Trails - Biking Etiquette

Trail Safety: Rules and Etiquette

Show courtesy to all other trail users.
Adhere to trail restrictions and hours.
Use the right side of the trail unless otherwise designated.
Bicyclists and skaters need to give an audible warning when passing others on the trail.
Announce your intentions by saying, “Passing on your left.”
Pass only when it is safe and when there is enough room.
Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users to pass safely.
Be alert to your location as you walk, bike or blade using the Rotary Trail Marker System.
Be aware of weather changes. If you can see lightening in the sky then you are in the danger zone. It’s time to leave the trail and find proper shelter.
Respect the rights of property owners.
Keep dogs on a leash and remove all pet feces from the trail.
Wear bright or fluorescent clothing during the day and retro-reflective clothing at dusk.
Carry a lit flashlight when walking at dusk or in the evening.
Avoid using the trails at night because most are unlit. Carry water with you at all times and remember to stay hydrated.

Biking

Use hand signals before you turn from one trail to the next or around slower trail users.
Don’t carry passengers or items that interfere with your control.
Wear an approved helmet. This single item can reduce the risk of head injury by as much as 85%.
Watch for uneven terrain, debris, branches and rocks and adjust your speed accordingly
Slow down before crossing bridges, especially for potentially wet or frozen ones.
Cycle defensively; look out for others on the trail.
Equip your bicycle with lights and reflectors.

Trail Etiquette

To ensure all parties enjoy their time while on multi-use trails, standard protocol for shared trail etiquette should be followed. Proper trail etiquette helps promote the safety of all trail users while minimizing human impact on the environment.

• Respect other trail users at all times.

• Be friendly and courteous. Greet other trails users. A simple “Hello”, “Nice day” or head nod is acceptable.

• Share the trail. Ride, walk or run on the right. Pass on the left.

• Stay alert while you are out on the trail.

• Bicyclists yield to horses, hikers and runners. Hikers and runners yield to horses. When in doubt, give the other user the right of way.

• When traveling downhill, always yield to uphill traffic.

• When passing, announce “passing on your left” or similar.

• Be mindful around blind curves and upward/downward slopes. Anticipate other trail users traveling in the opposite direction.

• Keep your bike under control at all times. Ride within your ability.

• Follow specific trail rules posted at each site (speed limits, leashed pets, etc.).

• “Pack it in, pack it out.” Respect the wilderness and leave no evidence of your visit.

• Stay on the trail. Don’t cut switchbacks or take shortcuts. Creating your own trail results in erosion, damages habitat and causes new trails which can’t be maintained.

• Take a picture. Allow plants to grow and flowers to bloom. Never pick a stem or dig a sprout.

• Respect wildlife.

• “Take nothing but memories, kill nothing but time, leave nothing but goodwill.”