Impact on Environment

Cyclocross does have an impact on the environment, but it is more minimal than it first appears. There have been numerous studies that looks at the impact the bicycles (and other users such as motorcycles, hikers and horses) have on grass and similar environments (see references below). These studies all show that humans have an impact on the environment. There is one significant difference between the human impact in these studies and the impact that a cyclocross race has on the environment; cyclocross races are one time events and do not create or promote the development of continuous pathways, because of the minimal and quick recovery of areas that are used in races (see photos below).

Cyclocross race impact on grass - flattening does occur, but the grass bounces right back

Paths become evident but only because leaves are crushed and the grass shows through

Another view of bikes impact on grass


Photos of Bikes Impact on Grass in Wetter Conditions (please note this only happens in very wet conditions, this shows an extreme example)

Immediately following a race

Three weeks later

Another view of grass following a race - this shows how the mud that come "up" from the turf as the race the progresses, it is not that wheels dig down into the grass

Three weeks later

Here is what can be expected following a cyclocross race:

• Grass will be flattened during a race
• If the ground moisture is high mud will appear on the race course, this becomes unnoticeable in the following couple of weeks due to grass growth, subsequent rain falls, or when the grass reappears following the winter season.
• If the ground is frozen, there is no damage.
  

References

Bratton, S. P., Hickler, M. G., & Graves, J. H. (1979). Trail erosion patterns in great smoky mountains national park. Environmental Management, 3(5), 431-445.

Goudie, A. (1993). Human influence in geomorphology. Geomorphology, 7(1-3), 37-59.

Liddle, M. J. (1975). A selective review of the ecological effects of human trampling on natural ecosystems. Biological Conservation, 7(1), 17-36.

McQuaid-Cook, J. (1978). Effects of hikers and horses on mountain trails. Journal of Environmental Management, 6, 209-212.

Quinn, N. W., Morgan, R. P. C., & Smith, A. J. (1980). Simulation of soil erosion induced by human trampling. Journal of Environmental Management, 10(2), 155-165.

Weaver, T., & Dale, D. (1978). Trampling effects of hikers, motorcycles and horses in meadows and forests. Journal of Applied Ecology, 15(2), 451-457.

Wilson, J. P., & Seney, J. P. (1994). Erosional impact of hikers, horses, motorcycles, and off-road bicycles on mountain trails in montana. MTN RES.DEV., 14(1), 77-88.