more suitable. I'm really grateful for this discussion. It captures multiple viewpoints that exist in our community so thanks again for sharing your thoughts and info.

Edit: bye-bye bold words,

Edit: the point of this post is to offer real ways to reduce harm to the environment, some are suggesting to stop riding altogether... yes that's a way but I know we love riding too much. Life's all about compromises.