Rules and Regulations

IMBA developed the “Rules of the Trail” to promote responsible and courteous conduct on shared-usetrails. Keep in mind that conventions for yielding and passing may vary in different locations, or withtraffic conditions. These rules have been adapted for the purposes of trails which traverse land of MTOForestry (Pty) Ltd.

1. No helmet, no ride!

2. Unless granted permission by MTO Trails, no permit means no ride. Obtain a day permit or an annual
   permit as required. Both permits are available to purchase at the access gate or www.mtotrails.co.za. Keep permit with you at all times.

3. Ride Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures. Ask access control guards for clarification if you are
   uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land or on forestry operations land.

4. Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to
   damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other riding options. This also means staying on
   existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much
   as you pack in.

5. Control Your Bicycle: Inattention for even a moment could put you and others at risk. Understand and
   obey all signage and recommendations, and ride within your limits.

6. Yield Appropriately: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly
   greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.
   Cyclists should yield to other non-motorised trail users, unless the trail is clearly signed for bike-only
   travel. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to ones headed uphill, unless the trail is clearly signed for
   one-way or downhill-only traffic. In general, strive to make each pass a safe and courteous one.

7. Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or
   a loud noise. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. Disturbing wildlife and livestock is
   not acceptable.

8. Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are riding and prepare
   accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary
   supplies for changes in whether or other conditions. Always wear a helmet and appropriate safety gear.

9. Take note of emergency phone numbers.

10. Adhere to FDI (fire) warnings: During the months of September-April in the Cape and May – November
    in the Lowveld be aware of the danger of fire. If uncertain contact the fire protection services listed in
    the emergency contact numbers. If you see any signs of fire that look unusual (i.e. there is nobody on
    site managing the fire), contact the Lowveld and Escarpment Fire Protection Association on
    0137527593 and exit the plantation/s as quickly as possible.

11. NO SMOKING: Smoking whilst being on MTO Trails is strictly prohibited.

12. Avoid operational areas and activities: Riders are at no time to be within 1km from any situation that
    may appear to be operational i.e. harvesting activity or from operational vehicles; and not be within 1
    km of any active operational area or areas indicated as operational.

13. MTB riders must have a valid annual number plate on their bike or proof of purchase of a valid permit.
    Runners, hikers and obstacle runners must carry a valid permit.

14. All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adults on the trails.

15. Do not use the trails alone.

16. It is your responsibility to get relevant emergency numbers and other safety service details and use
    them. Every person using the trails must have a valid permit and have the mySOS app downloaded.