Trail Etiquette on Multi-Use Trails
I took a picture of this mountain biker passing a group of ladies on horseback when me and my sons were riding the Columbia Trail.
Cyclist passing group of horse riders from behind
We were riding toward the group and had stopped about 50 feet ahead of them to let them pass. Two other cyclists had also decided to stop behind us. I don’t know if the cyclist behind the horses got the all clear to pass but the group of horse riders, who were riding two-by-two, didn’t seem to have moved over a bit.
There were no signs on the Columbia Trail to indicate the it was a multi-use trail and who has the right of way. As more often than not, hikers or walkers on the trail were lacking trail etiquette.
Multi-use trail sign
Here is a quite summary of how to share the trail with hikers, horseback riders and other mountain biker:
Mountain bikers should yield to horseback riders and hikers. Horseback riders have the right of way over mountain bikers and hikers. This is because it’s a lot easier for hikers or mountain bikers to stop and step aside and out of the way.
Horses have difficulty recognizing a human being on a bike as being human and may get spooked and throw its rider. Dismount your bike and stand next to it while the horses pass by.
Don’t zoom pass a horse and don’t follow to closely from behind. If you are coming up from behind, let the hoses and the rider know you are there. Ask the rider if it is okay for you to pass, then go wide to the left and pass slowly. If your are on a narrow trail with a steep drop-off, be sure to be on the inside of the horse and rider.
If you’re biking and want to pass other hikers or cyclists, let them know you are there and tell them you are about to pass them, which is usually on their left side. Shouting out “passing on your left” works great. Slow down as you approach them, and to pass them.
Observe the rules of multi-use trails and be safe.
