Mountain bike riding safety tips

Always Wear a Helmet

One of the most crucial things you need to know about mountain biking safety is that wearing a helmet is non-negotiable. Whether you're taking a tumble off your bike, misjudging the height of a tree branch, or simply losing balance, your helmet will be your most vital piece of gear, as studies show that helmets can reduce the risk of serious head injuries by nearly 70%. Brain injuries can have life-altering consequences, so it's critical to take every possible precaution to minimize head trauma while mountain biking—starting with a helmet.

For your helmet to function optimally, it must fit correctly. When wearing a well-fitted helmet, you should be able to fit the tip of your index finger between the helmet and your forehead. Many helmets come equipped with an adjustable retention system that you can tighten or loosen using a knob at the back. Ensure that the helmet sits squarely on the top of your head without sliding backward. To guarantee the helmet stays securely on your head in case of a crash, adjust the chin strap accordingly. The side straps should be pulled upward and tightened just below your ears. The chin strap should be snug but not suffocating, and it shouldn't sit too far forward. A simple test for proper chin strap placement is to open your mouth—if the helmet pulls slightly downward, it’s perfectly adjusted.

Stay Within Your Limits

Mountain biking is an inherently risky sport, and the possibility of severe injuries or worse is always present. No matter where you ride or how familiar you are with the terrain, it's essential never to push beyond your skill level and always stay within your comfort zone. Riding within your limits doesn't just mean being able to stop—it also means having the necessary skills to recognize and avoid potentially hazardous situations on the trail. You must also know where it's safe to stop on the trail. Avoiding collisions with other riders is an integral part of mountain biking etiquette.

Riding at high speeds can be thrilling, but even at just 15 mph, you're covering 22 feet, or roughly four bike lengths, per second, leaving little room for quick decision-making. When pushing your boundaries, always remain conscious of your riding abilities, the trail conditions, the potential for accidents, and your capacity to prevent them. The best approach is to ride trails that don't exceed your skill level and experience.

When you're testing your limits, pay attention to your riding skills, the trail conditions, the potential for accidents, and your ability to avoid them. The best way to do this is by sticking to trails that match your skill level and experience. Remember, there’s no shame in dismounting and walking sections of the trail that seem too challenging. The more sections you walk, the better your trail awareness will become. Over time, you'll gain the confidence to tackle those previously daunting sections.

Dress Appropriately

In addition to wearing a helmet, there are several other items you should consider investing in to enhance both your safety and comfort while mountain biking. This includes appropriate riding apparel tailored to your needs, as well as essential safety gear and accessories. When it comes to mountain biking attire, the primary focus should be on safety and comfort, so choose whatever helps you concentrate fully on the ride.

Mountain biking clothing shares similarities with other cycling disciplines but has some key differences worth noting. Most mountain bikers wear two layers of shorts: a form-fitting, padded pair of shorts (commonly called chamois or shammies) underneath a looser pair of cargo-style shorts. The padding in mountain biking shorts tends to be thinner than in road cycling shorts because you typically spend more time standing and out of the saddle while tackling mountain biking trails.

It’s wise to opt for mountain bike-specific shoes with reinforced toe boxes, as smashing toes on rocks and roots is a common injury. With thousands of shoe models available from numerous reputable brands, the perfect pair is out there for you. If you choose laced shoes, make sure to tuck in the laces to prevent them from getting caught in the bike chain.

Other safety gear, such as gloves, body armor, and knee and elbow pads, may be appropriate depending on where you ride and the type of riding you do. This protective gear is designed to safeguard the most vulnerable parts of your body and can make the difference between a bruise and a broken bone.

Basic accessories like sunglasses to protect your eyes and a bell to alert others of your presence are also recommended. While earbuds might seem like a practical addition to your kit, it’s worth reconsidering; by blocking out your sense of hearing, you increase the likelihood of getting into an accident.

