Trail Etiquette or Rules Of The Trail

Trail Etiquette & Safety

Or The

"Rules Of The Trail"

The multi-use trails in the Miami Valley have been built for the use of all. This includes:
Parents with small children
Walkers
In-Line Skaters
Runners
Cyclists
Equestrians

On some trails equestrians are welcome. On this page we will provide for you the tools you need to practice proper "Trail Etiquette" or the safe and fair use of the trails. I will describe each user in velocity order; that is, I will describe the slowest trail users, "parents with small children" first followed by all the others. And remember: "A little bit of courtesy goes a long, long way."

As Rails-to Trails Magazine says: ""Wheels yield to heels" . Bicyclists (and inline skaters) yield to other users; runners, walkers and wheelchair users yield to equestrians."

Before we begin let's look at the Digest of Ohio Motor Vehicle Laws about what it says about cyclists. As you can see bicycles are considered vehicles under the law. A bicyclist is to obey all traffic laws and ride with traffic. You will notice at the bottom of the laws that pertain to cyclists is a section on motorists responsibilities. They are to share the road with cyclists.

(June 2006) The Governor has signed HB389 which made bicycle laws consistent across Ohio. Please see Ohio Bicycle Federation for details of the new law and "Better Ohio Bicycling Bill: House Bill 389."

Trail Safety:

The 2005 cycling season has produced two fatalities in September alone. I am adding this to explain a bit about how you can safely use the trails.
- Stop at Stop Signs: I know this sounds a bit absurd but on our multi-use trails there are stop signs posted where the trail crosses a highway. I don't know all the details of how the cyclist was killed on the trail but I do know the crossing. It is on Collier Road where the Little Miami Scenic Trail crosses it. It is just South of Beatty Station. Like several other trail crossings in the area the trail is thickly wooded with poor sight lines from the trail to the road. If you don't slow almost to a halt and/or stop you can't see a car approaching the crossing. So please don't "blow through" the intersection as an experienced cyclist told me. Stop. Look and Listen like you were told as a child when crossing the street.
- Listen for Cars & Trucks when crossing a street - Adding to above. If you can't see the cars maybe you can hear them! To hear the traffic you can't be wearing a MP3 player. In fact anything that fits in your ear and does not allow you to hear traffic when you are crossing a street is OUT!

Trail Use for Parents with Small Children

We have special rules for this group.
Keep your child under control. Don't let your kid run into the path of oncoming traffic especially cyclists who may not be able to slow down.
If your child is cycling, make sure they obey you when you tell them to "Get out of the way."
Teach your kids that they must share the trail.

Trail Use Rules for Walkers

You are almost the slowest trail user. All of the others are faster and will be coming from behind to pass you. Make it easy for them.
Walk on the right side of the trail just like on the highway; slowest traffic keep right; pass on left.
Don't walk three abreast. Two people walking side by side fills up a lot of trail. When faster traffic comes up from behind switch from walking abreast to in-line to give them room to go by you safely.
Pay attention to the traffic. Don't wear a headset with the volume turned up so you can't hear those trying to pass you.

Trail Use Rules for Runners

You're faster than the walkers but not as fast and the skaters. When approaching slower traffic move to the left side of the trail (pass on left only) and say "Loudly" before you get to the walkers: "On Your Left". This will give them time to get out of your way. Of course astute walkers will hear your feet hitting the trail and your loud breathing before you reach them and move out of your way.

Trail Use for In-Line Skaters

You are much faster than walkers and runners. Follow the "On Your Left" rule for the runners. Special Note: Watch for cracks and tree roots that make the trail less than safe. Check to see if the trail is rough in advance.

Trail Use for Bicyclists

You are the fastest traffic on the trail. Some of you are riding at (perhaps) dangerous speed.
Warn slower moving traffic that you are passing. Sound your bell or say "Loudly" before you get to the other traffic "On Your Left"
Don't wait to make some noise until you are right next to the walker or runner. You'll scare them half out of their skin as I and my wife have been scared by a less than considerate cyclist.

SPECIAL CATEGORY

Trail Use for Equestrians:

Equestrians are in a special category.
Horseback riding is allowed on some but not all the trails in the Miami Valley. To see which ones see Horseback Riding
Horses are large (1000 pounds or more), skittish and shy creatures. Small things will cause them to shy or buck.
They can be startled by a bicycle, skater or runner so make verbal contact with the rider and be sure it is safe to pass.

Home Page: Miami Valley, Ohio Rails to Trails

For more information on each Web Page or Trail click on its name.