Health & Fitness
USE TRAIL ETIQUETTE, COMMON SENSE ON MULTI-USE TRAILS
To alleviate conflicts, users of the Bike & Hike Trail, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the new Freedom Trail are asked to follow these simple guidelines.
Cyclists not signaling when passing. Running groups taking up the whole width of a trail. Dogs without leashes – or leashes that are too long. These are common complaints heard by Metro Parks rangers and volunteers.
To alleviate conflicts, users of the multipurpose trails managed by Metro Parks, Serving Summit County – the Bike & Hike Trail, the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail and the new Freedom Trail – are asked to follow these simple guidelines:
* Be Courteous: All trail users should be respectful of others regardless of speed, skill level or mode of travel (i.e., bicycle, wheelchair or on foot).
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* Pass on the Left: Pass other trail users on their left. Give an audible signal before passing, either by voice (e.g., “On Your Left!”) or other means (e.g., ringing a bell). Pay special attention when passing children and pets.
* Stopping: Move to the right when stopping. If possible, exit the trail. Be cautious of others approaching from behind and make sure they know you are pulling over.
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* Be Predictable: Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind you before changing positions on the trail.
* Don’t Block the Trail: Use no more than half of the trail. Do not block the flow of other users.
* Obey All Traffic Signs and Signals: Use extra caution where trails cross streets. Stop at all signs and intersections. When entering or crossing a trail, yield to other users.
* Pets on the Trail: On every trail managed by the park district, dogs must be on leashes no more than eight feet long. Mutt Mitts are provided in many high-usage areas to help visitors clean up after pets.
The 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail travels southeast from Sagamore Hills into Munroe Falls and Stow.
Metro Parks, Serving Summit County manages a little more than half of the Towpath Trail in the county: 22.4 of 41 miles.
The new 4.2-mile Freedom Trail travels from Middlebury Road in Tallmadge to Tallmadge Circle. Two additional miles will be constructed this year, extending the trail to Eastwood Avenue in Akron.
For more information, call 330-867-5511 or visit summitmetroparks.org.