Trail Etiquette Guide: Promote Respectful Riding Practices

Oskar Fällman

Onewheel Pint in the grass next to water

Onewheel trail riding offers an exhilarating way to embrace nature, but with great fun comes great responsibility. To keep our trails pristine and accessible for everyone, it’s essential to adopt sustainable and respectful riding practices. This guide outlines key do’s and don’ts for Onewheel riders, helping you minimize your environmental impact, maintain trail integrity, and foster positive relationships with fellow trail users. 

Let’s ride responsibly and preserve these beautiful spaces for future generations.

Do’s:

  1. Gear Up for Safety: Always wear essential protective gear such as a helmet, wrist guards, knee pads, and elbow pads. This gear significantly reduces the risk of injury in case of falls or accidents.
  2. Yield to Others: Slow down and give the right of way to other trail users like hikers, bikers, and horseback riders. Always be courteous and respectful, letting them pass safely before continuing on your ride.
  3. Pack In, Pack Out: Carry out all of your trash, including biodegradable items like fruit peels and of course cigarette butts. Even small amounts of litter can harm wildlife and spoil the natural beauty of the trails. Leave only one track.
  4. Buddy System: Whenever possible, ride with a friend. This is not only more enjoyable but also increases safety. If an accident happens or you encounter any issues, having a buddy ensures you have immediate assistance.
  5. Stick to the Trail: Only ride on designated and marked trails. This helps protect the surrounding environment, preserves the natural habitat, and minimizes disruption to wildlife. Off-trail riding can cause erosion and damage sensitive ecosystems.
  6. Respect Fellow Riders: Be considerate and polite to all trail users. Your behavior reflects on the entire Onewheel community, so being an ambassador means promoting positive interactions and responsible riding.
  7. Report Trail Issues: If you notice any trail problems such as fallen trees, erosion, or other hazards, report them to local trail maintenance authorities. This helps maintain the trails for everyone’s safety and enjoyment.

Don’ts:

  1. No Littering: Never leave trash or waste on the trail. Littering not only damages the environment but also tarnishes the experience for others. Always take your garbage with you and dispose of it properly.
  2. Avoid Trail Blockage: Be mindful of stopping on the trail. When you need to take a break or adjust your gear, move off to the side to allow other users to pass without obstruction.
  3. Stay Off Wet Trails: Avoid riding on trails that are wet or muddy. Riding in such conditions can cause significant damage to the trail surface, leading to erosion and making the trail less enjoyable for others.
  4. Respect Restrictions: Obey all trail closures and stay out of areas that are marked as off-limits. These restrictions are usually in place to protect the environment or for safety reasons. Ignoring them can result in fines or trail damage. If we don’t respect the restrictions more rails will be closed.
  5. Don’t Ride Alone in Remote Areas: If you’re riding in remote locations, always let someone know your planned route and expected return time. This precaution ensures that if anything goes wrong, someone will know where to find you.

By embracing these guidelines, we can all contribute to the sustainability and enjoyment of our natural surroundings on out boards. Onewheel riding offers a unique way to connect with nature and other enthusiasts, but it’s our shared responsibility to protect and preserve the trails and riding we love. We are all responsible to lead by example, promoting respectful and environmentally friendly practices. Together, we can ensure that the thrill of Onewheel trail riding continues to be a positive experience for everyone and out trails still open for everyone.

If you need help with your off-road and trail riding, check out these tips.

Happy trails and float on!

About Oskar Fällman

Oskar Fällman, founder of FallmanTech, is a seasoned Onewheel rider and a visionary system engineer with a master's in Industrial Management and Engineering from Lunds University. With thousands of miles under his belt, Oskar combines technical expertise with a passion for technology and innovation. As a leader in the Onewheel community, he not only rides Onewheel's but also prioritizes safety, new innovations and the growth of the sport. As a system engineer he also holds a multiple patents and innovations. LinkedIn, Academia profile, Contact, Twitter, Patents.