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Thousands
of people use West Virginia’s trails each week. Mountain Bikers, ATV riders, equestrians, dirt
bikers, people with disabilities, long distance backpackers, day hikers,
runners, and people just out for a walk with the family dog. While some
trails and areas are limited to one or two types of users, others are open
to anyone who wants to travel along them. It is essential that everyone
follow a few basic guidelines to ensure an enjoyable experience.
-
 Always
be courteous to other people.
-
Be
courteous to wildlife, too. After all, it is their home.
-
Stay
on the designated trail. Respect private property, not just
private land adjoining the trail. Also respect others' property:
i.e. bicycles,
ATVs, horses or whatever.
-
When
in a group, make sure you are not blocking the trail.
-
Motorized
equipment should yield to everyone else.
-
People
with dogs yield to everyone except motorized equipment. Move well off the
trail to allow others to pass far enough from the dog that they are not
concerned about being attacked or sniffed. Don’t let your dog bark or
lunge at horses.
-
Bikers
should yield to pedestrians.
-
Everyone
should yield to equestrians. Horses are big animals and can do lots of
damage to you and others if they become scared. However, equestrians are
responsible for controlling their animals.
-
People
traveling downhill should yield to those traveling uphill.
-
Let
others know you are approaching them, especially if from behind.
-
If
people announce themselves from behind you, move over to the right to make
sure they have enough room to get by.
-
Keep
to the right side of the trail to avoid oncoming trail users.
-
If
you take your dog, make sure you can control it. Keep it on a leash if the
local regulations require it.
-
Clean
up after yourself. Don’t litter.
-
Get
out of site of the trail and use proper sanitary procedures if you need to
go.
-
Keep
quiet. People venture into the outdoors for peace and quiet, not to listen
to you yell or your IPOD.
-
Promote
your sport. Take time to talk to other people you meet about your outdoors
experiences.
-
In
short: Treat others the way you
would like to be treated if the situation were reversed.
(For printable version click
here)
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