Sunday, I was running the bike and bridle trail at Umstead when I came upon a sizable obstacle: a phalanx of hikers bearing backpacks spanned the width of the trail, spilling over onto the shoulders. The trail is quiet generous, a converted fire road that should be capable of handling boatloads of trail users without conflict. Provided those trail users are cognizant of other trails. Which brings us to today’s topic:
Trail etiquette.
It’s a particularly relevant topic considering highs reaching into the mid to upper 70s accompanied by ample sunshine are forecast this weekend throughout much of the state. Warm weather, lots of sunshine, plenty of people on the trail. A few gentle reminders for making sure everyone has a good time out on the trail.
- Pay attention. Even as runners, bikers and other hikers took evasive action to dodge the aforementioned backpackers, they continued to block the trail. I appreciate the group experience, but it’s just as easy to appreciate in blocks of two or three. Hike/run/bike for a while with that group, then mix it up. But above all, just pay attention.
- Be alert. Runners especially like to hit the trail plugged in to music. I’m quick to admit a recent addition to Pandora; the unpredictable mix provides welcome surprises, especially on a trail I know too well. If you are plugged in, keep the volume low enough so it doesn’t block out the sounds around you. And keep to the side of the trail.
- Share the trail. I touched on this a couple weeks ago, but a quick reminder can’t hurt. When sharing the trail, mountain bikers yield to hikers and equestrians, hikers yield to equestrians. And runners? We’re quick on our feet: Don’t worry about us.
- Uphill yields to down. If you’re on a steep, narrow trail, the downhill hiker/biker/runner should yield to the person laboring uphill. While this is a general rule, there are times on a mountain bike where both parties know instinctively that the downhiller should have the right-of-way.
- “Passing.” This mainly applies to mountain bikers: When you come up behind a slower trail user, announce your intentions to pass. Something simple, such as “Passing on your left” is good. Announce your intentions far enough in advance so that the person has time to react. A “Thank you” after passing a cooperative party is a nice touch. And if they’re plugged in, don’t hear you and continue to take up the middle of the trail, well, be patient, take a breath, remind yourself you’re on the trail on a gorgeous day.
- Stop off the trail. If you stop to take a drink, check a map, eat some gorp, step off the trail.
- Don’t block the trailhead. Another annoying thing that happens at Umstead, at the Lake Crabtree neighborhood entrance: When people — runners and cyclists especially — finish their workout, some like to linger on the road and, based on how long they linger, discuss world politics. On my bike, I’ve actually made eye contact with folks blocking the road who STILL fail to move. Grrr. I mean, Grrreat that they’re so engrossed in what they’re doing.
- Hello! Finally, would it kill you to say a simple, “Hey,” “Hi,” “How are ya?” A little wave, a quick smile, a peace sign. A simple sign of basic humanity goes a long way on the trail.
As it does everywhere in life.
Photo: “Might I pass when it’s convenient?” Even in a race, civility is appreciated on the trail.
Can I also add that it’s nice when pet owners walk on the same side of the trail as their dogs? A bell ding or an “on your left” means nothing to your canine companion who has stretched their leash across the path. Unless the owner happens to be Pavlov, in which case the bell signals dinner time, and that cyclist who comes to a sudden halt, they must be the meal.
Ark, ark. People with dogs — that’s a whole other story. Especially people with those 20-foot retractable leashes who are operating under the illusion that their dog is on a leash. Dogs aren’t the issue, owners are.
I never wear ear buds when on a trail because I want to hear what is coming up behind me. Yesterday I had a near miss with a walker wearing ear buds. As I came up on my bike, I cheerfully called out, “Passing on your left,” thinking it would be no problem. Then he decided to cross the path to read a park sign. I yelled three times and he still did not look up until he was inches from my front wheel as I skidded. Did he say anything? No, just keep nodding to the music.
Oblivious because they’re plugged in — that’s my biggest peeve.
Thanks for posting this, Joe. Over the years I’ve seen a huge decline in the respect that others have for each other on the trail, bordering on antagonistic between different sporting types, and I have to say it’s discouraging. Reminders like this will hopefully go a long way at making the experience more enjoyable for all.
The thing I see more than anything isn’t so much outright disrespect as obliviousness. People get in their own little worlds and forget they’re sharing the trail with a couple hundred other people. It’s good that the trail helps people escape. Just not that far.