Bear Safety While Mountain Biking
While traveling through bush or tight corners on bike trails, mountain bikers can startle bears. Bears can feel threatened under these circumstances and can sometimes attack.
Although they may look large and clumsy, bears are very agile and can move much faster than a person on a bike. Please observe the following precautions for your safety:
- While biking, make noise, shout, sing or ring bells. This will alert bears of your approach so there is little likelihood of you surprising them. Be cautious if visibility is restricted or if other sounds are drowned out by the sound of running streams.
- Cycle on established trails and be cautious when approaching blind corners.
- Watch for bear signs, such as tracks, droppings, diggings – and food source, such as carcasses and berry patches. These indicate that bears may be in the area.
- If you spot a bear from a distance, leave the area. It's important not to try to find an alternate route.
- If you encounter a bear at close range, step off your bike and walk slowly away, keeping the bike between you and the bear. Do not try to outrun or out-cycle the bear.
- Avoid biking after dark but if you do, ensure you use a light.
- Before your bike trip, leave names, trip plans and date of return with authorities or friends.
