Mind your manners

Share the trail. Follow the rules. Enjoy the outdoors.

It’s the time of year when trails come alive in the northern USA. The temperatures have risen, and the outdoors is greening. It’s an invitation to enjoy nature. Multi-purpose trails are the ideal place to walk or cycle. The appeal of a traffic-free ribbon of nature is inviting and safe for people of all ages and abilities.

This is also the time of year when conflicts arise on the trails. Below are twelve things to remember that will make your trail visit more enjoyable and avoid conflicts with others who share the trail with you.

1. Pass on the left. Walk and cycle on the right side of the trail. Pass others on the left after you have looked back and ahead to make sure you do not cross into the path of another trail user.

2. Give an audible signal when passing. Ring your bike bell or say something like “passing on your left” as you approach a slower trail user. Be aware they may be distracted or have earbuds on. Assume they may not hear you and pass them cautiously.

3. Don’t stop on the trail. If you must stop on the trail, move off to the side. The trails are 10-12 feet wide. That is sufficient for two-way traffic. You will be much safer on the trail brim.

4. Travel single file. Walk or cycle single file safely on the right side of the trail. Be aware that other trail visitors may be unpredictable. Staying safely in your lane keeps you safer.  

5. Be aware when traveling two up. There is a social aspect of enjoying the trail with others. Walk or cycle two up with caution. Be aware of trail traffic coming toward you or from behind. Always yield by filing a single file allowing the traffic to pass.

6. Stop, look, and listen at the crossroads. Be aware as you approach an intersection. Vehicles are traveling much faster and may not be aware of trail crossings. ALWAYS stop at a crossing. Trail visitors MUST yield to traffic unless signposted otherwise.

7. Wheels heed to heels. Bicycles must always yield to other trail visitors. That includes walkers, skaters, horses, and buggies. Cyclists are traveling at higher speeds. Pass the horse cautiously on the horse rider’s direction or stop allowing them to pass.

8. Watch for the unexpected. Be aware of your surroundings and be prepared to take action to avoid conflict and collisions. People, dogs, cats, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer are a few of the living unpredictable. Uneven trail surfaces, fallen limbs and trees, rain puddles, and other debris on the trail are some other unpredictable things to avoid.

9. Be aware of others. Trail visitors enjoy life on the trail often distracting them from being aware of others. I have often been surprised by a person emerging from the brush and woods along the trail. In urban settings, people magically appear on the trail from hidden footpaths.  

10. Leash your dog or cat, tortoise, or whatever pet. I know the tendency is to let your pet enjoy a run or walk free of a leash. No matter how well they are trained, they may encounter something unexpected and make a sudden move that endangers other trail visitors.

11. Travel at an appropriate speed. The trail is not a place for a time trial or the place to beat the Strava leader. Be aware of fellow trail visitors' speed, abilities, number, and age. Travel at a speed that assures everyone’s safety.

12. Smile and greet others. Make your day and someone else’s day with a smile and hello. It is the means to turn conflict into a happy encounter.

Bonus

I added this bonus content after initially posting this newsletter. It comes from a chat with my friend Randy Cronk who is president of the Kokosing Gap Trail and fellow trail and cycling advocate. Mobile connectivity is prevalent in our lives. How you use it on the trail can impact others you meet along the way.

Can you hear the birds? Earbuds and headphones are commonplace in our world. Some trail visitors enjoy listening to music, audiobooks, and podcasts on their walk or ride. I advise you to disconnect from the world and enjoy the sounds of nature on the trail. If you choose to use headphones or earbuds, turn down the volume and use them monotone, covering only one ear and leaving the other free.  

Happy and safe trails!
Tom on the Trails