This article was written by Cendy Moliere from Personal Injury Help.

Cycling is a fun, healthy, and exciting way to get where you need to go. It also gives you the opportunity to get up close and personal with nature and enjoy the great outdoors. When we go cycling, we all have a responsibility to do what we can to preserve nature for its inhabitants as well as for any future visitors to the area. Here are some of the best ways to preserve nature while cycling:

• Don’t get off the trail. When you get off the trail, it causes long-term damages. It will crush plants, damage roots, and cut more trails. It will lead to excess trails, cause widening trails, and then contribute to erosion and washouts.
• Don’t cut ruts. When you cut ruts, it will dig down into the ground and damage plant roots. These ruts will fill the water when it rains and cause slippery messes. It will also contribute to erosion.
• Don’t ride your brakes downhill. Learn how to pace yourself and know when to use the front brakes and when to use the rear brakes. When you ride your brakes, you will wear them out more quickly and you will cut ruts.
• Don’t litter. If you have trash, be sure to take it out with you to dispose of it properly. If you come across trash that others left behind, do the right thing and dispose of it properly.
• Do not take out rocks, shells, feathers, limbs, or other items. Don’t pick flowers or dig up plants. Instead, you should leave everything as you find it so the animals are not disturbed, and so future visitors can also enjoy the views.
• Yield right of way. Watch for animals, hikers, and other cyclists. Travel at a safe speed so you can yield right of way. Don’t approach wildlife and make it feel threatened.
• Take your own water supply in a reusable, BPA-free bottle. There are millions of plastic water bottles in landfills and the oceans. Don’t contribute to the problem. Instead, choose a quality water bottle that you can use time and time again.
• Make your own snacks and pack them in reusable containers. You can make trail mix using natural, local ingredients. That is healthier, and it cuts down on costs, travel, waste, and packaging.
• Plan your transportation to the trail. If the trail is a considerable distance, then carpool so you cut down on fuel use and the carbon footprint.
• Choose your clothing and gear wisely. Buy high-quality products from companies that adhere to environmentally friendly practices.
• Wash your bike, your gear, and your clothing after each trip and before you go somewhere else. You don’t want to transfer seeds, insects, fungi, or disease into another area. You can easily carry things that you don’t notice from one area into another.
• Eat locally afterwards. When it is time for you to refuel, choose a locally owned restaurant that has sustainable practices.

When we all work together, we can enjoy cycling and preserve nature for us to all enjoy.

Personal Injury Help (www.personalinjury-law.com) is an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only.