trail etiquette

Rules of the Trail

It’s always wise to be responsible & courteous, and multi-use trails are no exception. We strongly encourage all persons to please follow these guidelines.


Open Trails: Respect trail and road closures — ask a land manager for clarification if you are uncertain about the status of a trail. Do not trespass on private land. Obtain permits or other authorization as required.


Leave No Trace: Be sensitive to the dirt beneath you. Wet and muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage than dry ones. When the trail is soft, consider other options. This also means staying on existing trails and not creating new ones. Don’t cut switchbacks. Be sure to pack out at least as much as you pack in.


Control: Inattention for even a moment could put yourself and others at risk. Keep control of your bicycle, snowshoes, apparel, other equipment, and pets. Observe all regulations and recommendations, and move within your limits.


Yielding Safely: When interacting with other trail users, try to assess the situation with safety in mind. See below for some tips.


Never Scare Animals: Animals are easily startled by an unannounced approach, a sudden movement or a loud noise. It’s common to see coyotes, beavers, porcupines, and more around Fort Saskatchewan. Give animals enough room and time to adjust to you. Disturbing wildlife can cause serious problems.

 

Plan Ahead: Know your equipment, your ability and the area in which you are present and prepare accordingly. Strive to be self-sufficient: keep your equipment in good repair and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. Always wear wear appropriate safety gear.

 

Be Heard: Do your utmost to let your fellow trail users know you’re coming — a friendly greeting or bell ring are good methods. Try to anticipate other trail users as you ride around corners.

Respect, communication, and consideration for others are key.

You are responsible for others’ safety as well as your own. Any distractions or impairments to hearing what’s going on around you could be disastrous.

Yielding & the Right of Way

Trail etiquette in Canada suggests several fundamentals. However, there are no absolute rules as there are so many unique situations. It’s always best to assess a situation and follow good judgement, and safety should always be the highest priority.
Top Tips

These are the fundamentals, always keep them in mind!

  • Watch out for everything – bikers, hikers, wildlife, foliage, etc
  • In narrow sections of trail think about safety; watch for the widest areas with the best support and plan to yield/pass there
  • Remember that we’re all out for a good time
  • Uphill traffic has the right-of-way*
  • Bikers yield to hikers on shared trails*

* Generally speaking, the standard rules are that climbers always have priority, and bikers yield to hikers on shared trails. However these are not an absolute. Patrons will almost always come across a scenario where it might be questioned. For example:

  • If a biker is working hard up a tough uphill on a multi-purpose trail, it would be courteous for a hiker to yield
  • If a hiker can hear a biker coming they could be mindful that the biker is less likely to hear them, and it may be best to step aside

Remember, these guidelines are designed to keep everyone safe and happy. Let’s be friendly and share the good times!