Good Etiquette To Follow On Public Trails
Trails
Public trails are great ways to get out of the house, get some exercise, and enjoy the weather at the same time. Step onto a trail and you may hear birds singing, see beautiful trees, and pass walkers and bikers. Often you share a trail with other members of your community.
Whether you are walking, running, biking, or immersed in another activity, there is etiquette to be followed on public trails.
Stick To The Right
Yes, keeping to the right hand side of the trail is considered good etiquette.
Follow the same rules as driving on a road; pass on the right any people who are moving in the opposite direction. Even if the trail is not paved and does not have a yellow line down the middle of it, continue to follow this rule.
Look And Acknowledge
If the trail intersects with a public road and you need to cross the road, there are a few steps for courteous behaviour.
Look both ways (remember being told to do that as a kid?) before crossing the road to get to the next leg of the trail.
If a vehicle on the road appears to be going too fast and does not see you, let the vehicle pass before you cross. Make sure it is safe before you cross; it is not worth endangering yourself to beat the car and save a few minutes of time.
If the vehicle does stop to let you cross, acknowledge the driver with a nod or a wave of your hand. While it is common courtesy for the driver to let trail users pass before driving through the intersection, it is still polite to offer a 'thank-you' with a gesture. No middle-finger involved please.
The simple action of acknowledgement tells the driver you appreciate the pass through and are respectful of one another. This is good etiquette.
Pets
Many people walk their dogs on trails. The dogs have a great environment to explore nature and come across other dogs and people along the route. What a treat!
Etiquette regarding dogs on public trails concerns the leashes. Keep dogs on a leash. Be cognizant that not all people like animals, and in particular dogs. Some people have fears of dogs.
Also, some dogs become excited when they come across other dogs; they start barking and jumping excitedly. The instant energy of the pet may be unnerving for people walking on the trail who can not foresee the actions of the particular dog. Be safe by keeping the dog on a leash.
Passing Bikers
There is also good etiquette for when a biker passes another person on a public trail.
As with the rule for cars, passing is expected to happen on the left-hand side of a person. When a biker passes a person, even if that other person is on a bike, it should be done on the left-hand side of the person being passed.
As well, it is good etiquette to alert the person that you are passing them. For example, ring the bell on your bike or say, "Passing on your left." The alerts prevent the person being passed from being scared by the sudden noise. A potential accident is also prevented if that person were to unexpectedly swing to the left and crash into the biker.
And So...
As with driving on a public road, there are certain rules to follow follow when you are on a public trail. The rules or "etiquette" include passing on the left-hand side and otherwise keeping to the right-hand side of the trail. Courtesy toward other people is a great way to enjoy the trail while also showing respect.
Are You...
Are You Conscious Of Etiquette When You Are On Public Trails?
Get Out On The Trail!
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Comments
I was running on the trail today and you have good tips for making sure we are conscious of our behavior while enjoying the trails.
I always try to watch out for bike riders on the trail. They are quite the courteous type and either honk their horn or say "to the right" as they pass. Great article on etiquette, never hurts to be friendly and safe at the same time. Voted up!
I don't know how this one slipped by me but I have to say it couldn't be more timely. With more and more public trails appearing all across the country it is a good reminder.
Seems everyone today needs to be reminded of their manners and this one is spot on!
Voted up, useful, and interesting.
Christy,
this time I stopped by on your page to wish you a very happy birthday.
This is your day, enjoy!
Congrats on this HOTD. It is filled with good and useful information. We have lots of good hiking trails around where I live, so the reminders were good for me.
Voted UP and shared.
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Awe, thanks Kelley! I just love your positivity and you are welcome here any time :)
Christy, I read this when it won HOTD and wanted to read it again. This is so well-written and informative. It's one of my absolute favorite hubs! Shared ! Take care, Kelley
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Thanks @IntegrityYes! Nice to connect with you as well as Followers.
That is very informative. Many need to read it. Rock out tonight,Christy!
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@Oscar, stay safe out on those trails! I don't know if I will pursue walking with the bears....!
