Keep dogs on leash (maximum length 8 feet) and remove pet feces from trail.

Greet people you meet. This makes sure they know you are there and is polite. A simple “Howdy” or “Nice Day” is fine.

When in a group, travel single file or take no more than half of a wide trail. Make sure everyone in your group understands what actions to take when encountering walkers, bikers, and horses.

Horses always have the right of way. If you encounter a horseback rider, get off the trail on the downhill side. Horses will tend to bolt uphill when spooked. Also, to the horse you waiting on the uphill side makes you look more like a predator waiting to pounce. Quietly greet the rider and ask if you are ok where you are. Stand quietly while the horse passes.

If you approach a horse from behind it’s critical that you announce yourself loudly but calmly so you do not scare the animal. Let the rider know you’d like to pass at the next safe location. Do NOT approach quickly — it’s dangerous for you and the rider.

Use the trails quietly. Shouting may be fun for kids, but keep conversations low and enjoy the lack of horns, engines, and city noises. There is such a thing as noise pollution – and cell phones are included.

Carry-in, carry-out – do not litter. It just does not make sense that someone spending time to get out into nature would purposely destroy it.

Take a picture. A pretty rock or a bunch of flowers deserve to remain where they are. We have a need for mementos of our adventures, but picture in your mind what the place would look like if the group before you had taken what you are about to put in your pocket.

Report vandalism. If there is contact information at the trailhead, tell the managing agency of any destruction or management needs you notice.
You will run into some people that feel they have a right to do whatever they want outdoors. You may see wide, detours around muddy spots with footprints, hoof prints, and tire tracks all adding to the damage. You’ll see washed out gullies created by mountain bikers having fun tearing up the turf. You’ll have a biker fly past you with no warning.

These are the people that make a negative impression. Keep your eyes open for them for your own safety, but also recognize the many others that are courteous and polite. And, make sure people put you into the courteous and polite category after they’ve met you on the trail.

Bicyclists

You are responsible for the safe operation of your vehicle.

Yield to pedestrians and horses

Give audible warning when passing pedestrians or other bicyclists on their left.

Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file in congested conditions, reduced visibility, and other hazardous conditions.

Pedestrians

Stay to the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.

Watch for other trail users.

Be especially alert when running.

Listen for audible signals and allow faster trail users (runners and bicyclists) to pass safely. 

Consumer awareness is also requiring new models with better coverage, “trail” designs. There are more smart helmets and new e-bike helmets are appearing.

Watch out for the junk and counterfeit helmets that are sold online. Manufacturers are reporting an increased demand as cycling increases during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Concussion protection dominates helmet news.

Virginia Tech’s Biomedical Engineering department has developed a methodology for testing helmets. HEXR’S 3D printed helmets is producing helmets in the UK with 3D printers to fit the interior to an individual head scanned with an iPad.

Trek has Bontrager models with an inner liner of material called WaveCel, which is a plastic mesh that collapses on impact and can slip sideways while doing so.

Smart helmets are another form of bicycle helmet that have a combination of front and rear cameras, phone integration, WiFi connections, turn signals, brake lights, music players, intercoms, connection to bike computers and impact sensors.