Trailnetiquette Safety Tips
With the popularity of Trailnet events comes an increase in the need of simple rules for safety and proper etiquette while cycling.
Please follow these guidelines:
- Bicycles are legal vehicles and as such belong on roads. Therefore, cyclists must adhere to applicable laws just like any other responsible vehicle operator.
- By law, cyclists must ride to the right except when the road is too narrow, when turning, when avoiding a hazard and may ride two abreast if not impeding faster traffic
- Use hand signals and obey traffic signs, lights and markings.
- Ride predictably, in a straight line, not swerving in and out of parked cars, etc.
- On group rides, verbally warn fellow riders of hazards, i.e., "car up," "car back," "turning left," “gravel.”
- Be courteous to motorists, local residents and business owners. Remember, you are an ambassador for the entire bicycling community!
- Make sure motorists see you before entering an intersection, including side streets and alleys. Try to make eye contact with the motorist to ensure that you are seen.
- Wear a properly fitted helmet (level and snug). Helmets are required by law in some communities.
- Trail Users - Cyclists slow down based on conditions, especially other trail traffic; Walkers increase personal safety by walking single file when encountering other trail users; be courteous to other trail users as these are multiuse trails
- Visit www.bikexprt.com/streetsmarts/usa for an online copy of Street Smarts, which provides more information about riding in traffic or on a country road.
Remember these tips to help make sure you and everyone else have a FUN ride!
Trail Safety
Trails are shared recreational amenities accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Please be courteous to all users and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way. All trail users should stay to the right on the trail.
Follow these safety guidelines while enjoying the trail:
- Tell friends or family the route you’ll be taking and travel with a partner when possible.
- Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.
- Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings, avoid areas where visibility is poor and don’t wear headsets. Being able to hear will allow you to sense someone that you may not be able to see such as a passing cyclist.
- Walk confidently.
- Wear shoes and clothing that allows freedom of movement.
- Carry identification (including name, phone number and pertinent medical information) and record your bicycle serial number.
- Take a cell phone along and carry mace or pepper spray.
- Wear reflective material and carry a whistle or noisemaker.
- Know the location of open businesses in the vicinity you’ll be traveling.
- Lock your vehicle and do not leave valuables such as purses, wallets or cell phones inside.