The proposed bill introduces the Mountain Bike Responsibility Act, which aims to establish clear responsibilities and liabilities for trail system operators, mountain bicyclists, and passengers using aerial passenger tramways in West Virginia. It includes definitions for key terms such as "mountain bicyclist," "trail system operator," and "aerial passenger tramway," and outlines the duties of trail system operators, including maintaining trail safety, providing emergency response plans, and posting warnings about the inherent risks of mountain biking. Additionally, the bill specifies the responsibilities of mountain bicyclists and passengers, emphasizing the assumption of risk and the need for safety precautions.

Furthermore, the bill delineates the liability of trail system operators, passengers, and mountain bicyclists, stating that operators may be held liable for injuries resulting from their failure to meet established duties, while also protecting them from liability due to the negligence of others. It mandates that trail system operators carry public liability insurance and allows parents or guardians to execute releases for minor participants, acknowledging the risks involved in mountain biking. Overall, the Mountain Bike Responsibility Act seeks to promote safety and clarify legal responsibilities within the sport.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 20-20-1, 20-20-2, 20-20-3, 20-20-4, 20-20-5, 20-20-6, 20-20-7, 20-20-8, 20-20-9