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Regional Park Trail Safety
Get to know your local parks and the park staff. There are informational map brochures available for most Regional Park facilities. They are available at park Visitor Centers, and at park entrance kiosks and park offices. Each trail user should exercise common courtesy. Please check trail signs and use park maps.
Multi-Use Trail
  • Safe multiple use on trails requires your cooperation. This symbol illustrates protocol for yielding right-of-way when cyclists, hikers and equestrians meet on the trail.
  • Cyclists yield to all other trail users, and hikers yield to equestrians.
  • Bicycles are permitted on paved roads, paved bike trails and unpaved roads unless posted otherwise.
  • Bicyclists are not permitted on narrow-gauge trails. Bicycle use is restricted in certain areas due to trail use conflicts and natural resource protection. Check park map brochures for approved trail access.
Bicycle Riders
  • Know which trails are open for bicycle use. Watch for trail signposts with trail names and informational discs.
  • Always yield, pass with care and keep your speed to a slow, safe pace. Do not exceed the 15 mph speed limit. Approach each bend as if someone were around the corner. Hikers and particularly horses are easily startled. Calling out or ringing a bicycle bell to get the attention of other trail users can prevent accidents. Being sensitive to how others perceive you will assure a positive image for your sport and minimize the restrictions that follow confrontations and negative encounters.
  • Stay on the approved trails. Riding off trails or skidding down slopes damages park resources, creates erosion and threatens other park users and wildlife. Don't ride in the rain or on trails where ruts are created by your wheels. Protect natural resources by honoring use restrictions placed on areas that are environmentally fragile.
  • Be prepared for your trip. Wear a helmet at all times. The key to a successful and enjoyable ride requires a knowledge of regulations, proper equipment, preparedness for the unexpected and an understanding of one's personal ability.
Equestrians
  • Travel at a safe speed. Be especially careful when visibility is limited.
  • Communicate. Let other trail users know if your horse is safe to pass.
  • Don't take short cuts. Stay on trail.
  • Don't ride in the rain. If the trail is muddy, use an alternate trail. Deep hoof ruts are difficult to repair and make the trail hazardous for other trail users.
Hikers/Joggers
  • Stay on trails. Trails are the safest and best routes through the parks. In an emergency situation it is easier to locate and assist a trail user on designated trails.
  • Consideration of your fellow hikers and riders dictates that you not cut across switchbacks, especially in the downhill direction. In addition to erosion damage brought on by cross-cutting, there is a definite danger of dislodging rocks which might roll down on people below.
  • Listen for other trail users and pass equestrians with caution. Hikers and backpackers should step to the side of the trail when meeting or being overtaken by equestrians.
  • Keep your dog on a leash or under control. Please be considerate of other trail users by cleaning up after your dog.
Stay Within Park Boundaries
Fence lines are marked. Please respect the rights and privacy of adjacent property owners.
In the Event of an Emergency
Contact a park employee. To report a fire, police or medical emergency, dial 911 on park pay phones. Red emergency telephone boxes connect you directly with Public Safety dispatchers.

There are 1000s of miles of trails in Regional Parks. These beautiful parklands are intended for all the public to enjoy and preserve for future generations. Visitor cooperation will help District staff serve the public better and assure a pleasant parkland experience for everyone.

For the safety and convenience of park users, please observe the following rules:
Bicycles
No person shall ride or operate any bicycle or "Off Road Bike" recklessly or negligently so as to endanger the life, limb or property of any person. All bicycles must be ridden in a safe manner and under control while on District property. Violators may be subject to fine or confiscation. Bicycles are permitted on paved and unpaved roads and on most wide trails. However, there are exceptions. Please observe posted restrictions and obey the 15 mph bicycle speed limit.
Saddle Animals
No person shall ride, drive, lead, or keep any saddle or pack animal in a reckless or negligent manner so as to endanger the life, limb, or property of any person or animal. No person shall allow his or her saddle or pack animal to stand unattended or insecurely tied.
Gates
All persons operating a gate shall close the gate after passing through it.
Dogs
Must be under control at all times. They must be leashed on paved, multi-use trails, in parking lots, and in developed areas. Loose dogs can be hazardous to bicyclists and runners. Please dispose of your dog's waste by placing it in a garbage can.
Motor Vehicles
No motorized vehicles are allowed on trails (wheelchairs excepted).
Fires or Fireworks
Fires are not permitted in staging areas or on trails. Fireworks are not permitted in any Regional Park.
Cigarettes
Extinguish and safely dispose of cigarette butts.
Alcoholic Beverages
Are not permitted in staging areas or on trails.
Firearms or Bows and Arrows
Are not permitted in staging areas or on trails.
Radios
Please be considerate of other park users and neighbors if you use a radio. A permit is required for amplification of voice, music or other sound.
Visitors
are responsible for knowing and following park rules and regulations.


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Copyright © 1997 Winter Ware. All RIGHTS RESERVED.
Last updated: Saturday, December 28, 1996