ASTM F3175-16
(Guide)Standard Guide for Training and Equipping Search and Rescue Personnel Operating on Mountain Bikes (Mountain Bike SAR Endorsement)
Standard Guide for Training and Equipping Search and Rescue Personnel Operating on Mountain Bikes (Mountain Bike SAR Endorsement)
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE
4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel.
4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments.
4.3 Every person who is identified as a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide.
4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization.
4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings.
4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members.
4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions.
4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel.
4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program.
4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training an individual to be Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide.
4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence.
4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, ...
SCOPE
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training and equipment requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and rescue personnel who operate on mountain bikes.
1.2 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on mountain bikes.
1.3 A Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide.
1.4 Personnel trained to only this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions.
1.5 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure.
1.6 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993.
1.6.1 Further training may be required before Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction.
1.7 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate on mountain bikes while performing operations in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in mountain or alpine environments.
1.8 Personnel trained to this guide are not qualified to perform rescue. No training in rope use, high or low angle litter evacuation, or other rescue skills is included in this guide.
1.8.1 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751.
1.9 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel must work under q...
General Information
- Status
- Published
- Publication Date
- 31-May-2016
- Technical Committee
- F32 - Search and Rescue
- Drafting Committee
- F32.03 - Personnel, Training and Education
Relations
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2024
- Refers
ASTM F3071-14(2020) - Standard Guide for Basic Wilderness GPS/GNSS Use (GPS/GNSS-IW) Endorsement - Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2020
- Refers
ASTM F1447-18 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating - Effective Date
- 01-Jun-2018
- Effective Date
- 01-Dec-2015
- Refers
ASTM F3071-14 - Standard Guide for Basic Wilderness GPS/GNSS Use (GPS/GNSS-IW) Endorsement - Effective Date
- 01-Mar-2014
- Effective Date
- 01-Sep-2012
- Refers
ASTM F1447-12 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating - Effective Date
- 01-Jul-2012
- Effective Date
- 01-Aug-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-May-2010
- Effective Date
- 01-Oct-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Apr-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Jan-2009
- Effective Date
- 01-Nov-2008
- Refers
ASTM F1447-06 - Standard Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating - Effective Date
- 01-May-2006
Overview
ASTM F3175-16: Standard Guide for Training and Equipping Search and Rescue Personnel Operating on Mountain Bikes (Mountain Bike SAR Endorsement) outlines the essential training, skills, and equipment requirements for search and rescue (SAR) team members operating on mountain bikes. Established by ASTM International, this guide provides a minimum standard framework designed to ensure the safety and effectiveness of mountain bike search and rescue personnel under qualified supervision.
This standard does not override local, state, or federal protocols, and it serves as a foundation for agencies to develop or assess their own mountain bike SAR training programs. It is not a training manual, but rather a comprehensive outline of critical knowledge and competencies for Mountain Bike SAR Endorsed personnel.