Have been on the Alaska trrails.. grrrrrrrroowwll.. please keep those bears on a leash! really.. I have been on the bear trails.. keep it clean and the bears won't be so bothersome..
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@bridalletter, the pond would be fun for the dogs! I believe most people can figure out the etiquette rules but there are always a few who go against the grain... thanks for stopping by to read today.
@Trinity, Thanks! I was so excited when I received the HOTD notification :) Take care hon!
@bdegiuilio, You are right - with etiquette we all will get along fine!
@Rajan Jolly, If we all play by the rules we can all enjoy the trails :) Thanks for the votes, share, and friendship.
I am looking forward to some trails this fall. It is so hot right now, I can't breath and walk at the same time. I wasn't aware of trail etiquette, but I was applying it. Some trails don't allow pets; especially the National Parks with trails. We have a dog park out here in Blue Springs, MO and people get the best of both worlds there. Even a pond for the dogs to jump into.
Great advice Christy! This is a wonderful hub for all of us who love the great outdoors. Etiquette is SO important in all areas of our lives and etiquette on public trails is no exception. Congratulations on your Hub of the Day award; you deserve it!
Excellent advice Christy. With a little common sense and etiquette it can be a fun activity for everyone to enjoy. Well done.
Excellent hub Christy. You have made it into a very useful and interesting read. It's very important to follow rules even when on trails to prevent mishaps.
Voted all the way up and across and shared.
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Thanks @RedElf, I appreciate that!
I can certainly see why this rated "hub of the day" - well done!
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@Ruby, thanks! I was very excited to be hub of the day and really appreciate your words :)
@Suhail, where I live we tend to keep to the right of the trail much like roadway traffic for cars would do. If you are not in danger or causing danger you are fine. If you are unsure with your particular trail, you could always ask someone else that is local.
@ellebyam, Have good walks with your dog! Thanks for the kind words.
I love walking on trails too, great hub about public trails. Congratulations on your hub of the day! A very good to know topic!
A question to Dubuquedogtrainer and ChristyWrites:
When walking my dog, I keep to the left thereby keeping passing traffic in front of me. When on the trail, I let on-coming hikers and cyclists know that I am keeping to the left. I do this for two obvious reasons. (1) to keep an eye on the on-coming traffic and (2) to keep myself as a buffer between the dog and passing traffic.
Is it correct thing to do? I have not encountered any questioning looks, but I am just curious.
I walk our labrador on public sidewalks or in a park trail every night. So far I have not encountered problems (no other neighbor does the midnight "walking-the-dog" shift. :)) Thank you for sharing a very helpful hub.
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@jasmith, Yes, consideration for others is so important. Have a great etiquette-friendly day!
Great points. A little care and attention about our behaviours really makes a difference to everyone's experience when walking.
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@MoonWillowLake, your comment is great. I would imagine that for those countries the etiquette rules would be reversed. Good points you make. I love the engaging conversations that this hub creates!
Thanks for the information about the bicycle passing part. I hadn't considered that part before.
I'm also wondering out loud here: I am not, but for people who live in countries where they drive on the left hand side, should their etiquette techniques be reversed accordingly?
It's something I've never thought of before now, but I think it's an interesting question to consider/ponder.
And, for people who have dogs, please remember to clean-up after them in addition to having them on a leash! Plus, if the park has signs that state 'no dogs' or 'no pets', please respect that as some of us seek out those parks on purpose.
Thanks for the interesting read.
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@Micki, thanks for adding in that information about dogs. You are correct that the nature around the trails needs to protected and poisonous plants can be issues too! Thanks for adding in the information.
Christy, great Hub. We have lots of public trails in the San Francisco Bay Area, and I use them all of the time with my dog. One thing I would add, too, about having dogs on trails that is a big concern here is that there is a lot of rare and precious plant and bird life that get disturbed by dogs who don't always know to stay on the trail.
Another caution with dogs is that they can easily brush up against things like poison oak (here on the west coast of the continent) or poison ivy (on the east), and then easily to spread it to us. It's a b*$%^t to get rid of!
