Wellness Center

Happy Trails, Safe Hiking

Follow proper etiquette and take safety precautions when using our nation's trails. These guidelines apply especially to paved urban trails:

• Trail users: Stay to the right so faster traffic can pass you on your left. If you're in doubt about what someone intends to do, simply stop.


• Bicyclists: Announce your presence as you come from behind to walkers and slower traffic. Say, "On your left" or ring a bicycle bell within 50 feet of approaching so a walker won't be startled and can acknowledge your presence. Sometimes it can take a few calls for someone wearing a headset to hear you.


• Walkers: Acknowledge the callout with a wave of your hand, or turn of your head, or step to the right as faster traffic goes around you.


• Groups: Be aware that your three-abreast walking group might pose a problem for traffic attempting to pass you or for oncoming trail users. Move to the right and walk single file when traffic is heavy. Bike riders should avoid drafting in pace lines at high speeds.


• Runners: Slow down as a courtesy to pedestrians as you overtake them to pass.


• Dog walkers: Carry a plastic bag and pick up after your dog. Keep dogs on leashes, and step off the trail and restrain your dog as traffic passes you if your dog tends to lunge.


• Kids: Beware of children (and beginner rollerbladers). They're unpredictable, so slow down and negotiate around them. Sudden evasive action can be dangerous around kids and dogs.


• Boundaries: Stay on the beaten path. Respect the rights and privacy of adjacent property owners. Carry your own litter. (That's what pockets are for.) Consult a trail map for public restrooms along the trails and anticipate their use.

Safety Makes Sense Too

• Gear: Always wear properly fitted helmets and other safety gear when "wheeling" on paved trails. Skates, foot-powered scooters, bikes, trikes, boards, and blades are generally allowed, as are Segways. But motorized vehicles are not allowed, except if operated by disabled citizens. Carry your own water bottles. Drinking fountains might be few and far between.


• Be seen: At dawn and dusk, wear reflective clothing, and use lights on bikes.


• Personal safety: Carry a cell phone and identification. Leave valuables at home, not even in your locked car. Let someone know where you're going and when you'll be back. Better yet: Bring a friend along for the fun and for safety, but still let someone else know where you're going.


• Emergency: Know where you are, especially if you call 9-1-1 in an emergency. Some trails have markers embedded in the sidewalk every tenth of a mile. The designation K-50, for example, lets emergency personnel know exactly where you are and how to get to you quickest.

Source:

1. Trail tips and safety. Florida Department of Environmental Protection.

This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis of specific medical conditions. You should seek prompt professional medical attention if you have a particular concern about your health or specific symptoms. Wellsource, Inc. is not liable for any health consequences resulting from your use of this site.