Key Topics
Minimum Training and Knowledge Requirements
- Specifies general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities for safe mountain bike SAR operations
- Requires certification in adult and child CPR and first aid, with the option for more advanced emergency medical training as applicable
- Outlines the need for ongoing documentation and proficiency demonstration, typically via a position task book and field exercises
Equipment Standards
- Details the necessary criteria for bikes used in SAR, including off-road capacity, load-bearing capability, and adaptability to various terrains
- Lists required personal protective equipment such as certified helmets, eye protection, gloves, suitable clothing, and appropriate footwear
- Recommends essential field repair kits and tools for mechanical self-sufficiency
Practical Skills and Abilities
- Emphasizes key bicycle handling and maintenance skills, such as pre-ride inspection, brake and gear adjustment, chain repair, and wheel changes
- Lists essential riding abilities, including balance, quick stops, obstacle navigation, and efficient riding over different terrain types
- Sets out minimum trail competency requirements, including the successful navigation of specific obstacles and completion of mileage on qualified trails
Scope and Limitations
- Establishes that endorsement to this guide is not a qualification for rescue operations involving ropes, collapsed structures, water, confined or underground spaces, or mountainous/alpine settings
- Reinforces the need for qualified supervision and additional training where required
- Clarifies that individuals endorsed under this guide are not trained for leadership roles or technical rescue operations
Applications
Practical Value for Search and Rescue Teams
- Used by SAR organizations to develop, evaluate, or benchmark training programs for mountain bike SAR personnel
- Assists authorities having jurisdiction (AHJ) in setting baseline requirements and adapting further protocols suited to their operational context
- Supports integration of mountain bike SAR resources for surface-level operations in urban, wilderness, and disaster-stricken environments where rapid mobility and accessibility are critical
Evaluation and Compliance
- Provides a standardized checklist for evaluating both individual competency and program adequacy in mountain bike SAR operations
- Guides agencies on equipment selection and maintenance practices to ensure readiness and safety during missions
Related Standards
- ASTM F1447 - Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicycling or Roller Skating
- ASTM F1952 - Specification for Helmets Used for Downhill Mountain Bicycle Racing
- ASTM F2751 - Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue Team Member
- ASTM F1993 - Classification System of Human Search and Rescue Resources
- ASTM F2209 - Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
- ASTM F3068 - Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book (PTB)
- ASTM F1633 - Guide for Techniques in Land Search
- ASTM F1773 - Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering, Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
- International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Trail Difficulty Rating System
- Snell Memorial Foundation Standards - B-95, N-94 for protective headgear
By adhering to ASTM F3175-16, agencies can standardize their approach to training and equipping mountain bike search and rescue personnel, enhancing both operational safety and mission effectiveness.
Keywords: ASTM F3175-16, mountain bike search and rescue, SAR, mountain bike operations, rescue personnel training, mountain bike equipment standards, field readiness, SAR certification, emergency response training, safety standards for bicycle SAR.
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Frequently Asked Questions
ASTM F3175-16 is a guide published by ASTM International. Its full title is "Standard Guide for Training and Equipping Search and Rescue Personnel Operating on Mountain Bikes (Mountain Bike SAR Endorsement)". This standard covers: SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. 4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments. 4.3 Every person who is identified as a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide. 4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization. 4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings. 4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members. 4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. 4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. 4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program. 4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training an individual to be Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide. 4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence. 4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, ... SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training and equipment requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and rescue personnel who operate on mountain bikes. 1.2 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on mountain bikes. 1.3 A Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide. 1.4 Personnel trained to only this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions. 1.5 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure. 1.6 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993. 1.6.1 Further training may be required before Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction. 1.7 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate on mountain bikes while performing operations in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in mountain or alpine environments. 1.8 Personnel trained to this guide are not qualified to perform rescue. No training in rope use, high or low angle litter evacuation, or other rescue skills is included in this guide. 1.8.1 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751. 1.9 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel must work under q...
SIGNIFICANCE AND USE 4.1 This guide establishes the minimum training criteria for Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. 4.2 At no time will this standard supersede any established protocols of international, national, federal, state, tribal, local, or regional governments. 4.3 Every person who is identified as a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual shall have met the requirements of this guide. 4.4 Though this guide establishes only minimum standards, it does not imply that a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individual is a “trainee,” “probationary,” or other similarly termed member of an agency or organization. 4.4.1 The AHJ is responsible for determining the requirements and qualifications for its team member ratings. 4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding additional requirements for its own members. 4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to make mission-critical decisions. 4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. 4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the development of a training document or program. 4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to determine if its content includes the topics necessary for training an individual to be Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the requirements in this guide. 4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the following sections are not in any particular order and do not represent a training sequence. 4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, ... SCOPE 1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training and equipment requirements, including general and field knowledge, skills, and abilities, for search and rescue personnel who operate on mountain bikes. 1.2 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties safely and effectively on mountain bikes. 1.3 A Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsement alone is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties, including search and rescue operations, other than those defined within this guide. 1.4 Personnel trained to only this guide are not qualified to operate in leadership positions. 1.5 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting infrastructure. 1.6 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993. 1.6.1 Further training may be required before Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel may participate on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having jurisdiction. 1.7 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training requirements for SAR personnel to operate on mountain bikes while performing operations in partially or fully collapsed structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground (such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in mountain or alpine environments. 1.8 Personnel trained to this guide are not qualified to perform rescue. No training in rope use, high or low angle litter evacuation, or other rescue skills is included in this guide. 1.8.1 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide F2751. 1.9 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel must work under q...