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@Mike, yes walking trails combined with courteous attitudes make for a great experience!
Walking the trails is an excellent exercise for the body and the mind. It is good to be courteous to all. http://www.micoequipment.com
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Ah, nice to hear that you enjoyed the trails! I am further west in BC :) Thanks for the comment and I am grateful for all of the wonderful support from the HubPages community.
Christy, great hub! Very important information for those using the trails. I am currently in Winnipeg but lived in Calgary for many years, where the trails are phenomenal. I miss those beautiful trails! Thanks for a lovely hub with very good information and congratulations on the "hub of the day."
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@Suhail, I also have had an incident with a dog not on a leash. The big dog came up to me and jumped up on me. I was scared as well. Dogs really do need to be on leashes. Thank-you for sharing your information and providing another great point here.
@Laura, Thanks Laura! Have a great time on the trails :)
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@BuyaBiz, Indeed another good point!
@viveresperando, thanks for the great comment!
@Shalycriston, I appreciate the share and encouraging words :)
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@Dubuqedogtrainer, Thanks for stopping by to comment. I actually do mention that point about passing in my hub. Another option is for the bikers to use a bell as they pass. I hope more people start to have etiquette if we help spread the word!
I do get intimidated when I see other people's big dogs off leash. Last week, while on a hike on a deserted trail, I noted to my horror that a Golden Retriever, generally a docile breed, came running out of a shallow river and almost attacked my dog, who was on leash. He surprised his owner too. She kept apologising saying that "its the first time he did it, perhaps because he saw the other dog on leash". Despite being afraid, I maintained my cool and kept trying to cool the Golden down. Luckily for me, my boy kept on making friendly and playful gestures.
On another occasion, I met this woman on a trail who was looking for her dog. She asked me if I saw her "girl" up on the trail. She said that she was watching her run on the trail and then she disappeared suddenly turning a corner. Now I say to everybody that there are just too many attractions for an off leash dog in the wild to just disappear like that putting itself and its owner in a grave situation.
Nice hub. Gotta keep the trails in good condition so wild and plant lif flourishes.
And yet another opinion :-) No cutting across the switchbacks! It leads to erosion that is difficult to stop once it starts. Good Hub, thanks.
I enjoyed reading this. I loved the picture too, great pic!
Shared with my fans "This interesting hub" :) keep up
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@Davenmidtown, I am glad you only think about poking a stick and don't really do it :) You really do follow etiquette! Well I see you share my frustrations... I'm glad you enjoyed the hub and thanks for the comment!
@emilybee, thank-you Emily for all of your reads today. I actually had a similar experience with a dog who was not on a leash. I was shaking afterwards. Let's try and prevent this by sharing the hub! Thanks for your kind words :)
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@RTalloni, Thanks! I am smiling right now :)
@iamaudraleigh, I am so glad you found the hub useful for you both! Thumbs up from me to you.
@Ardie, Thank-you! You are one of the first people I connected with on HubPages and it is so nice to have a great comment from you here. I wish we could get out on the trail together!
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@JS, thanks for stopping by! What great compliments from you as you are a seasoned writer here at HP. I never like to see anyone litter, regardless of the location. Like you, I enjoy taking walks and stopping to smell the flowers along the way! I appreciate the vote and share, take care :)
@John, How nice that you came by to read. I look forward to seeing the photos you and Judith take as well as the adventures you have!
@Ebower, You are a sweety. I often walk trails and thought this would be useful for others. I am glad you enjoyed the hub.
Good hub - important information! Another item of etiquette that is not specifically mentioned regarding pets and people walking pets is for bikers to say,"Passing on the left" when passing people with pets. I have had people on bikes whiz by me and my dogs, startling both of us. some even laugh! This is not funny! It's sadistic to startle someone or their pets and think it's funny. When I lived in Missouri it was common practice for bikers to say this, but in Iowa, it is not - I have lived here 4 years and had no one say anything as they sped by, startling both me and my pets. some of us have pets that are easily startled. It is only courteous to avoid startling someone or their animals by coming up on them unexpectedly and speeding by.
