Sharing the Multi-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
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MOUNTAIN BIKING
Off-road Cyclist Responsibility Code
- ALWAYS YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY to 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.
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