Group Rides on Trails
We’ve all seen the group rides on roads. It seems like there’s no rhyme, no reason & no rules. Cyclists riding double, triple & quadruple file spilling out into the road & completely ignoring the bike lane. But on trails, it’s essential that bicyclists heed the rules, both written & unwritten. So what are those rules?
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Watch Your Speed on Trails
Trail Ride
Save your racing for the race tracks, not the bike paths. Remember that you’re sharing the trail with walkers, strollers, wheelchairs, runners & other bikers. You should not be racing or speeding on the trail. It’s dangerous, & it’s rude.
2. Ride Single File…
… whenever you’re in the presence of other trail users. Yield to hikers, bikers, baby-strollers and… well pretty much all other trail users. Most people enjoy trails for scenery, relaxation & a slow pace. Don’t spoil that by riding in large packs that take up the majority of the trail. And, whatever you do, don’t expect others to step off the trail so your group can go by. There’s usually plenty of room if you stay single file.
3. Be Polite
Sometimes it’s easy, when you’re in a group, to forget the other trail users or to assume they know you’re in a group. It’s kind of a pack mentality. There’s nothing wrong with riding in groups, but it’s a good idea to try and be extra polite to other trail users. As you’re passing other trail users, be sure to signal your presence and then let them know that others will be following. So say something along the lines of, “On your left. There are five more behind me.”
4. Don’t Hog or Clog the Trail When Regrouping
It’s pretty typical for groups to stop every now and then to get organized or wait for others to catch up. Whatever you do, don’t clog the trail when you do this. EVERY member of the group should get as close to the edge of the trail as possible, in a single file line rather than in a big cluster. This is important and should be done each time you stop. Make sure to share this rule with your group at the very beginning of the ride and remind them as frequently as necessary so they don’t block the trail
If you keep these four simple trail etiquette rules in mind, your group ride should be pleasant for both your fellow riders and for other trail users. We all deserve to enjoy the trail as individuals and as groups, but it takes a little effort and cooperation.
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Great advice for crowded spring bike trails. I owned the bike trails all winter, but now that it’s spring, I have to share. Luckily I had good teachers along the way who taught me that I have to share the glue and the scissors sometimes. 😉
Author
Good point Steve. “Share the trail” is a rule we can all live by and benefit from. Tis the season.
Nice to see the photo you used as an example is from The Great Allegheny Passage at the Big Savage Tunnel. That’s an especially important part of the trail to practice single line, keep to the right. Two-way traffic in the tunnel can get busy on summer weekends.
I wholeheartedly agree with the list provided. For those who know those rules, we need to be tolerant of riders who may be new to bike trails and aren’t yet aware of the need to follow some basic etiquette. Don’t yell, use loud horns, or worse. A gentle voice and patient teaching are important.
Author
So true, Paul. We must all keep in mind, new trail riders join us each day; as such, they may be unaware of the written & unwritten trail rules. Don’t get mad. Look at yourself as a trail ambassador. If you see someone breaking the rules or practicing unsafe trail behavior you have two options:
1. (This one is my favorite.) Be a good role model. Sometimes we can influence others by our actions more than by our words. If you practice good trail manners, others will see that and follow suit.
2. As Paul said above, be tolerant and patient. If you feel the need to correct someone, do it in a positive manner. Don’t go about it w/ an air of superiority or intolerance. Stay positive and calm. I’ve found it’s best to start with a positive comment. “Isn’t it a beautiful day?” or “Don’t ya just love this trail?” Then gradually work into a discussion about potential dangerous or careless behaviors.
Remember, we all love our trails. To paraphrase our gone but not forgotten friend Mr. Rogers: “Let’s keep trails as our healthy and happy places.”