National Mountain Bike Patrol Handbook

Patroller Handbook
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National Mountain Bike Patrol
Program Description
The mission of IMBA’s Mountain Bike Patrol program is to maintain and promote trail
opportunities for mountain bikers through the promotion, education and support of local
mountain bike patrol groups.
The NMBP is a network of over 600 individual patrollers and 80 patrol groups operating
throughout North America and the world. Financial support for the NMBP comes
primarily from individual members and bike industry sponsors.
Patrols are comprised of volunteer mountain bikers who have completed appropriate
training and are able to inform, assist and educate fellow mountain bikers and other trail
users. Local patrols are encouraged to host trainings regularly and invite new members to
joint the local and national Patrol.
Patrols typically operate as a volunteer group for the local land management agency.
They may or may not be affiliated with a local mountain bike club. Patrollers promote
responsible mountain biking through IMBA’s philosophy of environmentally sound and
socially responsible riding, embodied in the universally recognized IMBA Rules of the
Trail.
The Patrol emphasizes emergency medical response, responsible riding education,
mechanical assistance, environmental concerns, trail user etiquette, local expertise, and
interaction with land management agencies. Enforcement is NOT a function of mountain
bike patrols.
Successful Patrols become the eyes and ears of the land managers they work with.
IMBA is a member-supported 501c(3) non-profit dedicated to preserving and enhancing
trail opportunities for mountain bikers worldwide. Your membership in the National
Mountain Bike Patrol includes IMBA membership.
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National Mountain Bike Patrol
Patroller Handbook
Disclaimer
The guidelines outlined in these materials are the generally accepted standards and
procedures for mountain bike patrol programs. They are intended for use as suggestions
and helpful guides, not strict rules. Land ownership rules, regulations, guidelines for
trail/facility use, and specific techniques and procedures will vary based on local needs,
climates, terrain, etc. Each patrol group should feel free to adapt them to their specific
needs.
These guidelines have been written and reviewed by interagency groups associated with
mountain bike patrol programs.
The interagency groups, which include NORBA, IMBA, National Ski Patrol, the NMBP
Advisory Committee, BLM, Jefferson County Parks, numerous individual mountain bike
patrol representatives and interested parties assume no liability whatsoever arising out of,
or related to, any damage or injury that may arise from the application of the information
and principles presented in this material.
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Mountain Bike Patroller
Description Of Duties
Responsibilities
• Patrol a minimum number of hours (specified by local patrol) over a patrolling season
plus training. Example: 50 hours minimum from April through October.
• Observe and follow the pre-arranged and agreed upon patrolling schedule. Be where
you are supposed to be when you are to be there.
• Wear and maintain the proper uniform for the patrol unit.
• Make sure patrol unit provided equipment is signed out, returned, and if necessary,
restocked in working order and in a timely fashion. Patroller is responsible for
equipment when in their possession.
• Keep a positive, helpful attitude and represent the NMBP and your local patrol in a
professional way.
• Help maintain safe trails by being alert and reporting hazards, obstacles, and remedies
as required.
• Assist in the care and transportation of injured or ill persons.
• Accurately complete appropriate incident record procedures and/or log sheets.
• Interact effectively with all trail users (hikers, hunters, joggers, equestrians, etc.) and
emergency care providers and land management groups.
• Respect local ecology and trail conditions (don’t ride in muddy conditions).
• Know how to contact and provide effective feedback to individuals, agencies, and
organizations that have jurisdiction in the local area (includes land owner, land
manager, enforcement agency and the emergency contact).
• Follow the individual requirements specific for the local Patrol.
Qualifications
• Satisfy all established training requirements established by the National Mountain
Bike Patrol/local patrol group and the area land manager including, but not limited to:
-first aid/emergency care
-communication equipment skills
-interpersonal skills
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-trail/environmental issues and impact
-orienteering
-riding skills
-emergency bike repair
• Know and follow all local policies and procedures.
• Know personal limitations on ability to provide services.
