Rules of the Trail

Wear a helmet on every ride. Wear bike pads/armor when there is high risk of injury or fall. Armor and a full-face helmet are a must for bike parks and double-black+ trails.
Come to a complete stop for horse riders. Wait for their instruction before passing.
Slow down or stop for climbing riders, hikers, and runners — especially if they have a dog.
Adhere to directional rules of the trail. Do not ride up downhill-only trails. Use Trailforks or MTB Project for guidance.
Riding MTB trails with headphones is discouraged and unsafe.
Check trail conditions before you ride. Facebook groups, Trailforks, park websites, and Trailbot are all good options.
Avoid muddy trails and sections whenever possible — riding wet trails causes lasting damage.
Stay hydrated. Bring more water than you think you'll need, especially for remote, mountain, or desert riding.
Disregard peer pressure to ride outside your comfort zone (drops, gaps, bike parks, exposed trails). They will not pay for your hospital visit.
Bring your phone and/or smartwatch in case of emergency or getting lost. Some devices have fall detection. Trailforks has offline maps you can download in advance.
Bring spare tubes or tubeless sealant and plugs in case of a puncture.
Do not engage with aggressive or agitated riders, hikers, or runners. It's not worth it. Report if necessary.
Drive slowly in trailhead parking lots. Don't leave valuables visible in your car. Bring your wallet and keys with you. Always close your bike rack to avoid collisions.
Contribute trail conditions to groups or apps promptly after a ride to help the community.
Ride with a buddy on lengthy, remote, or high-risk trails.
When passing oncoming riders, hikers, or runners, announce if there are others behind you — e.g. "Solo!" or "Two back!"
Have fun on your bike!