Mountain Safety
We are committed to addressing safety every day and in every facet of our operations.
Dodge Ridge Bike Park is Closed for the 2026 Summer Season
Mountain Safety Is A Partnership
This Mountain Safety Guide is designed to help you – our valued guests and partners in safety – hike or bike safely and responsibly while having a fun experience with your family and friends. We are committed to addressing safety every day and in every facet of our operations.
MOUNTAIN BIKER’S Responsibility Code
The 10 Mountain Biker Responsibility Codes are guidelines that mountain bikers should follow to ensure safety, respect for the environment, and consideration for other trail users. These are often part of the larger “Ride Smart” or “Ride with Respect” campaigns:
- STAY IN CONTROL – you’re responsiable for avoiding objects and people.Â
- KNOW YOUR LIMITS – ride within your ability. Start small and work your way up.Â
- PROTECT YOURSELF – use an appropriate bike, helmet and protective equiptment.Â
- INSPECT AND MAINTAIN YOUR EQUIPTMENT – know your components and their operation prioir to riding.Â
- BE LIFT SMART – know how to load, ride and unload lifts safely. Ask if you need help.Â
- INSPECT THE TRAILS AND FEATURES – conditions change constantly, plan and adjust your riding accordingly.Â
- OBEY SIGNS AND WARNINGS – stay on the marked trails only. Keep off closed trails and features. Ride in the direction indicated.Â
- BE VISIBLE – do not stop where you obstruct a trail feature, landing or are not visible.Â
- LOOK AND YEILD TO OTHERS – look both ways and yeild when entering or crossing a road or trail. When overtaking, use caution and yeild to those ahead of you.Â
- COOPERATE – if involved in or witness to a incident, identify yourself to staff.Â
These codes are designed to promote safe and responsible mountain biking while preserving the natural environment for future riders.
YOUR 6-STEP BIKE SAFETY CHECKLIST:
STEP 1: Wheels – Check that your wheel is tightly fitted. The nuts or quick-release lever on either side of the middle of the wheel should be tight. Apply the front back and try to move your wheel from side to side – there shouldn’t be any movement in the axle.
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Check your spokes are tightly done up. You can do this by pinching two spokes together and seeing if there is much movement.
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Check your tire pressure matches the recommendation on the tire and spin your wheel to check they are moving smoothly.
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Checking your bicycle’s tire pressure:
Mountain bike tires (wider with very thick tread)
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36 PSI for a 70kg rider. Add 1 PSI for every 5kg over 70kg
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Due to the large volume of mountain bike tires, they don’t need as much inflation.
Step 2: Saddle or seat
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Make sure your saddle is on tightly by moving it from side to side. If it moves, use your allen keys to tighten the frame around the seat post.
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If you have a dropper seat post – make sure it’s moving smoothly up and down.
STEP 3: Bike chain
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Check your chain is clean, lubricated and free of rust. If your chain looks dirty, get your cleaning kit out.
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Make sure you don’t add too much oil as it will only pick up more dirt. After you’ve cleaned it and let it dry! A clean bike is a fast bike.
STEP 4: Pedals
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Your pedals shouldn’t have any sideways movement and should spin freely. If they aren’t, they may need a service.
STEP 5: Handlebars
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Check that your handlebars are done up tightly and are straight. You can check this by holding the front wheel tightly between your knees and trying to rotate the bars. They shouldn’t turn, and if they do, tighten the bolts. When doing this, make sure your handlebars are straight by looking directly down on them from above the forks.
STEP 6: Brakes
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Slowly wheel the bike alongside you and apply one brake at a time. When you squeeze your left (rear) brake lever the back wheel should lock up. When you squeeze your right (front) brake the bike should stop. If the brake lever pulls all the way to the grip you’ll need to get some maintenance done.
OTHER SAFETY ITEMS TO BRING: sunglasses, helmet, sunscreen, first aid kit, hydration, gloves, chain lube, pads, camera, snacks, socks, patch kit, and proper shoes.