• Demonstrate adequate mountain bike patrol skill competence.
• Maintain your personal bike to prevent any failures on the trail.
Personal risk management
• Stay within your physical limits when operating within the scope of the patroller
responsibilities.
• Comprehend and differentiate between personal and patrol responsibility regarding
insurance and health coverage.
• Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and be prepared for the unexpected (do
not become a patient).
• Always wear a helmet and other appropriate safety gear.
• If possible, carry extra water and energy food.
• New Patrollers are strongly advised to patrol with more experienced Patrollers for the
first six months.
• If possible, tap into local law enforcement agencies to get some specialized training
on how to confront or approach difficult people without putting oneself in harm’s
way. Remember, law enforcement is not a function of the Patrol.
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Working With Your Local Land
Management Agencies
The Patrol/Land Manager Relationship — A Crucial Link: It’s probable that the land
on which your local trail system lies is owned, or at least managed by, a local, state, or
federal land management agency. A good working relationship with local land managers
is the most important component of a successful mountain bike patrol. Each area has its
own unique trail use issues and local land managers are aware of these.
Local land management agencies include city, and county parks and recreation areas.
State level agencies include parks, forests, and recreation areas. At the federal level, the
Bureau of Land Management (BLM), United States Forest Service (USFS), and National
Park Service (NPS) are the key agencies.
BLM, USFS, and NPS manage almost one quarter of the land in the US. Land managers
oversee recreation on public lands and they are responsible for decisions regarding trail
access, new trails and trail closure.
Meeting With Land Managers: When meeting with your local land manager, it’s a good
idea to have a list of benefits that the patrol intends to provide to him/her. Most land
management agencies are facing tighter budgets than ever before and are in need of the
type of volunteer help you can provide. In many cases, acting as the eyes and ears for the
land manager is the patrol’s best service. Other benefits may include providing the land
manager with regular reports covering trail hazards, trail sections in need of repair,
incidents involving other trail users, facilities in need of repair, missing or confusing
signs, feedback/suggestions from trail users, etc… Land managers will be please to know
that NMBP Patrol members are prepared to provide first aid, mechanical help, directions,
local advice, water, and even sunscreen to trail users. Trail sweeping for downed trees,
fallen rocks, and other potentially dangerous obstacles is also something patrollers can
easily do.
Be prepared to provide the land manager with a list of support items that the patrol might
need. These might include access to radios, report forms, fanny packs and first aid
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supplies, badges or pins identifying patrollers as agency volunteers, and training in the
use of radios, agency policies, and possibly even first aid/CPR training. The land
manager may be able to offer other benefits as well.
Work with the land manager to identify activities that the patrol and agency could do
together, such as trail maintenance projects or joint response to medical emergencies,
search and rescues, etc. A good working relationship with your land manager will help
keep your trails in good condition – and open to mountain bikes – for years to come.
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Trail & Environmental Issues
And Minimum Impact Riding
In most cases where trails are closed to mountain bikes, the reason is often
environmental impact or social incompatibility. Environmental impact can be reduced
to manageable levels by proper trail design and by riding responsibly. As a patroller, you
play a key role in educating riders about being a courteous and ecologically respectful
trail user.
Some non-bikers have a negative image of mountain biking as the result of an interaction
with an unruly cyclist. These interactions are the exception, but the negative image they
create far outweighs the slow, steady progress responsible riders have made towards
improving our image.
Responsible riding has as much to do with how we are perceived as a group as it does
with how we actually behave on the trail. In order for mountain bikes (and patrols) to be a
respected and viable member of the outdoor community, it is essential that patrols
understand and educate mountain bikers on the importance of respecting the trail, the
surrounding area, and other trail users. In other words, follow and actively promote
IMBA’s Rules of the Trail and the principles of Leave No Trace (www.lnt.org):
1. Ride on open trails only
2 Leave no trace
3. Control your bicycle
4. Always yield trail and respect other users
5. Don’t scare animals
6. Plan ahead and be prepared
OTHER ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES
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Trails: Trail closure to mountain biking is sometimes based on the perception that
mountain bikes cause more damage to trails than hikers or horses. Independent scientific
research has shown this to be false, yet mountain bikers often get the blame when poor
trail design and erosion are the true culprits. It’s important that patrollers observe and
expose these simple rules for low impact riding:
• Ride on open trails only — respect trail closures including seasonal or
short-term closures.
