Mountain bike riding can  be a very dangerous sport and it is important to follow proper safety rules. There are numerous ways that you can improve your mountain bike safety.  Many riders will tell you that wearing a helmet is the most important step to staying safe.  The second most important step is  that you should always ride in control of your mountain bike.

By riding in control you'll not only prevent crashes, but keep others on the trail safe as well.  When riding out of control you loose the ability to adjust to the terrain as you ride over it.  This can and usually does result in serious injury to yourself and others.

Follow these helpful guidelines is a good start to remain safe when riding your mountain bike.

• Always wear a helmet. "Only bone headed riders don't need them."
• Always be in control. There is never any shame in walking the areas of the trail that you don't feel comfortable in riding and you should never let anyone else tell you that there is.
• Always control your speed. Don't go faster than what you can handle. The brakes on your bike are installed for a reason - use them.
• Always follow the rules of the road. You cannot win in a collision against a car, look where you are going and follow the rules, give proper had signals to show your intentions.
• Always research the trail. You should never push the limits on trails that you aren't familiar with.  You should take trails you aren't familiar with at slow speeds until you learn them better.
• Always be visible. Don't go on the road after sunset without a headlight, a full set of reflectors and a red flashing light.
• Always go with a buddy. Never go on a practice run by yourself, go with somebody that can help you if you get hurt.
• Always slow down around blind corners. If you can't see past a corner you should always slow down, as you never know who or what is around it.
• Always start small. Work your way up to stunts, obstacles or jumps.  Practice in less difficult or dangerous situations before you move up to something more dangerous.
• Always respect other trail users. Let hikers know that you are approaching them and slowly pass them. If you see somebody on a horse, stop and ask them if it is okay to pass.
• Always carry emergency tools. Expect a flat, therefore carry a spare tube and a pump or CO2 cartridge to inflate it, a patch kit, tools to remove the wheel and make sure you know how to do it.
• Use a light when its dark. I thought this one was obvious but most evenings on my ride home I see young people without lights AND without reflectors. There is no way that a car can see you unless it is a very well lit street.
• Always play it smart. If you start to question what your doing, you probably shouldn't be doing.  Always think about what you are doing and go with your instincts.