Gyms were closed. People were stuck at home. Life as everyone knew it was over. That was, until people rediscovered bikes. Biking became a popular choice for many people over quarantine. It was a way to exercise and, for many people, a safe way to get out of the house. 

Cole Camp, the head coach for the South Metro Cyclones Interscholastic Mountain Bike Team, described the increase of people on bikes. 

“Covid has allowed people to discover or rediscover hobbies and we are helping them to explore that more fully,” Camp said.

People are not only looking for ways to get out, but also communities in which to be included.  There are many groups and teams in the DFW area that have seen increases in interest from new riders wanting to be a part of something bigger, and these groups are excited to get them involved. 

“We work to consistently engage those that have expressed interest so that they are aware of every opportunity available to them,” Camp said. 

Many people that are discovering riding during this time don’t have a lot of experience with bikes outside of riding around a neighborhood. To accommodate for this, cycling groups are returning to basic skills and easier trails so that the new riders can enjoy the experience. 

“We purposefully choose locations that are approachable for riders at every level for optimal enjoyment,” Camp said.

Cycling, for a long time, has been a male dominant sport, but with each generation comes more and more female riders. With this spike in riders, the cycling community is hoping to see more girls on bikes.

“Cycling is still a heavily male-centric sport, but programs like GRiT [Girls Riding Together] are helping us to get the word out to girls and young women that cycling is for everyone,” Camp said. 

One thing that has become an issue with beginning riders is that most of them don’t have any trail etiquette. It is a simple thing that makes a world of difference.  Whether it’s calling a line (saying which side you’ll be passing on) or staying in the proper lane, trail etiquette is something easy that everyone can participate in. 

Lemuel Randolph,  the Parks and Recreation Director for the City of Arlington, gave some insight on how they are trying to help improve trail use. 

“We have put signs on how trails should be used, lane marking changes to signify slowing down, and speed suggestions,” Randolph said. 

Another issue that has come up is the amount of trash on trails. Because of the increase in people getting outside and in parks, the trash that gets brought along and left has increased as well. 

“Trash pickup has gone from once a week to everyday because of the increase of people on the trails,” Randolph said. 

The biking community is one full of competition and teamwork. One of acceptance and encouragement. One of family and friends. Hop on a bike and you’re in. Join a group of friends or even strangers and have fun. For more information on local organizations and teams, access the links below.

Texas Interscholastic MTB League (mountain biking): http://www.texasmtb.org/ 

NICA (National Interscholastic Cycling Association): https://www.nationalmtb.org/ 

Dirt Side Sisters (women cycling group): https://dirtsidesisters.org/ 

DORBA (Dallas Off- Road Bicycle Association): https://dorba.org/ 

FWMBA (Fort Worth Mountain Bikers Association): https://fwmba.org/