Most studies looking at the environmental impact of mountain biking compare it with hiking. According to the research, the two activities have a similar minimal-impact on our environment.
After reading over 100 studies of environmental interactions of mountain biking, these are my 5 observations:
#1) non-riding researchers
The author/professor(s) is a hiker (non-mtber) and their research is motivated in part by their dislike for mountain bikes. Numerous research papers ‘studying’ the supposed environmental impacts of ‘mountain bike riding’ cite numerous social stereotypes instead of environmental issues.
A 2010 paper titled “The Problem of Mountain Biking as Leisure and Sporting Activity in Protected Areas” is a clear example of ‘non-biased’ research. In this paper, the author says, “hikers and those peoples seeking authentic natural experiences” are “concerned that mountain biking is not an appropriate leisure activity in protected areas.” I never thought my mountain biking moments were less than ‘authentic.’
After these ‘scientists’ are unable to find any discernible environmental differences between hiking and mountain biking they generally conclude by saying that mountain biking is difficult to access due to ‘limitations in quantitative experimental methods’ or something obtuse and wrapped up in scientific gibberish.
Looks fun….Not for the macrofauna who just perished.
Beach volleyball harmless fun??
A study from the Journal of Coastal Conservation researched the effects of human trampling during beach volleyball and the survival rates of four intertidal macrofauna species. The researcher’s conclusion, “beach games may have a damaging effect” and “trampling has some impact on sandy beach macrofauna.” It should be noted that fat-tire mountain biking has minimal impact on the macrofauna that were studied in this paper.
#2) MTB & the total environmental impact ?
The majority of studies looked at impacts from erosion, disturbances of wildlife, tree/plant damage, littering, water quality, fire rings, and excessive muddiness. None of the studies looked at the entire environmental equation but instead focused solely on the ecological impacts.
What about the energy consumption and materials used in the manufacturing process of hiking and biking equipment?
How do these hikers/mtbers get to the trailhead?
Are mountain bikers more likely to commute by bicycle?
What about the impact of hikers displacing natural habitats in-search of walking sticks? This list could go on and on…..
birdwatching (birding)
Birdwatchers are amongst the worst when it comes to ecological disturbances.
A 2014 study from Environmental Management said: “Birdwatchers tend to go where the birds are, which means they often go where no infrastructure is available, intruding into new areas and potentially pioneering new ‘tourist trails’.”
Only the least environmentally conscious MTBers leave-trail, but in birding, it’s commonly accepted and expected. This same study also noted that some birdwatching trips visit destinations that are “considered toxic for humans.” One doesn’t have to be an environmentalist to appreciate boundaries. I love riding singletrack, but the thought of blazing a new trail to peep on some bird never crossed my mind.
No habitats were destroyed for this picture.
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Hikers exert 4 times more trail pressure than mountain bikes ”
#3) Paradox of promoting a protected area
An issue of significance is the paradox of protection of natural ecosystems while promoting recreational opportunities in these protected areas as long as it’s in alignment with agreed-upon social activities.
Heli-skiing: study proves eagles are not disturbed by helicopters
A 2010 study looked at wildlife disturbances of heli-skiing and military helicopters on the nesting and reproductive rates of golden eagles in northern Utah.
The article noted that “golden eagles also have attacked small fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters.” However, the researcher's conclusion, “no discernible effect on golden eagle nesting success or productivity rates."
If a Boeing AH-64 Apache helicopter doesn't disrupt natural animal habits than my mountain bike must resemble a friendly neighbor rolling over to say, “hello, let's share this 6-pack of local brew."
#4) Mountain bikers & “adrenaline addicts”
Many mountain bikers/cyclists get categorized as ‘adrenaline junkies’ as opposed to a nature-based hobbyist.
This distinction creates a divide amongst outdoor enthusiasts. The vast majority of single-trackers that I know enjoy being immersed in nature. Is it our fault that we just happen to have a hell of a lot more fun on the way down?
horse riding impacts
A 2010 study compared the env. impacts of hiking, mountain biking, and horse-riding. MTBers and hikers had near-identical results. The horse-riding group had significant impacts, especially with “nutrification of soils and waterways from horse manure and the spread of weeds.”
This study also noted that the pressure per area for a horse plus-rider is 10 times greater than a hiker.
A mountain biker with high-profile tires will exert maximum pressure of 14 kg/cm2 on the trail when riding uphill
Walkers exert maximum pressure of 56 kg/cm2 when descending a hill
The author also said, “On level ground, however, walkers reach comparable and often higher pressures than mountain bike riders.”
The aforementioned study of horse-riding says the extra pressure is responsible for the greater impacts compared to the hiking and mountain bike groups. What about the fact that trail-walkers exert higher forces than MTBers?
Fun Fact - Horses, bikes, & Average Speed
A horse trots at about 8 mph on average. The average speed for singletrack riders is about 7 mph and 16 mph for road cyclists.
#5) wrecking habitats for pics
Any group of outdoor recreationalists can have a negative ecological impacts if ocular consumption is the primary reason for the activity.
How do we know when ocular consumption occurred?
If getting ‘the picture’ is more important than the experience itself…….it’s probably ocular consumption.
While mountain biking, I’m not thinking about pictures…. I don’t want to dismount……Singletrack riding is just soooooo much fun! There is nothing wrong with taking pictures, except when picture-taking compromises safety or the health of natural ecosystems.
Jesse is the Director of Pedal Chile and lives in La Patagonia (most of the year). Jesse has a Master of Science in Health and Human Performance and enjoys MTBing down the singletrack on the active volcano in Chile’s Patagonia.
Sources & References for "Environmental Impacts of Mountain Biking:
Burgin, S., & Hardiman, N. (2012). Is the evolving sport of mountain biking compatible with fauna conservation in national parks?. Australian Zoologist, 36(2), 201-208. doi: 10.7882/az.2012.016
Goeft, U., & Alder, J. (2001). Sustainable Mountain Biking: A Case Study from the Southwest of Western Australia. Journal Of Sustainable Tourism, 9(3), 193-211. doi: 10.1080/09669580108667398
GRUBB, T., DELANEY, D., BOWERMAN, W., & WIERDA, M. (2010). Golden Eagle Indifference to Heli-Skiing and Military Helicopters in Northern Utah. The Journal Of Wildlife Management, 74(6), 1275-1285. link
Moffett, M., McLachlan, A., Winter, P., & De Ruyck, A. (1998). Impact of trampling on sandy beach macrofauna. Journal Of Coastal Conservation, 4(1), 87-90. doi: 10.1007/bf02806494
Pickering, C., Hill, W., Newsome, D., & Leung, Y. (2010). Comparing hiking, mountain biking and horse riding impacts on vegetation and soils in Australia and the United States of America. Journal Of Environmental Management, 91(3), 551-562. doi: 10.1016/j.jenvman.2009.09.025 link