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@ComfortB, sometimes I do wish that areas would be kept undeveloped so that we can enjoy the nature and take a walk through in peace... perhaps you will have to find a new area to venture. Thanks for stopping by!
@tammy, Thank-you! You are very sweet, it is nice getting to know you here on HP.
@charmike4, yes that is a tip for pet owners for sure! Not pleasant, to put it mildly... I appreciate the addition here.
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@cardelean, Why thank-you! I am glad you are abiding too, you're welcome on any trail I am on :)
@Teresa, Thanks! Awesome = I am smiling :)
@randomcreative, I appreciate that you enjoy my style of writing. I do not want to sound vague in my hubs and it sounds like I did right by you! Thanks for the kind words!
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@Doreen, Thank-you! It was a great surprise today!
@billybuc, You hike, you laugh, you care. Thank-you again for the wonderful words about me in your hub. I am so glad we have connected.
@JKenny, I am glad that you found the format and wording went well together. That is a balance I do try to maintain. Aha, in England you seem to have the opposite routines. Well as long as etiquette is followed, both are good in each place! Thank-you for the great comment and for the vote and share :)
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@PoeticFool, I am trying to balance harmony, respect, and fun all in one punch! Your comment has me believing I am on the right path. I have had similar experiences to you which led me to create the hub, I'm glad you could relate (and that we share opinions)!
@molometer, Thank-you for your kind remarks. I do enjoy the ability to customize the formatting of the hubs.
@susanm23b, I will share the trail with you any day! With spring here, we will be getting out more and now we have the etiquette rules with us :)
What a great hub! Congratulations on Hub of The Day! Very well deserved. We have trails here that are shared by foot traffic and bicyclists. The bicyclist think they own the road and drive me crazy, even though I stick to the very right edge of the trail. They are rude and aggressive too. I'd like to poke a stick in their spokes as they race by. I wish a few of them would read this hub.
Awesome hub with great tips for people to follow. I used to very fearful of dogs, but you know, dogs can totally sense that fear so I try to not be so fearful now. One time on a hiking trail a dog came bounding towards me and got dirt all over my shirt. I was too fearful though, he was only playing. It did irritate me though, lol. Great hub Christy! Congrats on hub of the day, too!
Good points to keep in mind when using public trails! Congrats on you Hub of the Day Award for a hub that shares important information!
This is a great hub for people like my boyfriend and I! We love to go walking on the trails by Lake Ontario! This will be perfect to share with Micah! Voted up!
Hi Christy - Im so excited you got a HOTD and what a wonderful topic at just the right time too. I love to go out hiking and my little city has tons of parks with public trails for biking, riding horses, walking dogs, and hiking. Its so very important that we all use proper etiquette to make sure a biker doesnt startle a horse and that a dog doesnt bite a young kid because the dog wasnt on a leash. Congrats :)
Congratulations on the Hub of the Day ChristyWrites! Well deserved! These are some great tips. It amazes me how so many people can be so inconsiderate of others on public trails. My biggest pet peeve is when people litter! I always believed as a Boy Scout "Carry In-Carry Out" and was taught to leave a place better than it was when I first visited it. Trail etiquette is important!
I get to walk on a lot of trails since I live in New England and it is a great time to free your mind, take some photos and just enjoy life with those we love! Great Hub! Voted up and shared.
JSMatthew~
Very interesting and great article Christy. Judith and I are planning walking area nature trails to photograph the beauty of the trail. Wish us luck....Blessings to you.
This is a great hub. It definitely deserves to be the hub of the day! :) I never would have thought of these rules, but they are important if you want to use your manners at a public trail and also they are great safety guidlines. I voted this up and useful.
I lived in what used to be a dead end street that led into farms and hiking trail paths. Now thanks to developers, its stormimg with high speeding motorists who obviously need to read this hub.
Congrats on the HOTD award, and thanks for sharing!
