Many trails have multiple users and we may have some combination of hikers, walkers, dog-walkers, runners, skiers, cyclists, e-bikes, fat tire bikes, snowshoers, horse riders, and possibly motorized users.   When dealing with mixed use trails there are some guidelines we can all follow:

• Use Safe Speeds
• Keep right and pass left
• Standing still – step aside
• Mind your pets
• Be alert
• Know and follow the rules

And some specifics:

• Proceed with caution around horses and pack animals. Stop, get off your bike/ATV and remove your helmet, move off the trail, speak to the rider to confirm what they’d like you to do, let the horse pass, carry on and stay alert.
• When hikers are on designated bike trails we should not be going up designated down trails and on other bike trails hikers need to be alert and stay on the right.
• When bikers and hikers/runners/walkers are on established hiking trails, we need to communicate to avoid unfortunate situations.    Groups can help by hiking single file along a trail.
• On busy trails, dog owners need to carry a leash.    Dogs must be under human control.
• On motorized trails, we all need to be alert and ready for surprises.

Each trail system is different, but the basic rules of etiquette apply to all of them!