Mutli Use Trails

“I was on the NCTA (North Country Trail Assoc.) website yesterday and an interesting conversation on one of there message boards caught my eye.

The issue discussed was how do you insure compliance on trials that are for foot traffic only, yet evidence is clear that bikes have used them. On one end was a a local hiker whose a member of another hikng group here in Michigan and on the other was the President of he local mountian bike club, the MMBA. The bickering was very interesting, but the thing that stood out to me, was the comment that one person said, in talking about mountian bikers rudeness, that they have never had a mountian biker dismount when they encounter them.

So, my question is, on multi use trails, who has the right of way? Are bikers suppose to dismount and walk past?

I have always yielded really because I thought that it was better than getting mowed down, which has happened quite a few times.

What's the Rule?”

“On the trails near hear, hikers yield to bikes, bikes and hikers to horses I believe. There are signs. I have never had much of a problem, I have seen rare bike tracks on hike/horse only trails, but never a rider.”

“Local MTBs' yield to hikers and must stop before coming to a horse until the rider directs the mtb'er to move again.”

“I spent the day hiking a multi-use trail. It is designated for horses and four wheelers. When it is cold the trail freezes and is in pretty good shape for walking. It can be a muddy quagmire at times. It was in spots today.

I had to yield to everyone, but since it is cold there were not too many people. I had just crossed a creek when a four wheeler stopped on the other side of the creek and asked what I was doing. I said, "I am walking what are you doing?" Seemed like an inappropriate question to me. Was not his business. Turned out to be a friend from work.

I always start speaking in a normal tone of voice when horses approach. Horses don't see too well and will freak out sometimes when they encounter a hiker.

Always speak to the horses and the people from work.”

“Around here, everybody yields to horses - bikes yield to everybody. That's the rule, but I've always had to jump out of the way of bikes when hiking.”

“Q - the bikers yeild to the hikers on the NCT . . . at least that's the rule. I've never seen it happen that way though. Seems like I always encounter them going downhill and then it's a quick jump off the trail to keep from getting run over.”

“I think uphill hikers yield to downhill hikers. At least I do.

Huff Puff Huff Puff, can I get an Amen?”

“I think it is harder to go downhill with a full pack and have
to get out the way and stop momentum.”

“I think that the best way to ensure compliance is to have strong advocacy groups for all user groups. These groups will help to create trail for each group, educate users in each group about appropriate conduct and work to create solutions when problems arise on a wide scale.

An occasional scofflaw is not a problem. General disregard is a problem. It can and should be solved by advocacy groups.”

“I advocate common courtesy:-)”

“In the Kettle Moraine, bikers are supposed to go 'one-way' so if I want to be on those trails I hike in the opposite direction. That way I can at least see what's gonna get me!”

“Hey Laqtis,this is from the MMBA website.

"4. Always Yield Trail. Let your fellow trail users know you're coming. A friendly greeting or bell is considerate and works well; don't startle others. Show your respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace or even stopping. Anticipate other trail users around corners or in blind spots. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, be prepared to stop if necessary and pass safely."

It sounds great but isnt always possible to slow down so quickly. Especially on downhills with tight corners.

I used to HATE mtn bikers till I started riding. It really changed my perspective. I think RL said it best.”

“Far as I know, bicycles are prohibited on trails in designated wilderness areas. Most other areas I hike in are too steep or too rocky for a mtn bike.

The real problem I've had is motorcycles. Hiking or driving up fire roads in Southern Calif. to get to a trailhead can be a challenge when MX-cyclea are in the area. You can hear them, but they don't seem to realize (in heavily populated South Calif) there can be persons or obstacles around a blind corner. You try to get out of the way when you hear them coming, but its not always possible. Both parties have to watch out for the other.”