Fabulous article Christy W! I enjoyed this very much as someone who loves the woods. Excellent. Congratulations on your well deserved Hub of the Day!! :)
Another tip for pet owners christrywrites - take a bag to collect the droppings! I hate it when I accidently put my foot into a mound of dung! Great hub. Cheers Michael
Glad to know that we follow proper trail etiquette while we walk our trails! Great advice and congrats on your Hub of the Day!
Awesome hub! Congratulations on hub of the day Christy.
Great topic for a hub! I love how you broke everything down and made the information very accessible for your readers. Congrats on getting Hub of the Day!
Nice going Christy!!!
As an avid hiker I completely agree with this hub! Great job!
Hi Christy, many congratulations on getting Hub of the Day. I found this hub very interesting and informative, and the way it was formatted made it really easy to read. Here in England we have something called the Countryside Code, which is basically a list of do's and don't's- such as always keep to the path, always close gates behind you and never drop litter.
It was interesting to read that you have to keep to the right on a trail and overtake on the left while walking along a trail. We're always told to keep to the left and overtake on the right, just as with driving. Great work. Voted up and shared.
Thank you for this hub! I enjoy hiking and just getting out for walks on park trails. So often it seems that some people, be they bikers, runners or pet owners, act like they are the only ones there or that is their personal path. A little civility and etiquette can go a long way. Thanks for pointing out just how easily we all can coexist on the trail!
Great advice hub and congratulations on the great award.
I liked the formatting too.
Congratulations on a great Hub of the Day! My family and I have done a lot of hiking. There are many very nice and polite people, but rude ones too. It would be a pleasure meeting you on a trail. If only everyone applied your excellent, sensible tips! Voted up!
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@MillionaireTips, Indeed if we all abide by the rules we are able to enjoy nature and each others company. Here, here!
@DeborahNeyens, As you are also a trail user, I am glad you were able to identify with the hub here.
@Sally'sTrove, It does not hurt to lay it in print here, does it... LOL I have actually joked to a friend that I will place it on the trail I walk most days but I have yet to follow through with it...
@DaisyMariposa, I remember being in that park! How great that I can imagine the place you describe. Reminders do not hurt and I do hope that the people who need reminding are practising active listening...
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@Suhail, I'm glad to hear you are one of the upholders of etiquette! :)
@Made, I appreciate the term 'easy to follow' as this is easier said than done!
@Jeannie, Thanks for the great compliments here! Yes, space can be a good thing, can't it..
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@ChaplinSpeaks, I have also seen owners re-leash when other people come into view. It's a potentially dangerous situation. I'm glad you enjoyed the information, thanks for stopping by!
@Vinaya, Your support is wonderful my friend. Thank-you.
@Pamela, I see you identify with the unpredictable nature of the dogs. I once had a dog jump up on me as I was walking by on a trail and I was scared. I had to share in hopes of educating others. Thanks for the comment.
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@cathylynn, Oh yes that is another great one for pet owners!
@prasetio, Thanks for your support and comment!
@anonymous, Why thank-you :)
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@Sunshine, I knew you would abide by the etiquette, I just knew it! :) Now as for your neighbours hehe ... Thanks Sunshine for your support and positivity since I have joined HP, I appreciate the kindness!
@pstraubie, Proper manners even when exercising need to be followed. I'm glad you enjoyed the hub!
@vespawoolf, I'm glad you joined me on the trail. Thanks for the great comment. I am excited to be the Hub of the Day!
Christy,
Congratulations on this Hub being designated a HubPages Hub of the Day!!!
I've gone hiking on trails in Yosemite National Park in California and have observed some people showing a total lack of respect for their fellow hikers...and for the park itself.
It's always helpful to remind people of the good etiquette one should follow on a public trail but, unfortunately, the people who need the reminder the most probably won't think your article pertains to them.
The etiquette you describe is so simple, and probably ingrained in many, but I'll bet there are those who need to be told or reminded. This hub of yours ought to be printed, laminated, and posted prominently on every public trail in the country. :)
Congrats on this one being Hub Of The Day. Voted up and useful!
We have some really great trails where I live. I use them for biking and running with my dog. It can be frustrating when someone doesn't practice good trail etiquette, and dangerous, too. Thanks for these important tips.
