Safety before speed

Before every ride

• Check the operator's live trail status, weather, daylight, forestry work and closures.
• Choose for the least confident rider; a colour is only a general indication.
• Inspect the bike and use the protection required by the venue. Forestry England advises an appropriate bike and safety gear, a helmet and gloves.
• Carry water, food, weather layers, repair equipment, essential medication and a charged phone.
• For remote riding, carry offline navigation, tell a trusted person the plan and do not depend on mobile signal.

Land-manager guidance: Forestry England — cycling safety · Forestry England — grades and route-change warnings

If there is a serious incident

1. Protect the group from further danger without creating another casualty, and follow the emergency call handler's instructions.
2. Call 999 or 112. For mountain rescue in remote terrain, the official procedure in England and Wales is to ask for Police, then Mountain Rescue.
3. Give the trail name, nearest marker or emergency access point, precise location, number of casualties and known hazards.
4. Stop anyone with a suspected concussion from riding and use current NHS head-injury guidance to decide what emergency care is required.

Emergency arrangements differ by venue. Read trailhead signs and record the local emergency access information before setting off.

Emergency sources: GOV.UK — 999 and 112 · Mountain Rescue England and Wales — how to call for help · NHS — head injury and concussion

Higher-risk riding

Uplift, downhill, jump, pro-line and remote natural routes demand specific skills and protection. Confirm age, equipment and booking rules with the operator. Walk unfamiliar features first and never assume a feature is unchanged after weather or maintenance.