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Wash Wise: Protecting Scotland’s Burns and Waterways

Did you know that washing your mountain bike in a burn, river, or other natural waterway can harm the environments we all care about? It might seem harmless, and it’s something many people may not even consider to be a problem, but cleaning bikes in natural watercourses can have real impacts on these often fragile ecosystems.

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A Call to Riders Across Scotland

(Image credit - Ronan Dugan)

Did you know that washing your mountain bike in a burn, river or other natural water way post ride, can cause real damage to the environments we all value.

While it might seem harmless, and you may not even have thought about this, washing bikes in natural watercourses can have the following negative effects:-

  • Releases silt, oils, grease and other contaminants straight into the habitat of fish, insects, and other wildlife. These pollutants can really affect water quality and harm fragile ecosystems.
  • Increases turbidity (water cloudiness) and causes siltation. This settles on the riverbed, damaging habitats by smothering fish eggs and the breeding grounds of species like trout and salmon.
  • Mud carried from one trail to another can carry tree pests, fungi, and bacteria. Washing this mud off in a river can easily spread diseases between forests and different ecosystems.
  • There’s also a risk of spreading invasive non-native species when bikes and gear are cleaned in natural water. Even tiny plant fragments or microscopic organisms can travel downstream and take hold, disrupting native habitats.

Please help by making considerate choices

Please help protect our rivers by:

  • Avoiding washing bikes in waterways. Purpose-built bike wash facilities are the best option, as they safely capture runoff and prevent environmental harm.
  • Wipe Down: Remove excess mud with a rag or brush, before leaving the trail site.
  • Use Water from a Distance: Instead of standing in the burn/stream, use a water bottle or a small bucket to carry water to the bike, keeping chain oil and other contaminants away from the water.
  • Biodegradable Cleaners: If using detergents, use specifically labelled "bio" or environmentally friendly cleaners to minimise aquatic impact.
  • Wash at Home: Use a bucket or hose on a porous surface (like lawn or gravel) where the water can filter through the ground, rather than running directly into drains or water bodies.
  • Avoid Sensitive Areas: Keep cleaning activities at least 25 feet away from stream banks to protect water quality.

Let’s keep our trails amazing and our rivers healthy. Thanks for doing your bit!

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Photo |Credit - Andy McCandlish

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