The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) annual Cruise With Courtesy public awareness and safety campaign kicked off last month, and will continue through July, August and into September! This campaign targets all trail users – those who walk, pedal, wheel and even trot – and reminds them to be courteous and safe while using the E&N Rail Trail and the Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails.
The CRD’s regional trails are corridors for both active transportation and recreation. Any area shared by multiple user types creates the potential for conflict, especially when tied with increased use. The Galloping Goose, Lochside and E&N Rail Trail regional trails have steadily increased in popularity since being constructed, and their total combined use has increased by about 35% since 2015. Last year, in 2024, the three trails saw over 4.1 million visits.
CRD regional parks and regional trails are a public good that belong to everyone in the region, and safety is a shared responsibility. Basic trail etiquette makes the regional trail system more enjoyable for everyone to use. And while most visitors respect the signage on the trails, summer is great time for everyone to brush up on their trail etiquette and remember how to #CruiseWithCourtesy! Here’s the basics:
- Slow down and control your speed, especially on e-bikes
- Alert other trail users when passing
- Always keep right except to pass
- Yield to pedestrians, horse riders and farm equipment
- Respect the trail environment
- Be kind and show mutual respect to fellow trail users
Over the next couple of months, you’ll notice our Cruise With Courtesy campaign advertising in and around our local communities, tons of social media content sharing tips about being safe and courteous on trail, and most importantly, on-trail outreach by CRD Regional Parks Rangers, Park Naturalists and CRD bylaw officers. When you see them alongside the trails in the teal coloured CRD tent, stop in, play some trail trivia and win some sweet bike swag to help keep you visible during your ride!
For more information, visit crd.ca/cruise.
