Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling
Mountain biking, also known as singletracking, is an emerging sector in outdoor recreation activities. Experience shows that although bicycling is considered a low-impact activity, singletracking may have adverse environmental footprints. Here, we review and conceptually analyze the forces applied o...
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
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MDPI AG
2020-11-01
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| Series: | Land |
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| Online Access: | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/9/11/442 |
| _version_ | 1797548243326861312 |
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| author | Ilan Stavi Hezi Yizhaq |
| author_facet | Ilan Stavi Hezi Yizhaq |
| author_sort | Ilan Stavi |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | Mountain biking, also known as singletracking, is an emerging sector in outdoor recreation activities. Experience shows that although bicycling is considered a low-impact activity, singletracking may have adverse environmental footprints. Here, we review and conceptually analyze the forces applied on singletracks, and implement mathematical modeling of these forces, for a range of climatic conditions and geographic settings. Specifically, we focus on the hydrological and geomorphic impacts of singletracking, and highlight the importance of applying geomorphic principles in their design. Also, we demonstrate specific measures for establishing singletracks on hillslopes and in ephemeral stream channels. We discuss how climate, topography, surface roughness, hydrological connectivity, and pedology determine the processes of water runoff and soil erosion on singletrack trails. Further, we demonstrate how riders’ behavior determines the rate of shearing, wearing, compaction, deformation, and rutting of the singletrack, as well as the expansion of physical damages to the track’s surroundings. These conditions and effects determine the durability of singletracks, with implications for maintenance requirements over time. The specific implications of the emerging sector of electric mountain bikes on singletrack durability are discussed. Insights of this paper will benefit landscape designers and land managers aiming to foster ecotourism and sustainable recreation opportunities. |
| first_indexed | 2024-03-10T14:56:34Z |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj.art-104372ea7d93476d97d0518a2948a5cf |
| institution | Directory Open Access Journal |
| issn | 2073-445X |
| language | English |
| last_indexed | 2024-03-10T14:56:34Z |
| publishDate | 2020-11-01 |
| publisher | MDPI AG |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Land |
| spelling | doaj.art-104372ea7d93476d97d0518a2948a5cf2023-11-20T20:33:18ZengMDPI AGLand2073-445X2020-11-0191144210.3390/land9110442Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical ModelingIlan Stavi0Hezi Yizhaq1Dead Sea and Arava Science Center, Yotvata 88820, IsraelDepartment of Solar Energy and Environmental Physics, Blaustein Institutes for Desert Research, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Sede Boqer Campus 84990, IsraelMountain biking, also known as singletracking, is an emerging sector in outdoor recreation activities. Experience shows that although bicycling is considered a low-impact activity, singletracking may have adverse environmental footprints. Here, we review and conceptually analyze the forces applied on singletracks, and implement mathematical modeling of these forces, for a range of climatic conditions and geographic settings. Specifically, we focus on the hydrological and geomorphic impacts of singletracking, and highlight the importance of applying geomorphic principles in their design. Also, we demonstrate specific measures for establishing singletracks on hillslopes and in ephemeral stream channels. We discuss how climate, topography, surface roughness, hydrological connectivity, and pedology determine the processes of water runoff and soil erosion on singletrack trails. Further, we demonstrate how riders’ behavior determines the rate of shearing, wearing, compaction, deformation, and rutting of the singletrack, as well as the expansion of physical damages to the track’s surroundings. These conditions and effects determine the durability of singletracks, with implications for maintenance requirements over time. The specific implications of the emerging sector of electric mountain bikes on singletrack durability are discussed. Insights of this paper will benefit landscape designers and land managers aiming to foster ecotourism and sustainable recreation opportunities.https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/9/11/442biking velocity and acceleratione-mountain bikesenvironmental planning and sustainabilityerodibilitygeo-ecosystem functioningintrrill |
| spellingShingle | Ilan Stavi Hezi Yizhaq Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling Land biking velocity and acceleration e-mountain bikes environmental planning and sustainability erodibility geo-ecosystem functioning intrrill |
| title | Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling |
| title_full | Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling |
| title_fullStr | Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling |
| title_full_unstemmed | Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling |
| title_short | Applying Geomorphic Principles in the Design of Mountain Biking Singletracks: Conceptual Analysis and Mathematical Modeling |
| title_sort | applying geomorphic principles in the design of mountain biking singletracks conceptual analysis and mathematical modeling |
| topic | biking velocity and acceleration e-mountain bikes environmental planning and sustainability erodibility geo-ecosystem functioning intrrill |
| url | https://www.mdpi.com/2073-445X/9/11/442 |
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