General Code of Conduct for FatTracks members:
- Access to the Trails is from sunrise to sunset only (special permission needed otherwise)
- Behave in such a way as to leave the terran/property the way it was found
- Respect private property and obey instructions from owners or employees at all times
- Obey all property owners, including their notice boards and symbol signs
- Ride only in approved areas, routes and tracks and abide by all restrictions imposed.
- Do not damage, remove or interfere with any beacon, boundary marker, fence, notice board or other structures
- Do not leave any litter, refuse or empty containers anywhere on rides
- No smoking on rides and do not dispose of any tobacco products
- Do not light fires under any circumstances
- Do not interfere with wildlife, remove or deface vegetation, carve or scratch trees or rocks
- Do not feed or hunt animals
- Respect and be polite to other users of the trail netowrk; golfers, walkers, runners, bikers etc
- As a Fattracks member, at all-times, display the Fattracks Bike board on your handlebars
- Be the “eyes & ears” of the Land owners, Fattracks Committee, PEGC and Norm Hudlin.
- Any observations of property damage, unauthorized activity or garbage dumping on Fattracks Trails should be reported to the Fattracks Committee immediately.
- Understand that any violation of this code of conduct could result in suspension and/or cancellation of all trail privileges including membership to the club.
- Refrain from using strong language, offensive terms, racial discrimination or any potentially derisive, controversial, and unnecessary negative views on all FatTracks social media and communication platforms including but not limited to WhatsApp groups, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram.
- The Fattracks club and committee reserve the right to change the Code of Conduct and Trail Etiquette at any time. It is the members responsibility to ensure that they check the website from time to time to keep themselves updated.
Trail Etiquette
- Respect trail and road closures.
- Don’t trespass on private land-get a permit or other required authorization.
- Muddy trails are vulnerable to damage – consider other options if a trail is soft.
- Stay on existing trails – never create a new one.
- Don’t cut switchbacks.
- Obey all speed regulations and recommendations.
- Stay alert – inattention for even a moment can put yourself and others at risk.
- Always ride within your limits.
- Always let other trail users know you’re coming – give a friendly greeting.
- Anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.
- Yield to non-bike trail users (gently enlighten them if the trail is clearly signed for bike-only travel).
- Yield to riders headed uphill whenever you’re riding downhill (gently enlighten them if the trail is clearly signed for one-way or downhill-only traffic).
- Make every pass a safe and courteous one.
- Stay alert – 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.
- Never disturb wildlife, cattle or other domestic animals.
- Know your equipment, your ability and how to properly prepare for the area where you’re riding.
- Be self-sufficient – keep your equipment in good repair and carry supplies for changes in weather and other conditions.
- Always clean up after yourself – DO NOT LITTER!
WhatsApp group policy
FatTracks is a community of MTB enthusiasts, with over 600 members. In order to facilitate communication and a sense of community between the members, we have established two WhatsApp groups. One is for official FT communication, while the other is a ‘banter group’ where members can share MTB-related items for sale and organise group rides.
Members are asked to only post about cycling-related topics on the groups so as not to frustrate other group members.
Occasionally, FatTracks Admin will post information about topics that are affiliated to FatTracks sponsors, major supporters, or trail owners. These posts have been pre-approved by the FatTracks leadership.
Please DO NOT post: Jokes, political statements, derogatory comments, hate speech, business adverts, classifieds etc.
Please feel free to post: Pictures / videos of your rides & MTB experiences, questions about trails, invitations to group rides etc…