Trail Etiquette

Most people think that sharing the trail is common sense, and that’s true to a point. But the more you ride, walk, or jog on a trail, the more curious encounters you may likely have. Some trail users thoughtfully pay attention to their surroundings, while others get caught up in their experience and forget that their actions may impact the joy others wish to achieve.

With the help of Bike Fed staff, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, the East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission, and our friends at Rail to Trails Conservancy, we would like to share some resources and reminders that can help you and others enjoy more great times on trails. These tips are perfect for parents, new trail users, bike education and club leaders, as well as a general refresher for yourself and those who plan to head out on a group ride of any size. Be sure to check out posted trail sign rules on every ride as they vary from location to location.

Wisconsin Bike Fed and Wisconsin DNR Trail Etiquette

The simple yet detailed graphic provided above was created in partnership between the Bike Fed, the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, and East Central Wisconsin Regional Planning Commission to encourage all users to share trails equitably and courteously.

Simple techniques like announcing your presence as you pass on the left with a quick “hello” or a bell ring can gently give advance notice to walkers or cyclists and give them a moment to become aware but not startled. It is also a perfect time for those walking a dog to tighten up the leash and guide their pet to the outside, giving everyone peace of mind that there won’t be any sudden or unexpected moves across the path.

Tips for trail users who like to listen to music or podcasts while walking or rolling:

• use one earbud
• use one side of your headphones
• manage the volume on your device to help you better hear announcements from other trail users, as well as oncoming cars and trains at street and railroad crossings.

When being passed on the left, a simple acknowledgement with a hand-raise or a returned greeting will assure all users involved that everyone is on the same page.

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Rails to Trails Conservancy Video Series

Not surprisingly, our friends at Rails to Trails Conservancy want everyone to have a great experience while biking and walking on trails, and have a series of videos that encourage us all to share the trail and just be nice. Each of the six short videos demonstrates potentially “bad” trail behavior followed by the “good” way to handle situations. Although most of us understand the value of alerting fellow trail users as we pass from behind, there are courtesies that are just as important when traveling in opposite directions towards each other.

In the video’s Rule #1, we’re encouraged to “consider the comfort of others.” This can be very meaningful for how a group of riders approaches other oncoming recreational walkers and bikers. When cyclists are riding towards each other, it is important to stay in your respective “lane” even if not marked, as you are both approaching at increasing speed and the gap closes very quickly. Don’t wait too long to get in single file or expect others to slow down or feel pushed to the edge of the path. As soon as you see someone approaching, please give them peace of mind by moving over promptly.

View/save/share this helpful video series

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New Resources from the Wisconsin Bike Fed

Check out Bike Fed’s online e-bike resources, and view or request a free printed copy (for a limited time) of our “E-Bike Safe, Legal, and Polite Riding Guide“:

And find all of our online educational resources, including these pages from our “Safe Cycling Guide” (available in English and Spanish) for respectful use of both trails and sidewalks:

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Reminder:

Trails are designed for users to walk and roll in the same direction on the right side of the path, unlike prudent advice for pedestrians to walk against traffic on a country road. Trail users that follow the customary rules reduce the potential for crashes.

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In 2026, Rails to Trails added a Trail Etiquette Toolkit to their online Resource Library – a resource guide created by MassBike to navigate a variety of issues at the community planning level so everyone feels welcome and safe on shared trails!

Read/downloand/share these planning ideas

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