Did you know that the Capital Regional District’s (CRD) Regional Trail use has grown by 35% since 2015? With that kind of growth, clear etiquette is critical to keep everyone safe! While keeping safety top of mind, the CRD’s Share The Trail campaign encourages all trail users to be safe, responsible and courteous when using the E&N Rail Trail, Galloping Goose and Lochside Regional Trails this summer.
But what exactly is safe trail etiquette? Trail etiquette ensures that all trail users who walk, cycle, and roll are welcome. It means that we can all safely enjoy our time on regional trails, whether for recreation or active transportation. Here are five easy ways you can safely “Share The Trail”:
Be Informed
Learn, understand, and obey trail rules and posted signs. Keep up to date with the latest safety regulations. For example:
- Helmets are required;
- You must be 16 or older to ride an e-scooter or a standard e-bike;
- Motor-assisted e-bikes must not exceed power outputs of 500 watts or maximum speed of 32 km/h;
- Dogs must be kept on leash.
- Bylaw No. 4225 regulates the use of regional parks and trails in the capital region.
Be Alert
- Stay aware of your surroundings and always be mindful of other trail users;
- Take extra care at road crossings and make eye contact with others;
- Avoid distractions like headphones or mobile devices that reduce your ability to see or hear others. They can make it difficult to notice approaching traffic or other trail users whether you are walking, cycling or rolling.
Be Visible
- It’s important to wear light, bright and reflective materials and add lights or reflectors to your gear.
- Remember to carry a light with you at dawn or dusk.
- Ensure that you can both see and be seen at all times of the day.
Be Predictable
- Communicate your intentions to fellow trail users by using your voice, hand signals, eye contact, and bells.
- Look around for other trail users before making sudden movements or changing your direction, as others may not expect it. This can help avoid a potential conflict.
- Keep to the right, except to pass, and if you’re standing still, move off to the side so that others can get around you safely.
Be Courteous
Show mutual respect to fellow trail users and be kind – we all belong here!
- Safely share the trail and follow posted signage.
- Mind your speed, yield to others, alert others before passing, give space, and keep to the right if walking or rolling.
- Keep dogs on leash, scoop up poop and respect the environment.
To help raise awareness about safe, responsible and courteous trail behaviors, CRD’s Courtesy Crew will be popping up on the Regional Trails this summer to encourage responsible behaviour. CRD Bylaw officers will also be on the trails providing information and educating trail users on safety and etiquette through the summer. If you see us, stop by and say hi!
As a reminder, CRD Regional Trails are multi-use, which means everyone who walks, bikes, or rolls are welcome. So, this summer, and always, remember to be informed, be alert, be visible, be predicable and be courteous. These five small steps will make a big impact and keep our regional trail system safer and more enjoyable for everyone to use. See you on the trails this summer!
Learn more about Regional Trails at: www.crd.ca/regionaltrails.
