MTBers Have Right of Way?!
No Dabs, 3/6/22
The Art Smith Trail in Palm Desert, CA is an ass-kicker, especially when you climb up it from the route 74 trail head. By climb, I mean to say that you will pedal some, hike-a-bike some, and then you will hike-a-bike more before getting back on your bike to pedal. Early in the morning, you likely will not see anyone, other than a possible hiker or two out for a sunrise walk in the desert. Once past the initial sets of climbs, it is ideal, remote, cross-country, desert single track for miles and miles. There is tech, lots of it, especially when going back down to the parking area at 74.
Speaking of which, on the way back through, I had a conversation that I had not had in nearly 30 years of mountain biking:
“Good morning! How are you,” I said.
“You didn’t have to stop. You have right of way.”
“Actually, I don’t have right of way. You do.”
“It’s easier for me to get off trail.”
“It’s not that difficult to stop and move to the side of the trail. I really don’t mind. I can catch my breath while enjoying the beautiful scenery!”
“I read in a magazine that mountain bikers have right of way over hikers.”
“Well, I’m not sure where or when you read that, but that runs counter to what’s been in place for decades. Have you ever seen the little signs at trail heads and on-trail showing the hiker, biker and horseback rider and how the arrows show who has right of way?”
“I have, but I did read that hikers should move over for mountain bikers.”
“Well, thank you for that, and for such a nice conversation about it. Enjoy the rest of your hike. It’s a beautiful morning!”
“Thank you and you too!”
How about that? A hiker thinks that mountain bikers have right of way on the trail!
The following day I was at a trail system in La Quinta. Not a mile into it, I saw this:
Hmm?! I immediately thought of the conversation the day before and could not help but laugh. I mean, you have to, right?!
No Dabs is a monthly column by James Murren that celebrates the mountain biking community and lifestyle.
I have noticed that many hikers are willing and able to yield to mountain bikers. I’ve often wondered if it comes from some some mountain bikers not generally yielding in the first place?
I've had similar conversations with hikers here in Indiana. Nice to have interactions where both parties are trying to yield!