• Never ride in designated Wilderness areas, which are closed to bikes.
• Don’t skid.
• Know the soil types in your area and when they are dry enough to ride.
• Don’t ride around water bars — erosion is a trail’s worst enemy.
• Stay on existing trails.
• Don’t shortcut switchbacks.
Patrollers should be able to tactfully explain to other mountain bikers why they should
follow these rules and the consequences of breaking them. Know which trails are closed
to mountain bikes and when. Be familiar with the various causes of trail erosion and
proper trail construction techniques. This knowledge is an important component of the
NMBP’s mission to educate our fellow trail users.
The fragile cryptobiotic crust that covers much of the ground in the Moab, UT area and
other parts of the Southwest is good example of this is kind of concern. The delicate
cover provides a crucial role in preventing erosion by allowing vegetation to grow in the
harsh desert soil. The Moab Mountain Bike Patrol has done a great job educating riders
about the importance of staying on the trail.
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SOCIAL ISSUES
High speeds, reckless riding, spooking horses, unnerving other trail users – these are the
most common accusations leveled at mountain bikers. It comes down to two key points:
safety and respect. Patrollers should stress the importance of yielding the trail to other
users. Yielding does not necessarily mean stopping. Slowing to a controlled, nonthreatening
speed and being prepared to stop quickly and smoothly is usually sufficient.
Use common sense.
Note: Encourage riders to be especially careful when passing equestrians. Make verbal
contact with the rider and be prepared to stop if necessary.
Racers training for competition will want to ride fast. Some trails and times of day/week
are appropriate for high-speed riding. Others are not. Patrollers should be prepared to
suggest (again tactfully) alternative trails where high speed riding is more acceptable.
Awareness of non-recreational land users (like ranchers) may also be an issue. Bikers
need to respect crops and livestock.
Finally, do not ride on trails closed to bicycles. For various reasons it is appropriate that
some trails are closed to bikes. If you feel a particular trail should be open to biking, talk
to your land manager/land owner and work with them to open it.
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Emergency Trailside Bike Repair
A rider has a mechanical failure just a couple miles from the nearest trailhead. If warmth
and daylight aren’t waning, the mechanical is only an inconvenience. But add falling
temperature, darkness, and less than intimate knowledge of the surrounding area and
suddenly a minor inconvenience becomes a very unpleasant experience – or even a lifethreatening
situation.
It is important for bike patrollers to educate the mountain biking public on the importance
of being prepared for mechanical problems on the trail. Patrollers must be able to perform
basic trailside bike repairs, for their own sake and for that of other riders who may need
mechanical assistance.
National Mountain Bike Patrol Bike Repair Guidelines: Patrollers should be
comfortable with basic bike repair tools and able to perform the following standard field
repairs:
1. Flat repair
2 Chain repair
3. Derailleur adjustment
4. Seat adjustment
5. Brake adjustment
6. Head set adjustment
7. Basic spoke and wheel repair
Training: One way patrols can learn or brush up on their bike repair skills is through a
local bike shop. The local shop might be willing to donate a mechanic’s expertise for a
training clinic. Explaining your patrol’s involvement in the cycling community will
increase the likelihood of them offering training assistance. This is a great way to build a
relationship with a local bicycle dealer.
An alternative is to have a knowledgeable patrol member or friend teach the group. There
are a number of excellent books about bike repair available.
Practice often and share experiences about creative solutions to field mechanical failures.
