Ride With Gratitude
Did you know that over 75% of sanctioned VMBA Chapter trails are on private land, with the remaining 25% on state, federal, and town land?
VMBA has partnered with the Northern Forest Center and Bike Borderland’s Ride with Gratitude Campaign to promote responsible and courteous use of shared-use trails throughout the state. All riders are strongly encouraged to learn the unique cultural expectations surrounding each unique trail network, but can use the Ride with Gratitude pillars as a basis for respectful trail use!
When you sign up for your VMBA Member, during the 2025 season, you’ll also sign the Ride With Gratitude Pledge!
Respect this gift
Riding trails on public or private lands is a gift, not a right. That hiker we just passed? She might own the land we’re riding on. With every ride, let’s remember to be grateful for the landowners and others who make it possible. Be respectful of all trail users, and share your gratitude for access!
Care for others
We share the trails with others, and they have the same rights and responsibilities as each of us. If someone needs help, we help. If someone needs encouragement, we share our enthusiasm. And if it’s going to make the situation better, we dismount. Be nice, be in control of your bike, yield to others, and give a smile.
Protect nature
Enjoy nature, don’t ruin it. Keep on the trails. Erosion is our single highest impact when we’re out riding. Skidding causes erosion. Cutting corners can cut off access. Riding muddy trails messes it up for everyone, so make sure to check trail conditions before you head out the door. If we see animals, don’t bother them, remember them. Pick up trash, pack it out, carpool here and back.
Be the example
We know our limits, and we ride within them. Beyond the ride, let’s park where we’re supposed to keep the tunes to a dull roar, and leave the IPAs for après somewhere else. Reckless behavior? A simple, polite call out will do.