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Info for Path & Dirt

Sharing the Shared-use Path

1. Courtesy

  • Respect other trail users; joggers, walkers, bladers, wheelchairs all have trail rights
  • Respect slower cyclists; yield to slower users
  • Obey speed limits; they are posted for your safety

2. Announce when passing

  • Use a bell, horn or voice to indicate your intention to pass
  • Warn other well in advance so you do not startle them
  • Clearly announce “On your left” when passing

3. Yield when entering and crossing

  • Yield to traffic at places where the trail crosses the road
  • Yield to other users at trail intersections
  • Slow down before intersections and when entering the trail from the road

4. Keep right

  • Stay as close to the right as possible, except when passing
  • Give yourself enough room to maneuver around any hazards
  • Ride single file to avoid possible collisions with other trail users

5. Pass on left

  • Scan ahead and behind before announcing your intention to pass another user
  • Pull out only when you are sure the lane is clear
  • Allow plenty of room, about two bike lengths, before moving back to the right

6. Be predictable

  • Travel in a straight line unless you are avoiding hazards or passing
  • Indicate your intention to turn or pass
  • Warn other users of your intentions

7. Use lights at night

  • Most trail users will not have lights at night; use a white front and red rear light
  • Watch for walkers as you will overtake them the fastest
  • Reflective clothing does not help in the absence of light

8. Do not block the trail

  • For group rides, use no more than half the trail; don’t hog the trail
  • During heavy use periods (holidays and weekends) stay single file
  • Stop and regroup completely off of the trail

9. Clean up litter

  • Pack out more than you pack in
  • Encourage others to respect the path

10. Limitations for transportation

  • Most paths were not designed for high-speed, high volume traffic
  • Use paths keeping in mind their recreational nature
  • It might be faster to use roads and avoid the traffic on the paths during heavy use

Check out the Six Golden Rules of Trails videos from our friends at Rails-to-Trails Conservancy

Off-road Cyclist Responsibility Code

  • ALWAYS YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAYto other trail users. Realize that people judge all cyclists by your actions.
  • SLOW DOWN AND PASS WITH CARE. A greeting or simple handlebar chime will help. Be especially careful around horses.
  • CONTROL YOUR SPEED at all times. Approach turns in anticipation of someone around the bend.
  • STAY ON DESIGNATED ROADS AND TRAILS. Avoid trampling native vegetation.
  • DO NOT MODIFY TRAIL CONFIGURATION. Do not remove or modify challenging obstacles. After all, this is off-road cycling.
  • PACK OUT LITTER. If you have extra room, pack out more than your share.
  • RESPECT PUBLIC AND PRIVATE PROPERTY by practicing minimum impact cycling.
  • KNOW LOCAL RULES. Check with your local authorities regarding current trail status for bicycles. Remember: MOUNTAIN BIKES ARE NOT ALLOWED IN DESIGNATED WILDERNESS AREAS.
  • PLAN AHEAD. Each ride should be determined by your ability, equipment, terrain, and weather conditions.
  • NEVER RIDE ALONE. Leave word with someone on where you plan to go, your route of travel and the anticipated time of your return.
  • MINIMIZE IMPACT. Avoid muddy trails, excessive braking, or shortcutting switchbacks. These cause erosion. TAKE ONLY PICTURES, LEAVE ONLY WAFFLE PRINTS.
  • DON’T DISTURB WILDLIFE OR LIVESTOCK. Give them time to move away from your path.