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Legal Issues: Performing mechanical repair on another person’s bike could lead to legal
action if that person were to injure themselves as a result of a patrol member’s actions. It
is preferable to supply the rider with tools and advice to fix his/her own bike. This way
the patrol member is not liable for injury as a result of the repair. In addition, the rider
will learn how to do the repair himself/herself. Use common sense. If you’re deep in the
backcountry, or if it’s getting cold/dark, or if the other rider has no mechanical ability, it’s
better to fix the problem yourself so that the rider can safely return to civilization. Land
managers will often have a policy regarding mechanical aid.
Tool/Spare Parts Kit Contents: It is suggested that patrollers carry and be familiar with
the following tools:
• multi tool • pump (presta/schrader)
• chain tool (chain breaker) • patch kites
• hex key set (Allen wrenches) • tubes (presta/schrader)
• Phillip’s head & flat head screwdriver • duct tape (small roll)
• adjustable wrench (small) • zip ties
• spoke wrench • cables (shifter/brake)
• tire levers (2-3) • tire boot for ripped tires
Bike Repair Publications: There are a number of good books available about bike
repair. It’s suggested that the patrol have a small library available to patrol members and
trainees.
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First Aid/Emergency Care Guidelines
First aid treatment provided by a patroller can vary from giving out Band-Aids for small
cuts to the transportation of an unconscious patient with a head injury. There is a wide
range of first aid/emergency care certification levels and a number of good training
organizations.
The NMBP’s policy on emergency care guidelines for patrols is as follows: NMBP
individual patrollers must be certified in standard first aid & CPR (or equivalent) from an
accredited source. A sampling of first aid/emergency care and CPR training providers are
listed at the end of this section. All patrollers, however, are encouraged to seek advanced
or wilderness-specific first aid training beyond the minimum requirement for NMBP
membership.
If a volunteer patrol is working with a land management agency, then each person in the
patrol should be certified in the emergency care program required by that agency. The
land manager will most likely be able to provide or arrange the necessary training for the
patrol. In some cases, land managers may not want volunteers to administer first aid. If
that’s the case, then you must observe that policy.
Advanced Levels of Certification: Higher levels of emergency care certification include
Outdoor Emergency Care, Wilderness First Responder, and Wilderness Emergency
Medical Technician (EMT). Some patrol members may be interested in these levels of
certification (or may already be certified). See your Patrol Director or contact IMBA’s
patrol coordinator for recommendations on where to pursue advanced first aid or search
and rescue training.
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Local Protocols: If your group decides to seek a higher level of certification, make sure
your treatment protocol meets the standards and requirements of local emergency
facilities. This ensures uniformity of care.
Liability and Insurance: Volunteers who provide medical and mechanical assistance,
receive protection from liability suits under the Good Samaritan act. The important thing
to remember is that you stay within the limits of your training. Good Samaritan laws vary
by state and patrollers should be aware of what the law is in their state. The same liability
insurance available to IMBA clubs is available to patrols at a very reasonable rate
through IMBA and McKay Insurance Agency, Inc. See imba.com/nmbp/benefits.html for
details.
First Aid Pack Contents: Most patrollers wear some type of pack such as a large
capacity hydration pack (Camelbak H.A.W.G) which can be used to carry first aid
supplies, tools and tubes. It is recommended that every patroller carry a complete first aid
kit: (Note that the level of training and the local area will influence what supplies are
carried).
Basic (minimum) First Aid Kit/Pack
Note: list should incorporate local needs and local medical protocols.
Suggested contents include:
• rubber gloves (4 pr) • cravats (5) • glucose tablets
• safety pins (10) • adhesive bandages (12) • knife (Swiss Army-type)*
• lighter* • Kling (4 rolls) • small notebook*
• ice pack • 4” x 4” bandages (12) • Incident report sheets*
• bug repellent* • 5” x 9” bandages (2) • trauma scissors
• compass* • adhesive tape • pocket mask
• trail maps (10) • wire (SAM) splint • 1-4 oz. eye wash
• water purification pills • 4-oz. tube antibiotic creme • 4-oz. bottle sunscreen
• antiseptic towlettes • space blanket • Ace bandage
• 6 tonge depressors • signal mirror (old CD works great)
* Items are not necessarily first aid specific, but should be carried by patrollers.
