Be Prepared
Ride to your abilities, ride for the conditions, respect the trails, respect the environment, respect others, respect the road rules.
Respect, safety and preparation should always remain top priorities for riders visiting the Manjimup Trail Bike Hub and heading out on the routes and trails. It is highly recommended you download the St John Ambulance First Responder App and ensure you have the most up-to-date GPX file downloaded. Do Not rely on mobile coverage (known to be limited in our region) or shared maps from other riders (which could be outdated).
Ride to your abilities, understand our Trail Classifications system, you’ll be able know in advance the difficulty of any route, and what to expect with our trail ratings system.
Ride for the conditions, and understand the seasonal considerations of the Southern Forests is critical to your enjoyment and safety during your time here. Every season here is different, and the riding opportunities vary with the seasons, too. You’ll also need to be aware of the Current Warnings, as situations can change rapidly, and how to report an issue should you come across one while on route.
The Southern Forests region is a very special part of the world, and we want to keep it that way. Take a few minutes to understand how you can play your part by reviewing Our Environment which contains critical information that impacts the safety of yourself, your loved ones, and our diverse and susceptible flora and fauna.
By working together and following these collaborative approaches, the Hub team and riders can ensure that everyone enjoys their time riding the trails while minimising risks and preserving our environment. We aim to provide a destination where adventure and responsibility go hand in hand, and ensure you are as prepared as possible.
To keep riders safe, contribute to the sustainability of our trails and recreation and convey a positive image, the following Rider Safety Etiquette has been developed for this area. Please observe this for the sake of your safety, the safety of others and preservation of our trails and facilities.
Respect The Trails and The environment
Minimise the impact of your presence to preserve the state of the trails and their surroundings:
- Stay on track and published routes and abide by all signage. Avoid widening the track – ride over not around obstacles and through puddles.
- No unnecessary trail damage – no donuts, cutting up or roosting on graded gravel roads, don’t break traction
- Cross creeks only at designated crossing points, where the track crosses the creek and check levels and water flow speed before crossing.
- Reduce rutting – go easy on the throttle to avoid wheel spin, especially on soft terrain and hills.
- Don’t disturb plant life or wildlife.
- Wash your bike thoroughly between rides to avoid the spread of dieback, weeds and other
diseases. - Check conditions before you go. Our Trails Classification System has been put in place to assist riders in selecting appropriate routes for your skill level, however a change in weather can change the level of difficulty. Some routes may have seasonal or condition closures, and
observe all fire bans – check fire danger ratings. - No rubbish – take out everything you take in.
- Respect all cultural and heritage sites.
- See an issue – say something. Report any trail maintenance issues here
Respect Others
Be considerate of other trail users and local landowners. Learn the basics of track etiquette.
- Give way to other trail users. When passing, do so safely, at a sensible speed and no roosting.
- Saying a nice hello on the way past does wonders for trail sharing.
- If you are the lead rider and you pass another rider coming the other way, signal how many riders there are by holding up the appropriate number of fingers, or if more than 5 riders behind you hold up all fingers. If you are last, hold up a closed fist.
- If you encounter horse riders – slow down and stop. Ask them if it is ok to ride past or if they would like you to kill your engine and they can ride past you. If it is ok to ride past, do so slowly and at the lowest possible revs with least noise. Remain courteous and polite, they are quite often local landowners and will appreciate a bit of respect.
- Less sound:
- Throttle down when passing houses and livestock – keep your revs low and noise levels to an absolute minimum until you are out of ear shot.
- If unloading near private property, keep the noise levels to an absolute minimum and leave the area immediately keeping the revs low until you get out of earshot.
- Maintain your exhaust and muffler to legal limits.
Respect Regulations
- Our riding routes are for road licensed, registered bikes and licensed riders only.
- All bikes must be equipped with a properly functioning muffler and spark arrestor.
- Obey notices, signs and rules of relevant authorities and respect speed limits.
- If you see another rider or riders acting inappropriately have a quiet word to point out the issue.
Ride Safely
- Always ride within your capabilities and those of your bike.
- Our trails are graded via a difficulty rating system. Pick the route level of difficulty suitable for you, your group, your bikes, and current conditions.
- Ride to conditions – changing conditions can affect the trail difficulty rating.
- Have maps, GPS and an EPIRB is recommended as many of our routes are beyond range of mobile service coverage.
- If you are riding solo, always let someone know your planned route, and expected return time.
- Always wear an approved helmet (mandatory) and quality protective gear: boots, gloves, goggles, long pants, riding top, body armour.
- Stay left of the road or track, especially on the approach to curves or crests.
- If you are the lead rider, always be aware that there may be another rider, 4WD, walker etc coming the other way and ride accordingly.
- Plan ahead – weather conditions can change rapidly
- Carry all necessary supplies including a first aid kit, emergency repair kit, food, water and appropriate clothing.
- Know your vehicle and keep it in good condition
- Do not ride under the influence of alcohol or drugs and don’t let your mates.
Do not rely on mobile service coverage when out on route.
Much of our region has spotty mobile coverage, or none at all.
All riders are reminded to plan ahead and prepare accordingly.