a bicyclist talking to a rider on a horse

Sharing the Trails

While visiting your open space preserves, it is likely that you will encounter other visitors enjoying a variety of recreational activities. Several uses are permitted on some trails, while others are limited to a specific use. For the safety of all visitors and the protection of the open space preserves, please follow all Midpen regulations. 

Following the basic trail etiquette guidelines will allow everyone to enjoy the preserves.

  • Please be courteous to other trail users. Always yield to riders on horseback. Allow other trail users to pass. When in a group, avoid blocking the trail.
  • Stay alert. Horses and slower moving individuals may be startled by faster moving trail users. Make your presence known to other trail users well in advance, particularly when approaching from behind.
  • Stay on designated trails. Prevent injury to one’s self and damage to natural resources by staying on designated trails.
  • Observe trail speed limits. A 15-mph speed limit is enforced on all trails (5-mph when passing). At no time may a trail user operate at a speed greater than is reasonable, prudent, or safe, as conditions warrant.
  • Observe Midpen regulations. You are responsible for knowing open space preserve regulations. 

Guidelines

BICYCLISTS

  • Bicyclists are required to wear ANSI or Snell-approved bicycle helmets on all District lands.
  • Control your speed at all times and obey the 15-mph speed limit. Slowly approach blind turns in anticipation of other trail users and obstacles that are beyond your view.
  • Always yield to all other trail users. On wide trails, slow down and pass with care (5-mph speed limit when passing).
  • Ride only on trails designated for bicycle use. Closed area or off-trail use is strictly prohibited.
  • Racing and reckless riding are prohibited.
  • Horses and slower moving individuals may be startled by faster moving trail users. Make your presence known to other trail users well in advance, particularly when approaching from behind.
  • When encountering riders on horseback and hikers on narrow trails, stop and wait for them to pass or signal you through.
  • Yield to other bicyclists traveling uphill.

RUNNERS

  • Slow down and allow oncoming hikers and riders on horseback to pass on one side of the trail.
  • If you are approaching from behind, alert other trail users of your presence and pass carefully.
  • Stop and wait for riders on horseback to pass or signal you through. When approaching bicyclists, slow down and pass when it is safe.

HIKERS

  • Always yield to riders on horseback.
  • Be alert for approaching bicyclists and runners.
  • If you are approaching from behind, alert other trail users of your presence and pass carefully.

HORSEBACK RIDERS

  • Some visitors may be unfamiliar with and possibly frightened by horses. When you encounter other trail users on your horse, inform them of the safest way to pass.
  • You are responsible for maintaining control over your horse at all times. If your horse is high-spirited, please alert other trail users.
  • Ride only on trails designated for equestrian use. Closed area or off-trail use is strictly prohibited.

DOGS

  • Dogs are allowed only on designated trails where marked.
  • Dogs must be on a leash not to exceed 6 feet, or on a self-retracting leash with a maximum extended length of 25 feet. Extended leashes must be locked at 6’ when in the presence of other visitors.
  • Do not leave dog waste on the trails. Bag dog waste and take waste with you. Do not let dogs eliminate in or near water.
  • Some trail users may be unfamiliar with and possibly frightened by dogs; communicate with others and always keep your dog under control. Because some dogs are unpredictable, step to one side of the trail with your dog to allow enough room for other trail users to pass. 

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