Hikers

What can hikers expect?

• Expect faster trail users! Always listen for cyclists, runners, or equestrians. They can approach from ahead but still out of sight, or from behind very quickly. If you hear "on your left" from behind this means you should stay to your right to allow them to pass (and vice-versa).
• Cyclists have a responsibility to yield and pass at a safe speed. Offer friendly communication to let the rider know when it's safe to pass. Give a verbal or visual acknowledgement, step to the side of the trail or wave the rider by on wider trails.

Yielding to horses:

1. Greet the rider! The human voices alleviate a horse's fears.
2. Immediately stop and wait on the downhill side of the trail if possible.
3. Ask how to proceed. If hiking with a child, hold their hand when passing.
4. Don't approach or pet the horse without first getting permission from the rider.
5. Horses can perceive a hikers' backpack, umbrella or even baby strollers as threats.

What are a hiker's responsibilities?

• Share the trail. When hiking as a group, hike single file on narrow trails or stay to the right side of wider trails, leaving room for others to pass. A leader in your group should sheppard encounters with others. When hiking downhill on narrow trails, generously yield to those hiking uphill.
• Don't tune out. If you wear headphones, keep the volume down or only wear one earpiece so you can hear other trail users approaching and avoid being surprised.

Keep your dog on a leash...

Obey posted rules about dogs and only take your dog on trails where dogs are permitted. Keep your dog on a short leash and under control for dangers of: snakebites, poison-oak, ticks and apex predators. Off-leash dogs can easily find skunks almost anywhere. Other hikers may be frightened by dogs or be unsure of how to pass safely. Always cleanup and pack out dog waste.

Equestrians

What can equestrians expect?

• Inexperienced trail users. While all trail users should yield to equestrians, many are intimidated by large horses, or just don't know what to do.

What are equestrian responsibilities?

• Manage your horse. Train and familiarize your horse on wider multi-use trails with room to maneuver so the horse can become more comfortable with cyclists, dogs, backpack-wearing hikers, etc. Your horse should be comfortable with other trail users before venturing onto narrow shared-use trails. Consider desensitization training for your horse if it remains skittish around other trail users.

Negotiate safe passes...

1. Greet trail users early. Be generous in giving the right of way.
2. Communicate with other trail users. Offer them a best place to stand or pass.
3. Both pedestrians and cyclist should yield to horses, but many novice users don't know.
4. Where safe and appropriate, guide trail users to move to the downhill side of the trail.
5. Continue speaking with them until all have passed. Only pass others at a walk, never at a trot or gallop.
6. Small children, the elderly and dogs can be easily frightened by horses and act unpredictably; expect the unexpected.

Mountain Bikers

What can bikes expect?

• Surprised trail users. Fast-moving bikes can startle coming around a turn or approaching from behind. Always anticipate others being just in the right place.

What are a cyclist's responsibilities?

• Anticipate and yield to all other trail users. Hikers, horses and uphill cyclists have your right of way. Consider using a bell to help those who are on your trail. SLOW DOWN through blind turns. Anothers' perception of a safe, courteous speed may be different to yours. Always ride under control and avoid skidding. On wider trails and fire roads keep to the right. Try to be exceedingly friendly and communicative. Never put others at risk.

Passing Hikers...

1. SLOW DOWN to about the same speed as the hiker.
2. Greet hikers early with a friendly "howdy" or "good morning."
3. Pass slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary. Show your appreciation if they step to the side for you!
4. Expect the unexpected: people and animals can be unpredictable or easily spooked/startled by cyclists.

Passing Cyclists...

1. Announce your intention to pass with a friendly "Let me know when it's safe to pass..."
2. Give uphill riders the right of way when you're going downhill. It's much harder to get started again on a climb.
3. Use the "single-track yield" on narrow trails: the yielding rider should stop to the side, put one foot down and lean both body and bike away from the trail.

Passing Horses...

1. Immediately slow down and stop at least 30 feet from the horse. Greet the equestrian and the horse. Speaking shows the horse that you are a human and not a potential threat. Ask how or when to pass safely. Offer to get off your bike if appropriate.
2. Pass slowly and steadily, but only after the equestrian communicates safety to you. Sudden movements or noises can spook a horse. Where possible, pass on the downhill side of the animal.

enjoy safer trails