Trail Etiquette 101: Sharing the Path with Runners, Bikers, and Everyone Else

Once the temperatures rise and the sun comes out, everyone tends to return to the trail—and not just walkers like us! Whether you’re strolling through a shady park or walking along a multi-use trail, you’ll most likely end up crossing paths with a whole lot of other people—from runners and bikers to dogs (and their people) to parents pushing strollers and kids racing along on scooters or rollerblades. It can get pretty hectic (and, if you’re not careful, scary) out there!

To help keep everyone happy and healthy and safe on your favorite trail, it’s important to pay attention to the rules of the road. Whether you’re just hitting the trails for the first time—or you’re getting back out there after a cold-weather break—here are just a few tips that will help you (and those around you) get the most enjoyment out of your daily walk.

1) Stay in Your Lane

Unless the trail has specific guidelines posted, stick to the same rules that you’d follow while driving. Stay to the right side of the path—preferably staying as far to the right as possible—and always pass on the left.

If you’re walking with a friend (or more than one friend), keep an eye on the center of the path—and stay to your side, walking single file if necessary to share the path. If you have a friend who can’t be trusted to stay in her lane (as I do), take the inside and let her stick to the outside, to protect everyone involved. Following the regular rules of traffic will keep everyone moving along smoothly—and prevent head-on collisions.

2) Allow Room to Pass

Walkers are the sloths of the trail—which means that, if there are other people with you on the trail, you will most likely be passed at some point. This is another reason why it’s important to stay to the right side of the trail—and to be mindful of your surroundings—so runners, bikers, and speed-walkers can get around you without causing chaos.

Early in my trail-walking days, I made the mistake of not scanning the area around me before attempting to turn around—and I almost collided with a biker who was about to pass. Don’t make the same mistake. Stay to the right and keep moving straight ahead. If you have a tendency to weave a bit while you’re walking, stay to the far edge of the trail—and be extra careful when you know someone’s trying to pass. And avoid making sudden turns.

Feel free to offer a quick wave and/or a polite greeting as an extra assurance that you’re aware that you’re being passed—and to thank the passer for not side-swiping you in the process.

3) Be Aware of Your Surroundings

I’ve been giving my daughter this same advice since she was tiny. There are so many reasons to be aware—especially on the trail. So while I’m a big fan of listening to a good book during my solo walks, I make sure to keep the volume low. You could also choose to go with just one headphone instead of two. Because you’ll want to stay aware—so you’ll know when a runner is nearing or when a biker is ringing a bell or calling out “Passing on your left!” If you’re so focused on your favorite podcast that you’re not paying attention to what’s going on around you, you could end up getting surprised (or, worse, side-swiped) by a passing bike.

4) Keep Furry Friends Under Control

My daughter and I always love seeing four-legged walkers on the trail—but not everyone is as eager to greet your pup as we are. Some people are afraid of dogs—or allergic—and prefer to keep their distance. Remember to keep your dog on a leash at all times—preferably a short or retractable one—so you can keep them by your side while passing others on the trail.

Also…no one wants a stinky surprise on their walking shoes, so always pick up after your pet. Keep those plastic bags handy—and toss them in the next trash bin you pass instead of leaving them on the side of the trail.

5) Don’t Block the Trail

Always remember that—especially on warm, sunny days—you’re most likely not the only one on the trail. Feel free to stop to take a picture of the view—or even to take a minute to catch your breath after climbing a hill. But be sure to step to the side of the trail when you stop.

Also, if you happen to be walking with the whole family—or with a group of your friends—remember to stay on your side of the trail. I’ve often encountered groups of people taking up the entire path while out for a casual stroll. Whether someone is coming toward you or trying to pass on the left, it can cause a whole lot of stress.

6) Leave No Trace

It’s not just your dog’s poop bags that should be picked up and throw in a trash bin during your walk. Anything else that you bring on the trail—from tissues to coffee cups to the wrapper from your mid-walk snack—should be thrown in a trash can. Some trails have maintenance workers who regularly come to make sure that the trail is safe and clean—but not all of them do. Either way, be a good human and clean up after yourself—so someone else doesn’t have to.

7) Keep Smiling!

Following the tips provided here should keep you (and those around you) safe and happy on the trail—but there’s a chance that, from time to time, you’ll run into someone who doesn’t play by the rules. There’s no need to make a scene or cause problems; just keep walking. Follow the rules and set the tone for those around you. Smile and nod (and maybe even share a greeting) with those you pass along the way, and share a little bit of happiness. It’ll help to brighten your day…and theirs.

What are your thoughts? Do you have a trail pet peeve? Have you had a funny story about sharing the trail? Share it below—or post about it and tag us!