Visitors have logged more than 5 million annual trips to the Metro Parks in recent years, with an increasing number of visits taking place on multipurpose trails. Most people leave with happy memories.
Max Zugay, the Metro Parks ranger who supervises dozens of Bike Patrol volunteers during riding season, April through October, said he receives a few complaints a week that really boil down to people not being respectful of others.
And now that the park district’s first-ever Summer Biking Spree is underway, he wants to make sure trail users are being courteous.
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“If you’re a walker, put yourself in the shoes of a biker. If you’re a biker, put yourself in the shoes of a runner. Have some empathy,” he said.
Further, the park district has posted helpful guidelines in kiosks at its multipurpose trails, which include the 34-mile Bike & Hike Trail that travels southeast from Sagamore Hills to Munroe Falls and Stow; the 4.2-mile Freedom Trail in Tallmadge; and 22.4 miles – a little more than half – of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail in Summit County, from the southern boundary of Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the Stark County line, except for about three miles in Downtown Akron. The guidelines include:
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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).
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.
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 new Summer Biking Spree continues through August 31. To participate, bike at least five sections of the multipurpose trails managed by Metro Parks, Serving Summit County. Riders can earn a reflective commemorative sticker and bicycle license plate, or the sticker and a vehicle-window cling. Since the program is funded by Summit County tax dollars, out-of-county residents will pay $5 to receive their rewards.
Spree forms with the list of trail sections are available on the park district’s website, at F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm (1828 Smith Rd., Akron), the park district’s administrative offices (975 Treaty Line Rd., Akron), Century Cycles (1621 Main St., Peninsula), and all Acme Fresh Market stores in Summit County.
For more information, call 330-867-5511 or visit summitmetroparks.org.