Handling Spring Trail Traffic

Whether on foot, peddling on a bike, or mounted on horseback, following trail rules helps everyone enjoy the Landmarks.

Spring is a great time to hit the trails in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks. While you explore the canyons and ridges of these open spaces and nature preserves, please keep in mind that most trails within the Landmarks are multi-use trails – they are shared by hikers and bikers, and many are shared with equestrians as well. Knowing proper trail etiquette and courtesies is a good way to ensure trail safety and enjoyment for everyone.

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Luckily, the rules for sharing multi-use trails are fairly straightforward and simple to remember. You may have seen the “Yield Triangle” posted along local trails, which is a graphic representation of the basic rule: Bikers yield to equestrians and hikers, hikers yield to equestrians. Fast-moving mountain bikers yield to trail users who may not have time to react if not given enough notice to clear the way for the biker. Hikers should yield to equestrians as well, since horses have natural instincts of their own that may make their behavior unpredictable. Hikers and bikers should communicate with equestrians when they meet, to determine the safest way for you to pass each other on a trail. 

It's important to remember that truly sharing a trail is everyone's responsibility, no matter the situation. For instance, a biker should call out to a hiker when approaching from behind, but that hiker should also step to their right and allow the biker room to pass. Here are some trail etiquette tips that will help everyone enjoy their time in the Irvine Ranch Natural Landmarks.

 Multi-use trail etiquette: Remember that bikers yield to hikers and that bikers and hikers yield to equestrians.

For Everyone

• Speak courteously and call out appropriately to others. Give them time to react after you alert        them to your presence, and never assume that they know you are approaching.
  
• Stay on the trail. Creating your own paths, using unmarked trails or creating switchbacks creates erosion, damages habitat and could lead to illegal trespassing.
  
• Respect other users; expect other users. When in doubt, give other users the right of way.
  
• Keep your ears open for approaching trail users. If using headphones, keep the volume low or use one earbud.
  
• Don't assume your fellow trail users know trail etiquette – they may be new to trial use and still learning. If someone acts in error, be kind and courteous in suggesting a correction, stressing safe shared trail use. Be an ambassador for trail etiquette, not an enforcer. 

For Hikers and Runners

• Stay single-file. Even on wide double-track trails, staying in line on the right will help avoid collisions with less cautious trail users. It also keeps a passing path open for faster movers.
  
• If you are approaching an equestrian, call out to let them know you would like to pass. Then give the equestrian time to wave you on or stop.
  
• Don't stop suddenly or step to the left without looking behind you. Riders or runners coming up will not be able to anticipate an unexpected move, which may lead to a collision.

 
For Bikers

• Travel at a speed that allows you to watch for trail hazards as well as pedestrians. If you are too focused on the trail, you may not see pedestrians ahead.
  
• Allow time for pedestrians to move aside. Some newer hikers may not be accustomed to the protocols of shared use, so call out "on your left," and slow down to allow them time to react and allow you to pass.
  
• If you are in a group, let hikers know how many riders are behind you as you pass.
  
• When approaching equestrians from either direction, stop and call out to the rider. Their horse may or may not be accustomed to having bikes ride by, so they may prefer you to stop and allow their horse to pass. If they prefer to stop and allow you to pass, wait for them to waive you on.
  
• Avoid using bells to alert equestrians – bells or horns may startle the horses.
  
• Slow for blind turns and always be alert for oncoming traffic.

For Equestrians

• Bikers and hikers yield to your horse. Be courteous and clear about how you want to manage the passage. Does your horse prefer to stop and let others pass, or vice versa? Know your horse and communicate clearly with other trail users.
  
• Be sure your horse is prepared to travel on multi-use trails. Desensitizing them to passing or being passed by hikers or bikers is critical to their safety.
  
• Be prepared to instruct other trail users on how to act around a horse. Especially small children, who may approach your horse.
  
• Less experienced riders should follow more "trail wise" equestrians.

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