Note: Medication, lotions, bug repellents, salves, etc. should only be provided, and must
never be applied by the patroller.
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Suggested First Aid/Emergency Care Trainers & Resources:
(Note: These are not the only providers of accredited first aid courses. Ask your local patrol leaders for
recommendations.)
• American Red Cross (Standard First Aid, First Responder, CPR)
National Headquarters
8111 Gatehouse Rd
Falls Church, VA 22042
703-206-6000
• National Ski Patrol (Outdoor First Care, Outdoor Emergency Care)
133 S. Van Gordon, Suite 100
Lakewood, CO 80228
(303) 988-1111
• National Safety Council (CPR, various levels of emergency care)
1121 Spring Lake Dr.
Itasca, IL 60143-3201
(800) 621-7656
• American Heart Association (CPR)
National Center
7272 Greenville Avenue
Dallas, TX 75231
• Wilderness Medicine Institute of NOLS (Wilderness First Aid, First Responder, EMT)
www.wmi.nols.edu
Wilderness Medicine Institute
284 Lincoln Street
Lander, WY 82520
• National Association for Search and Rescue
4500 Southgate Place, Ste 100
Chantilly, VA 20151
(703) 222-6277
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• local hospitals and HMOs
Many have first aid/emergency care courses. Any should have information on other
providers.
Outdoor Emergency Care Publications:
• Outdoor Emergency Care, Dr. Warren Bowman M.D., 1993, National Ski Patrol, (303) 988- 1111.
Details comprehensive emergency care for the non-urban setting.
• Outdoor First Care, 1994, National Ski Patrol. Covers basic first aid and personal precautions for
infection control.
• Wilderness Medicine, Dr. Paul S. Auerbach, M.D., 1995, Mosby Publishing. Covers management of
wilderness emergencies.
• Wilderness First Aid, Backer M.D., Bowman M.D., Paton M.D., Steele M.D., Thygerson M.D.,
1998, Jones and Bartlett Publishers. Covers emergency care for remote locations.
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NMBP Two -Way Radio License Information
Permission to transmit on the 151.625 MHz frequency is licensed to IMBA by the FCC
for the NMBP program. NMBP grants affiliated patrols and NMBP members to transmit
on this frequency only when performing mountain bike patrol work. Radios with power
output up to 5 watts may be used. Please note; there are very stiff FCC fines for violation
of FCC radio rules and regulations. Please read this list closely and abide by all rules.
Because IMBA and NMBP are the named licensees and are therefore responsible
for its use, NMBP must restrict use of the NMBP call sign (also known as license
number or identification number) to NMBP member groups/individuals.
NMBP’s call sign is: WPLT262. As required by the FCC, the call sign is to be stated
every 45 minutes if continuously transmitting. If, (more likely) you are only transmitting
intermittently, the call sign should be stated after completion of a transmission.
Technically, this is an industrial business frequency. It is also an “itinerant” band so it can
be used nationwide and does not require coordination. Because construction truck drivers
are the primary users of itinerant bands, it is possible that in some areas patrollers may
have to share this frequency with these other radio users. Sharing a frequency is almost
always part of two-way radio communication, and it is unlikely there will be much
construction related transmission in forested places or other typical mountain bike riding
areas.
In the event of life-threatening emergency, patrollers can transmit on any frequency
(including 155.160 or other special emergency frequencies monitored by hospitals or
emergency agencies) to call for help. You may want to ask local authorities/emergency
groups for the frequency(s) they monitor and for permission to transmit on that frequency
in the event of a serious emergency.
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Revision history
October 2001
May 2005 NMBP Advisory Committee
overseen by Zach Vanderkooy
General update/addition of
material
National Mountain Bike Patrol
International Mountain Bicycling Association
PO Box 7578 Boulder CO 80306
ph: 303-545-9011 x 106, fax: 303-545-9026
email: patrol@imba.com, web: www.imba.com