In an emergency call 999 and ask for Police then Mountain Rescue
Scotland’s trails and hills offer world-class mountain biking, but like hillwalking and climbing, being prepared is vital. Conditions can change quickly and accidents can happen, so plan ahead and ride responsibly.
If you do get into difficulty and need assistance, please call 999 and ask for Police Scotland, then ask for Mountain Rescue.
Q. Will I have the ability to stay warm if I can’t move for a long period?
Rescue teams can take hours to reach remote areas, even if you rode there in minutes. Always pack enough weatherproof clothing to keep warm if you become immobile or have to walk your bike out.
• Check forecasts from the Met Office or MWIS before you leave – but remember they’re never 100% accurate, so plan for it to change.
• You may need to consider taking a larger rucksack or carrying spare clothes such as waterproof, a nice dry base layer in case you get sweaty and a warm hat. Check out British Cycling – Winter Bike for more info.
Q. Do I need to take lights?
It gets darker in the forests quicker than on open hillsides, thick cloud cover can turn a late afternoon ride from a sweet last run in golden hour to a technical night ride. You might need lights to navigate the trail or to see to fix your bike.
• Think about the time of departure and your estimated return time – could you be close to dusk or in darker forests? Riders in autumn often find it gets darker earlier than they thought.
• A helmet-mounted bike light is small and ideal whilst dealing with a snapped chain or if you’re unexpectedly out around dusk.
Q. Do I have the right kit?
Advice on what to take is available in a number of places. AdventureSmartUK has a checklist for what to take on your person and on your bike, and British Cycling have some great tips for winter riding.
People – Who am I going with? How experienced are they? What kit do they carry, and what skills do they bring?
Place – Where are we going? How easy is it to access? What impact does the weather have – has it been raining/snowing in the week before we are visiting? Will the rivers be high? Is there shelter?
Problems – Think: Trail-side repairs for bike and body:
I can…
• Keep warm if we have to stop
• Be seen in all conditions and keep safe
• Fix basic problems on my bike
• Do some basic first aid: www.life-saver.org is a great place to start
• Describe my location to the emergency services (PLB, grid ref etc)
• Understand when to get help and how to call out Mountain Rescue
Always ask yourself: What will I do if I can’t ride out?
• Can I fix the bike with the tools and spares I’ve brought?
• Do I know the walking route back, and am I equipped to push/carry my bike?
• If on an e-bike, do I have enough charge for the ride and a backup plan if it runs out?
By planning ahead, packing smart, and having a Plan B, you greatly reduce your chances of needing rescue.
• Plan points on the route to check progress
• Consider daylight and weather – is it impacting the group?
• Hydration and nutrition are really important, particularly in the winter – when are you stopping to refuel?
What if I have an accident?
The main thing is to remain calm, assess the situation and then decide what to do:
• Make sure you and the group are not in immediate danger.
• If you are on a well-used trail, set up a cordon to stop/warn other riders (an upturned bike works well)
• Give first aid to the injured.
• Locate your exact position.
Keep warm and decide whether you are able make your own way back safely, find shelter, remain where you are or call for help.
• Location – ideally a 6-figure grid reference or a named location/feature.
o The free OS Locate app can provide a 6-figure grid reference
• Number of casualties and the nature of injuries.
• Number in the group and what equipment you have.
• Your phone number and the numbers of any other mobiles in the group.
• Use your survival bag or shelter, and extra layers to stay warm.
• Keep the casualty comfortable and insulated from the ground.
• Stay where you are while waiting for help to arrive
If You Have No Signal
• Try moving to higher ground or another location to find coverage.
• Register your mobile phone now with the 999 text service. If the signal is weak, a text may still get through – but only if you pre-register.
o To register: text the word ‘register’ to 999, follow the instructions, and complete the setup. This takes just a couple of minutes and could save your life.
Technology That Can Help
• Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs) These small handheld devices can send an SOS signal via satellite, giving rescuers your exact location even if there is no mobile reception. Once activated, they transmit your location to global monitoring centres, which pass details to the UK Aeronautical Rescue & Control Centre (ARCC). From there, Mountain Rescue or other emergency responders will be mobilised.
o Top tips for PLB use:
Only activate in a genuine life-threatening emergency.
Stay in one place once activated so satellites can refine your position.
Place the beacon with a clear view of the sky.
Once switched on, do not turn it off until rescue arrives.
• Crash detection on modern phones and smart watches: Some devices can automatically detect a crash and call the emergency services for you. Ensure the feature is activated if available.
The following page from Developing Mountain Biking in Scotland is also a very good guide: What to do in an emergency?
Thank you to Jen and Chris of Tweed Valley Mountain Rescue Team for help in putting together the above page.