Congratulations on Hub of the Day. These are great rules of etiquette. Common courtesy makes walking on a trail so much more pleasant.
I am a heavy user of public trails and I always take my dog along. This great hub enabled me to confirm that I am doing everything with etiquette :-)
Congratulation on your HOTD! This hub is so well written and easy to follow. Voted up!
This is a great hub. I like to walk along trails sometimes, but it can be awkward if it involves walking along in a small space with others. Thanks for sharing this and congrats on having the hub of the day!
Nice Hub and congratulations on HOD! I have noticed loose dogs on trails, and when the owner sees someone coming, they re-leash. That is not always good enough, though. Many parks in my area with public trails also have dog parks which is nice. Thanks for sharing.
Dear, Christy
Wonderful advice every one can relay on!
Congrats for the well deserved the Hub of the Day
Cheers
Great information. I don't know how many times I've heard people with unleashed dogs say, "He's never done that before, he usually likes everyone." Like their dog being aggressive is the person's fault and not their dog.
I own a dog and even my normally docile Boston Terrier has decided he didn't like the looks of a person from time to time. I apologized and called my pint sized guard off.
Keep your dog on a leash and carry bags to clean up any messes they decide to make. No one wants to step in something while on a walk or run.
also, please be prepared to clean up doggie do while you are walking fido.
Excellent hub and very well written. Thanks for writing and share with us. Good job and rated up!
Prasetio
Great hub...
Excellent advice. I always use proper etiquette when using public trails! Congratulations on your Hub Of The Day!! Way to go Christy!!:)
Thank you for sharing this. Hopefully many will read it and be reminded that it is important to bring courtesy along on the trek.
Congratulations on hub of the day.
This is great...I can imagine myself on the trail right now! Thank you for sharing these helpful tips. Now if we could just get everyone to follow them. : ) Congratulations on Hub of the Day, ChristyWrites!
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Mark, I am hearing from readers that people on trails in many parts of the world are not obeying the etiquette rules. I do hope this article educates people as to how to be polite and still enjoy the trail. Thanks for sharing your experience, the trail sounds wonderful! Keep up the exercise, and thanks for the comment!
I started walking religiously about a year ago as recommended by a family physician. We have a nice walking trail in the development that has awesome views of Sarasota bay. This trail can get very busy during the hours of 5-7 when I walk because there are 1,000 homes in the development. I think they should post your article on the entrance of the trail and highlight "Keep dogs on a leash" This is a big problem around here!
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Hello Carlu, thanks for the comment. You are lucky to have so much area to explore around you! Yes parks and trails are wonderful places
Great hub It's great to be polite and thoughtful of others. I'm not a big trail walker because there are thousands of wildlife preserve acres behind me to "get away" with nobody around. This is great though for when I go to the park Voted the good ups
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Indeed! I wonder if people follow the etiquette as they expect the same compliance from others on the trails? Thanks Simone for the feedback!
Yay! Fantastic advice. You know what I love most about public trail etiquette? Most people are good at following it! That's pretty unusual- and says a lot about the trail walking / running / hiking set!
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Lee, the trails here in BC are busy and so etiquette really needs to be followed! I am glad you make use of your local trails. Thanks for stopping by my friend.
Great Hub Christy. We have plenty of Trails throughout Texas and i and my sons are always complaining how people are so often rude and use no courtesy what so ever; seems as though "anything" sometimes goes down here. Thanks for the article. Good job. I voted UP all across. Lee
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Thanks Marc! I think some people have pre-conceived notions about dogs and assume all are violent. You are quite right to extend those people patience and explain you have control of the dogs on their leashes. You are lucky to have that trail so close, I'm pleased you have great scenery nearby!
Another great hub, Christy! I use the trails by the St. Lawrence river every day (it is only 2 blocks away!) and there are people who cry and scream because of my dogs, which never bite or even bark when out with me, from as far as 100+ yards - sometimes, there is nothing you can do except to ask them to give a wide berth and assure that the dogs are tied and in control.
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