Mountain Biking & COVID-19
“Right now, protecting each other is more important than mountain biking. Staying home is essential to safeguard our communities and slow the spread of COVID-19. Our trails will be waiting for us. IMBA wants to make sure we will all be there for our trails.”
— Dave Wiens, IMBA Executive Director
Social Distancing & How to Stay Healthy on the Trails
Our friends at IMBA wrote the following blog. Original can be found here.
Getting out on the trails is tremendously valuable. Trails bring us together, but to keep each other safe, we must keep our distance. How can our community navigate this challenge?
In strange times such as these, we often find ourselves flocking towards the trails to seek personal refuge and decompression. Due to this, we've seen an increase in traffic along our trails - those who aren't our typical trail users and might not understand proper trail etiquette. We urge our community to practice mindfulness and respect others while enjoying your local trail network. With that being said, help us spread awareness beyond Facebook. If you see something that should require reporting, contact the land manager - noted on the trail signage and listed below.
Is it safe to ride trails?
Do you live in a densely populated area? If so, it will likely be hard to consistently practice safe social distancing on local trails. You may hate this, but consider riding roads, gravel, paths, or even riding indoors as safer alternatives for social distancing. Remember, it's only temporary! If you are considering going to a local trail, try off-peak hours and take cues from the trailhead to assess whether the trail is crowded. Always be ready to abandon your plans for safety. When in doubt: stay home.
Please, ride cautiously. No crashing allowed!
If you do choose to ride, it is imperative to ride within your skill level. This will minimize the strain on healthcare facilities and avoid exposure risks for yourself and for medical staff.
What if I had a trip planned?
Postpone any trips for now, and wait to reschedule until the safe timeline to do so becomes clear. We know this is difficult and disappointing. But to protect small towns and gateway communities, mountain bikers and all recreationists have a responsibility to stay home. In fact, your favorite destination might be requesting it. When in doubt: stay home.
How can trail users pass responsibly with social distance?
Stay alert, slow down, and communicate with each other from a distance about how to proceed. Better yet, take the initiative to yield and offer space. With gyms and rec centers closing, there may be new users on the trails. It’s a great time for community education on responsible riding and for being patient, exemplary stewards.
Trails Maintained by CITA & Closures Due to COVID-19
Check with the park, land manager and/or local government regularly for updates. This information is changing rapidly. Some governments have identified parks and trails as essential facilities, others have closed parks and trails due to overcrowding. When in doubt: stay home.
Center Trails [City of Des Moines]: OPEN
EWING Trails [City of Des Moines]: OPEN
Most recent Updates here.
Our parks and trails remain open…please enjoy them responsibly. Make sure to practice social distancing and other healthy habits. Conditions change rapidly, so watch for updates via social media and online at DSM.city/covid19
Banner Lakes at Summerset State Park [DNR]: OPEN
Most recent updates here.
DNR STATEWIDE FACILITY CLOSURES: All pit latrines and port-a-potties are closed until April 15, 2020. Due to lack of restroom facilities, all camping cabins and shelters are closed until April 15, 2020. Campgrounds are open but campers must provide their own self-contained bathroom until park restrooms are available. Self-contained includes bathrooms in RVs/travel trailers/5th wheels and portable camping toilets. All modern restroom and shower facilities are currently closed for the winter season. Many parks try to have modern campground facilities open in mid-April, weather permitting. Some parks open modern camping facilities mid to late April, weather permitting. All lodges are currently closed through April 30, 2020. Playgrounds are not cleaned and sanitized. DNR strongly recommends visitors avoid playgrounds to help reduce the spread of COVID-19 - user discretion is advised. (POSTED 3/30/2020)
The pit latrine is closed through April 15, 2020. (POSTED 3/30/2020)
Sycamore Trails [Polk County Conservation]: OPEN
Most recent Updates here.
Closed to the Public: Showerhouses and restrooms with doors/locks are closed UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. (POSTED 4/3/2020)
wHITEROCK Trails [wHITEROCK ConservaNCY]: OPEN