ASTM F3175-16 is classified under the following ICS (International Classification for Standards) categories: 03.100.30 - Management of human resources; 13.200 - Accident and disaster control. The ICS classification helps identify the subject area and facilitates finding related standards.
ASTM F3175-16 has the following relationships with other standards: It is inter standard links to ASTM F2890-17(2024), ASTM F1993-24, ASTM F3071-14(2020), ASTM F1447-18, ASTM F1773-09(2015), ASTM F3071-14, ASTM F2890-12, ASTM F1447-12, ASTM F1952-10, ASTM F2209-10, ASTM F1773-09, ASTM F2751-09, ASTM F1952-09, ASTM F1633-97(2008), ASTM F1447-06. Understanding these relationships helps ensure you are using the most current and applicable version of the standard.
ASTM F3175-16 is available in PDF format for immediate download after purchase. The document can be added to your cart and obtained through the secure checkout process. Digital delivery ensures instant access to the complete standard document.
Standards Content (Sample)
This international standard was developed in accordance with internationally recognized principles on standardization established in the Decision on Principles for the
Development of International Standards, Guides and Recommendations issued by the World Trade Organization Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT) Committee.
Designation: F3175 − 16
Standard Guide for
Training and Equipping Search and Rescue Personnel
Operating on Mountain Bikes (Mountain Bike SAR
Endorsement)
This standard is issued under the fixed designation F3175; the number immediately following the designation indicates the year of
original adoption or, in the case of revision, the year of last revision. A number in parentheses indicates the year of last reapproval. A
superscript epsilon (´) indicates an editorial change since the last revision or reapproval.
1. Scope 1.8 Personnel trained to this guide are not qualified to
perform rescue. No training in rope use, high or low angle litter
1.1 This guide establishes the minimum training and equip-
evacuation, or other rescue skills is included in this guide.
ment requirements, including general and field knowledge,
1.8.1 Basic rescue skills and knowledge are found in Guide
skills, and abilities, for search and rescue personnel who
F2751.
operate on mountain bikes.
1.9 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel
1.2 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals
must work under qualified supervision, as deemed appropriate
may, under qualified supervision, perform their normal duties
by the AHJ.
safely and effectively on mountain bikes.
1.10 This standard is created without regard to the type of
1.3 AMountainBikeSearchandRescueEndorsementalone
mountain bike, gear, panniers, first aid supplies, or personal
is not sufficient to indicate that an individual has the
protective equipment that is used by a Mountain Bike Search
knowledge, skills, or abilities to perform any specific duties,
and Rescue Endorsed individual.
including search and rescue operations, other than those
1.11 This standard does not purport to address all of the
defined within this guide.
safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the
1.4 Personnel trained to only this guide are not qualified to
responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appro-
operate in leadership positions.
priate safety and health practices and determine the applica-
bility of regulatory limitations prior to use.
1.5 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed individuals
operate on the surface of the land only, including urban or
2. Referenced Documents
disaster areas that may be isolated or have lost supporting
2.1 ASTM Standards:
infrastructure.
F1447 Specification for Helmets Used in Recreational Bicy-
1.6 Human land SAR resources that may utilize personnel
cling or Roller Skating
trained to this guide are classified in Classification F1993.
