As linear activities on trails, paths, and roads become more popular, congestion and resulting user conflicts can create potentially hazardous situations. Regardless of whether you are hiking, walking, jogging, skating, or riding horses, ATVs, motorcycles, or bicycles, if you follow the same set of rules as everyone else, your trip will be safer and more enjoyable.

Help make trails, paths, and roads safe and enjoyable for everyone by following these guidelines:

Rules of the Trail - guidelines for multi-use non-motorized trails and paths

keep right
Ride/Skate/Walk as far to the right as practical, except when passing another user going your direction (pass on the left). Control your speed, slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking other trails or pathways users.

be predictable
Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind before changing positions on the trail or path.

don't block the trail or path
Ride/Skate/Walk single file when other users are present. Use no more than half the trail or path so as not to block the flow of other users. When stopping, move off the trail or path.

obey traffic signs and signals
Use extra caution where trail or path crosses streets, driveways, or other trails and paths.

be courteous
Before passing, be courteous and announce your intentions by saying "passing on your left" or ringing a bell. All users, including bicyclists, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs, skateboarders, bladers and skaters, should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode, speed, or skill level.

be respectful of private property
Trails and paths are open to the public, but often the adjacent land is private property. Please respect all property rights.

Rules of the Trail for Mountain Bicyclists

ride on open trails only
Respect closures, avoid trespassing, obtain permission as required.

leave no trace
Be sensitive to the area, stay on existing trails, pack out what you take in.

control your bicycle
Pay attention! Anticipate problems, keep your speed under control.

bicyclists always yield!
Make your approach known, be courteous. Always yield to uphill users.

never spook animals
Animals startle easily and can cause a dangerous situation for you and others.

plan ahead
Know your equipment and ability, carry gear for changing weather conditions.

For more information contact International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA)
at PO Box 7578, Boulder, CO 80306 or (303) 545-9011.

Rules of the Road for Bicyclists

rights & duties
Bicyclists have all the rights and duties applicable to the driver of any other vehicle, and can be penalized for violating traffic laws.

signs and signals
Obey traffic signs and signals. Use hand signals to indicate left or right turns, slowing or stopping.

ride single file
You may ride two abreast when no motor vehicle traffic is approaching within 300 feet (front or rear). You may ride two or more abreast when all bicyclist are on the shoulder. On curving or hilly roads, play it say and ride single file.

ride to the right - and never against traffic
Ride in the right-hand lane or on the paved shoulder except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left turn, or avoiding road hazards.

at night, use a light
At night, use a headlight, tail light, and reflectors.

Trail Etiquette for ATVs and Motorcycles

respect private property
Know were you're permitted to ride and where you're not. Respect private property and closed areas; that's good public relations.

be courteous
Always be courteous when you pass hikers on a trail or other vehicles on a dirt road. Remember, one little blip of the throttle can leave a shower of gravel or a cloud of dust´and an enemy´behind you.

be quiet
Even a quiet ATV or motorcycle can seem noisy; it depends on how and where you ride it. Keep the RPMs and speed low and steady when you're near houses and campgrounds, or anytime you're around non-riders.

meeting horses
When you meet a horseback rider, go slowly and stop on the outside of the trail. Shut off your engine. Take off your helmet and say hello. Speak in a calm, normal voice. The horse needs to recognize you as a human. Avoid any sudden movements.

stay on the trail
Don't cut switchbacks or take shortcuts; it sends a poor message about your sport and causes environmental damage.

be a good citizen
Above all, think about yourself as an ambassador for ATV and motorcycle trail riding. Your actions speak for all riders so be sure that everyone you meet remembers trail riders as good citizens.

Equestrian Trail Etiquette Tips

• Know the local trail rules. Courtesy is the best safety on the trail.
• Minimize impact by staying on designated trails and avoiding muddy conditions. Don't cut switchbacks.
• Say hello. Tell other users how many are in your party. Pass with care. If uncertain, ask.
• Always speak when approaching horses. A horse's vision is restricted but it's hearing is acute.
• Leave gates as you find them. Obey gate closures and regulatory signs.
• Know your horse's limitations.
• Ride your horse at a safe and controlled speed. Be especially careful when visibility is limited.
• Let other trail riders know when it is safe to pass your horse.
• A hand out and down is a warning for others to slow down or stop.
• Keep trailhead and campgrounds clear of manure and trash.