Know Your Limits

When it comes to a section of trail you believe is beyond your skill level, trust your instincts—not peer pressure. Dismount and walk that section. There’s no shame in making responsible decisions—especially if it ensures your safety and the safety of fellow riders. The more sections you walk, the better your trail awareness will become. Eventually, you’ll find yourself confidently navigating those once-daunting sections.

Your Terrain Determines Your Bike

Bikes are designed for different types of riding conditions, so it’s vital to select a bike that matches the terrain you’ll be encountering most frequently. While one’s ability to handle a particular trail ultimately depends on skill and experience, there’s no denying that the right tool makes the job easier. A basic hardtail bike will struggle on trails with brutal rock gardens and massive jumps, and you’ll quickly regret choosing a downhill bike for a long cross-country ride. Just because tire tracks lead into a black diamond trail doesn’t mean it’s suitable for your skill level—“bike-friendly” is subjective, and not all intermediate riders can safely navigate those trails.

Know the Trail

If it’s your first time on a trail, take it slow! Don’t feel pressured to take unnecessary risks that could endanger you. You’ll encounter rocks, roots, drops, and obstacles on your rides, so if your skills aren’t up to par with what lies ahead, it’s worth taking extra precautions. Familiarize yourself with the trail by walking tricky sections, checking for hidden surprises around blind corners, and continuously scanning the path ahead. Never assume you know what’s coming if you’ve never ridden the trail before.

Slow Down for Blind Corners

Watch this excellent YouTube video of six riders who missed a turn in a blind corner and ended up 30 feet down the trail. As you watch, you’ll quickly understand why staying vigilant about what a blind corner might conceal is crucial. Blind corners are named for a reason—they hide potential hazards. Fortunately, there are riding techniques to improve your line of sight, visibility, and overall safety. A common strategy when approaching a 180-degree turn is to ride along the outside of the corner rather than the inside. Riding on the inside increases your blind spot, which is counterproductive. Numerous tutorial videos offer various safety tips for dealing with blind corners.

Expect the Unexpected

Every mountain biker will eventually crash—it’s just part of the sport. While you may not be able to avoid every single fall, the choices you make before, during, and after the crash can significantly impact the outcome. Always evaluate the situation and assess the potential consequences of riding a particular section. Use the “risk versus reward” method to decide whether the possibility of a crash is worth the reward of riding that section or feature. Watching others can often help you learn how to tackle challenging sections. If you’re riding a popular trail, it won’t take long for another rider to come along and possibly demonstrate a line you hadn’t considered.

Being mindful of your speed, the terrain, your setup, and other riders are some ways to reduce the chances of a serious accident. Staying focused on the trail and your riding by avoiding distractions, like listening to music, can also lower your risk of being involved in an accident.

Start Small, Then Go Big

If you plan to incorporate airtime into your riding, you’ll need specific skills that can only be developed through practice. Start with small features before attempting anything above your skill level. When learning to jump your bike, focus on mastering landings before takeoffs. Landing a bike is much harder than taking off, and the same applies to mountain biking. Your landings should be smooth and controlled, not rough or jarring.

Use Common Sense

Apply common sense and intuition to avoid situations that, deep down, you suspect might not be the wisest choice. Like many physical activities, mountain biking can be enjoyed safely if you adopt responsible riding habits and are honest with yourself about your abilities and limitations. Remember—any crash you walk away from was a success; your riding skills and knowledge determine whether a ride was successful.

What Happens When Things Go Wrong?

Not every accident can be avoided. Even the most seasoned cyclists occasionally find themselves in trouble. For newcomers to the sport who are hesitant to invest heavily in a bike and related equipment, it can be reassuring to know there’s a way to protect yourself. To avoid costly out-of-pocket expenses related to mountain biking accidents, it’s wise to ensure you have adequate health insurance for yourself and a physical damage bicycle insurance policy for your mountain bike. Consider bicycle insurance to safeguard your investment and provide peace of mind in case you ever find yourself stranded or injured. Velosurance, a bicycle insurance company founded by mountain bikers, offers customizable policies to meet your specific needs. With a mountain bike insurance policy from Velosurance, you can get back on the trail as soon as possible, ensuring your time off the bike is minimized.