Rules of the Trail

All Trail Users

• Show courtesy to others.
• Use the right side of the trail except when otherwise designated.
• Obey all traffic signs and move to the side when looking at a scenic view
• Always pass on the left.
• Follow all trail rules and hours.
• Respect the rights of property owners
• Keep pets on a leash and remove pet feces from trail
• Travel with a buddy in case of an emergency

Bicyclists

• Always wear a helmet
• Yield to pedestrians and skaters
• Give audible warning when passing other trails users. A friendly greeting like "Hello, passing on your left", or ringing a bell is considerate
• Ride at a safe speed. Slow down and form a single file line in congested areas, reduced visibility or other hazardous conditions.

Pedestrians and Skaters

• Use the right side of the trail, except when otherwise designated.
• Watch out for other trails users.
• Listen for audible signals and allow faster trails users to pass safely.

Courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation (PM 85B 8-5-02)

for Bicyclists

Under Iowa Law, bicyclists must follow the same rules of the road as motorists

• Always wear a helmet
• Ride on the Right
  Ride in the right hand lane, except when passing another vehicle, preparing for a left hand turn, or avoiding hazards.
• Never Ride Against Traffic
  Always ride with the flow of traffic
• Obey traffic signs and signals
  Use hand signals to advise motorists you plan to turn, change lanes or stop
• Make eye contact with motorists
  Never assume a motorist sees you or that you have the right-of-way. Expect the unexpected such as; parked vehicles pulling into traffic; vehicle doors opening into your path; and debris on the road.
• At night, use a headlight, taillight and reflectors

for Motorists

Under Iowa Law, bicycles have a right to use Iowa's roads.

• Do not honk your horn at bicyclists
  They may be startled or lose control
• Use extra caution when passing bicycles
  Move entirely into the left lane; on a two-lane road; don't pass a bicyclist if oncoming traffic is near.
• Bicyclists might swerve to avoid road hazards
  Common road hazards for bicyclists are potholes, debris, drainage grates, railroad tracks, and narrow bridges
• Be careful when opening your vehicle door
  Road widths often force bicyclists to ride close to parked vehicles where they may be injured by an opening door
• When in doubt, yield to bicycles

Courtesy of the Iowa Department of Transportation (PM 85B 8-6-02)