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Park Rules and Guidelines

What to do if you encounter a horse

• STOP - All users should yield to horses by stopping and asking permission of the horse rider to pass.
• Allow horse riders time to position their horses for safety.
• TALK - Cyclists should not ring bells as they may startle a horse - voice contact is preferable. A frightened horse is a danger to you, the horse rider and other park users.
• WAIT - It is advisable not to pass within a metre of a horse as they may kick if startled and have considerable reach.

General Mountain Bike Rules and Guidelines

1. All designated MTB trails are one way only. Follow directional markers and if you cannot clearly see the trail head signage, do not enter the track.
2. Maintain an appropriate distance between riders.
3. Slower riders should pull over where safe to let faster riders pass. Pass other trail users with care, keeping to the right.
4. Trail use may be restricted for safety reasons at various times or for special events.
5. Pedestrians are not permitted on the dedicated mountain bike trails and should always cross trails with extreme care.
6. Slow down at MTB and equestrian trail intersections and watch for other users.
7. Ride your MTB at a controlled speed, especially approaching blind corners.
8. Avoid riding in wet, muddy conditions.
9. Plan your ride, know the distance and approximate ride time of your intended route and take appropriate food and water.
10. Organisers of a planned event may change course procedures at their discretion and must advise all users of these changes prior to their participation. Clear signage and event marshals must be provided at intersections with public trails.
11. Avoid walking up and crossing trails.
12. Mountain bikes must only be ridden on approved trails, which have been mapped out by venue management.
13. Carry a mobile phone, especially if you are riding on your own. Know who to call in an emergency, either 000 or a friend or park management.
14. Report problems with trail conditions to the UCSFP management on 02 6207 7874, 9am-4pm daily or email stromloforestpark@act.gov.au.

University of Canberra Stromlo Forest Park (UC Stromlo) Rules of the Trail (adapted from IMBA Rules of the Trail)

Respect the Landscape

• Respect your local trail builders
• Keep single tracks single by staying on the trail. Ride single file and don’t take shortcuts
• Practice 'Leave No Trace' principles
• Do not ride muddy trails – this causes rutting, widening and maintenance headaches
• Ride through standing water, not around it
• Ride (or walk) technical features, not around them
• Obey all signage at UC Stromlo
• No open fires are permitted in UC Stromlo.

Share the Trail

• UC Stromlo is a multi-use facility
• Mountain bikers yield to horses and foot traffic
• Descending riders yield to climbing riders (fire trail only)
• UC Stromlo’s dedicated mountain bike trails are single direction – know the code and know the trails you’re using
• Other users may not be familiar with the MTB trails. Talk to them about their use, directions and safety
• Courtesy is the best safety on the trail. Remember your behaviour is a reflection of the MTB community as a whole
• Ride single file on busy trails and avoid gathering at trail heads and blocking trails for other users. If other users approach, be courteous and make way for them.

Ride Open, Legal Trails

• Poaching trails, building illegal single track or adding unauthorised trail features is not permitted and detrimental to UC Stromlo’s relationship with neighbouring users and the government
• Poorly built features and non-approved trails can seriously injure other trail users
• For every approved trail built, there is significant maintenance required
• If you wish to get involved, please do so by joining the official UC Stromlo Volunteers group.

Ride in Control

• Speed, inattentiveness and rudeness are the primary sources of trail conflict among user groups
• If you need to pass, slow down, ring a bell or verbally announce yourself, and wait until the other trail user is out of the path (and be patient with beginners)
• Use extra caution around horses, which are unpredictable
• Be extra aware when riding trails with poor sight lines and blind corners or in low light conditions, and make sure you can hear what’s going on around you
• Ride within your ability - use the provided alternative lines to navigate difficult sections
• Children should not be left unattended and must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Plan Ahead

• Be prepared and self-sufficient
• All riders should carry what they need for their ride (mobile phone, repair kits, food and water) and know how to fix a flat and make minor repairs
• Download a GPS trail app (such as TrailForks) on your phone, the Emergency Plus app and UCSFP maps
• Ride with a partner or share your riding plan with someone if you’re heading out solo
• This applies to even the most seasoned riders; you never know what can happen.

Mind the Animals

• When it comes to wildlife, live and let live - all fauna and flora must be left unharmed.
• Be aware of poisonous snakes. If any are spotted, do not attempt to touch, or move it. Quietly move away and please contact UC Stromlo staff.
• If you believe there is wildlife in danger or injured, please contact Venue Management and Access Canberra.
• Dogs are NOT permitted on the mountain bike trails at UC Stromlo, and must be kept on leash at all times across the site, including on fire trails.

UC Stromlo E-bike Policy

The use of E-bikes or power-assisted pedal cycles (Pedalec) which are vehicles complying with the requirements of European Standard EN 15194: 2009 or EN 15194:2009+A1:2009: ‘Cycles – Electrically power assisted cycles – EPAC Bicycles’ are permitted within UCSFP.

To comply with EN 15194:

• The motor must be electric
• The maximum continuous power output of the motor cannot exceed 250 watts measured at the wheel. Note: A motor that delivers 250 watts of continuous power can produce greater power for very short periods of time, which can be beneficial when pulling away at traffic lights or starting a hill climb.
• The rider must pedal the cycle to activate the motor.
• The motor must cut-off once the vehicle reaches 25 km/h, or sooner if the rider stops pedalling
• The vehicle must be certified by the manufacturer and labelled as complying with EN 15194. The label must include the manufacturer’s name, the motor’s cut-off speed in km/h and its continuous rated power in watts.
• E-bikes or Pedalecs must only be used on the UC Stromlo mountain bike trail network and are not permitted on the criterium circuit.

For more information, please see the SFP Public Use Policy

^{Photo credit: (Tile) Nick Waygood Photography}