F1633 Guide for Techniques in Land Search
1.6.1 Further training may be required before Mountain
F1773 Terminology Relating to Climbing, Mountaineering,
Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel may participate
Search and Rescue Equipment and Practices
on a particular Category or Kind of SAR resource, depending
F1952 Specification for Helmets Used for Downhill Moun-
on local needs, regulations, or policies of the authority having
tain Bicycle Racing
jurisdiction.
F1993 Classification System of Human Search and Rescue
Resources
1.7 This guide alone does not provide the minimum training
requirements for SAR personnel to operate on mountain bikes F2209 Guide for Training of Land Search Team Member
F2751 Guide for Training of a Land Search and Rescue
while performing operations in partially or fully collapsed
structures, in- or on-water, in confined spaces, underground Team Member
F2890 Guide for Hazard Awareness for Search and Rescue
(such as in caves, mines, and tunnels), or in mountain or alpine
environments. Personnel
F3068 Guide for Contents and Use of a Position Task Book
(PTB)
This guide is under the jurisdiction of ASTM Committee F32 on Search and
Rescue and is the direct responsibility of Subcommittee F32.03 on Personnel, For referenced ASTM standards, visit the ASTM website, www.astm.org, or
Training and Education. contact ASTM Customer Service at service@astm.org. For Annual Book of ASTM
Current edition approved June 1, 2016. Published July 2016. DOI: 10.1520/ Standards volume information, refer to the standard’s Document Summary page on
F3175-16. the ASTM website.
Copyright © ASTM International, 100 Barr Harbor Drive, PO Box C700, West Conshohocken, PA 19428-2959. United States
F3175 − 16
F3071 Guide for Basic Wilderness GPS/GNSS Use (GPS/ 4.4.2 Nothing in this guide precludes an AHJ from adding
GNSS-IW) Endorsement additional requirements for its own members.
2.2 Other Documents:
4.5 A person meeting the requirements of this guide does
Snell Memorial Foundation standard N-94, Standard for
not necessarily possess adequate field skills and knowledge to
Protective Headgear for Use in Non-Motorized Sports
make mission-critical decisions.
(including addendum B95A)
4.6 This guide by itself is not a training document. It is an
Snell Memorial Foundation standard B-95, Standard for
outline of the topics required for training or evaluating Moun-
Protective Headgear for Use With Bicycles (including
tain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel.
addendum B95A)
National Wildfire Coordinating Group (NWCG) publication
4.7 This guide is an outline of the topics required for
PMS 304-2, Fitness and Work Capacity training or evaluating Mountain Bike Search and Rescue
State statutes pertaining to bicycle use and operation
Endorsed personnel and may be used to assist in the develop-
International Mountain Bike Association (IMBA) Trail Dif- ment of a training document or program.
ficulty Rating System
4.8 This guide can be used to evaluate a document to
determine if its content includes the topics necessary for
3. Terminology
training an individual to be Mountain Bike Search and Rescue
3.1 Definitions:
Endorsed personnel. Likewise, this guide may be used to
3.1.1 foot tap, n—a brief touch of a rider’s foot on the
evaluate an existing training program to see if it meets the
ground or an obstacle to maintain balance or to prevent falling
requirements in this guide.
while riding a mountain bike. An obstacle that knocks the
4.9 The knowledge, skills, and abilities presented in the
riders foot from the pedal is not considered a foot tap.
following sections are not in any particular order and do not
3.1.2 MBSAR (Mountain Bike Search And Rescue),
represent a training sequence.
n—search and rescue operations performed by an individual, or
4.10 This guide does not stand alone and must be used with
individuals, while utilizing a mountain bike.
other ASTM Standards to identify the knowledge, skills, and
3.1.3 qualified supervisor, n—an individual with demon-
abilities needed for a Mountain Bike Search and Rescue
strated knowledge or competence in a task, to whom the AHJ
Endorsed individual to perform safely and effectively.
has granted the authority to observe and oversee an individual
4.11 Mountain Bike Search and Rescue Endorsed personnel
performing that task.
shall document training by completion of a position task book,
3.1.4 slow ride, n—rider-controlled continuous forward
compliant with ASTM F3068, or by field d
...
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