Bike safety and trail etiquette
There are few things that we love more at the Portage Park District than seeing lots of people using and enjoying the parks and trails! It has certainly been a bright spot in this pandemic. Walkers, runners, and bicyclists are all welcome to enjoy our three multi-use trail systems: The Portage Hike and Bike Trail, Headwaters Trail, and Berlin Lake Trail. As more people use these trails, it is valuable to review some safety tips and general trail courtesy reminders. The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has some helpful tips on sharing and enjoying the journey together.
Leave no trace
Please pick up after yourself and clean up after your pets. Some of our properties do not have trash receptacles, so plan accordingly and take your trash or pet bags home with you. Also, do not disturb or remove wildlife or vegetation.
Use safe speeds
Courtesy always trumps speed on the trail. One of the benefits of multi-use trails is that we can all go at our own pace together—walkers, runners, rollers, and bikers (even horseback riders on designated portions of the Headwaters Trail). Please always check your speed and consider the comfort of others. Choose to make respect and courtesy the two guiding principles of your trail experience! Keep in mind the comfort levels of others, especially the most vulnerable among us (including children, seniors and people with disabilities). Bicyclists on The Portage Hike & Bike Trail should slow down considerably when biking through Towner’s Woods Park. The trail merges with the parking lot, so all park users should stay extra alert in this area.
Keep right. Pass left. Be heard.
When we follow the same traffic pattern, we are making our moves predictable for each other. Just like road rules, slower traffic should stay to the right. Give a friendly warning before you pass someone, and always pass to the left. When passing, use a bell or quick verbal warning, “On your left!”, to alert those in front of you to stay in their lane. This can help you avoid potential collisions and avoid startling fellow trail users. Generally, “Wheels yield to heels.” This means that bikers and inline skaters should yield to walkers, runners, and horseback riders. Slower or more vulnerable trail users should get the right of way.
Standing till? Stand aside.
If you decide to take a break, just step off the side of the trail so that trail traffic can flow unhindered. If you have a bike or a stroller, make sure you place them completely off the trail. If you’re in a big group, gently remind your friends to do the same. This will help ensure a safe trail experience for all trail users!
Mind your pets
Pets love the trail just as much as their owners. Pets are required to be leashed at all times at our parks. If the trail is busy, keep them close to you to avoid tripping up another trail user. Know how your pet reacts to others and be prepared to manage their energy. Always pick up after your pet and dispose of it properly. No one wants to step in a pile of poo!
Be alert!
Being alert means managing your own actions. Always look behind you before changing direction or passing another trail user. If you use headphones, keep the volume low, or leave one ear bud out. Keep your senses in check, and you’ll keep communication with those around you free-flowing. If you see someone that is acting in an oblivious or unpredictable manner (a swerving runner or wobbly rider, for instance), give them a little more space, and vocalize your presence gently. Let them know that you’re coming up behind them and will be passing on their left.
Gear up
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, a properly fitted bicycle helmet reduces the risk of head injury by as much as 85 percent and the risk of brain injury by as much as 88 percent. Bicycle helmets should be worn at all times.
These may seem like common sense reminders, but sometimes we can forget. Perhaps new trail users simply have not been taught. Above all, be patient and considerate of others and of the environment that we are all enjoying. Thank you for working together to make enjoying the outdoors a safe and positive experience!