Trail ACT is the evolution of a rudimentary jump calculator that once existed at trailism.com. Since the first day it was coded and uploaded in 2016 I wanted something better or more in-depth. That day finally came in 2026, but I soon realized it could no longer live at trailism.com, and needed its own home given the evolution of what the jump calculator was to what it has become, so here we are.
TACT exists to bring clarity, consistency, and accountability to trail feature assessment and construction — especially where jumps and landings are involved.
Many trail decisions are made using experience and intuition alone. While experience matters, it often lacks shared definitions, repeatable metrics, or a common framework for discussion. This makes it difficult to compare options, communicate risk, or document decisions.
TACT was created to fill that gap.
What Trail ACT Is
TACT provides analytical tools that allow trail builders, designers, and land managers to evaluate geometry, flight behavior, and landing interaction using explicit inputs and deterministic physics.
The tools are designed to support:
- Clear assumptions
- Repeatable results
- Measured comparison between design options
They are not designed to automate decisions or replace professional judgment.
Responsibility and Scope
TACT tools do not certify safety, approve designs, or predict outcomes for individual riders. Real-world conditions, rider behavior, construction quality, and maintenance all remain outside the scope of analytical modeling.
Instead, the purpose of these tools is to:
- Improve design conversations
- Reduce ambiguity
- Support responsible iteration
- Provide defensible reasoning when evaluating alternatives
Why This Approach Matters
When trail features become larger or more complex, small geometric differences can produce large changes in outcomes. Without shared definitions and measurable reference points, those differences are easy to overlook.
TACT emphasizes explicit geometry, transparent assumptions, and measurable outputs so that decisions are informed — not assumed.
Who This Is For
TACT products are intended for:
- Professional trail builders
- Bike park designers and operators
- Land managers and planners
- Advanced builders seeking analytical support
It is not intended as a substitute for inspections, field testing, or professional oversight.
Looking Forward
TACT is an evolving platform. Tools will expand, definitions may refine, and documentation will grow — but the core purpose remains unchanged:
To support clearer thinking, better communication, and more responsible trail construction.