Summit County Metro Parks Talks Trail Etiquette

Are you excited to enjoy the spring weather and the great outdoors soon? Make sure you read up on the proper etiquette when heading to your local Metro Park.

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County said trail etiquette – or a lack of it – is a recurring issue on multipurpose trails.

“We regularly hear from trail users about cyclists going too fast, or runners taking up a whole trail, or people not signaling when they pass others,” Metro Parks spokesperson Nathan Eppink said in a press release. “Every spring, with people ‘rediscovering’ the outdoors, we tend to get more complaints.”

Metro Parks rangers are reminding hikers, runners and cyclists to follow these simple guidelines while using multipurpose trails:

• Be Courteous: All trail users should be respectful of others regardless of speed, skill level or mode of travel (i.e., bicycle, wheelchair or on foot).
• Pass on the Left: Pass other trail users on their left. Give an audible signal before passing, either by voice (e.g., “On Your Left!”) or other means (e.g., ringing a bell). Pay special attention when passing children and pets. 
• Stopping: Move to the right when stopping. If possible, exit the trail. Be cautious of others approaching from behind and make sure they know you are pulling over. 
• Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind you before changing positions on the trail. 
• Don’t Block the Trail: When in a group or with pets, use no more than half of the trail. Do not block the flow of other users. 
• Obey All Traffic Signs and Signals: Use extra caution where trails cross streets. Stop at all signs and intersections. When entering or crossing a trail, yield to other users.

Metro Parks, Serving Summit County manages 22.4 miles of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the park district’s 33.5-mile Bike & Hike Trail. Rangers and volunteers patrol both trails on foot and bicycles to ensure safety, but visitors can help.

“Your visit will be safer and more enjoyable if you follow basic guidelines and use common sense,” said Chief of Rangers Doug Shepard.