Many of you have been riding in Houston for years and already know the ways of
the trails. Others of you are very new and may not be familiar with some
general rules of riding etiquette. We would like to gently remind everyone to
be careful and follow some basic guidelines. These guidelines are excerpted
from the U.S. Forest Service “Rules of the Trail”:
Leave No Trace

Control Your Bicycle and Plan Ahead!

Always Yield Trail

Never Scare Animals

Do Not Ride Bicycles or Horses When it is Wet! (This causes ruts and channels
water).

Some riding etiquette, which has evolved in Houston, is also listed below. By
following this etiquette, encounters with other users are safer and more
pleasant for everyone and accidents hopefully avoided, especially on trails that
are bidirectional.

1. When approaching a section where you cannot see what may lie ahead due
to a curve or vegetation, loudly call out “Rider” or “Runner”. Look out for
others who may not call out.

2. When approaching or beginning a descent, loudly call out “Rider”.

3. When approaching or climbing an ascent, loudly call out “Rider Up”.

4. Generally the first person to call “Rider” takes the right of way.
However, there are exceptions to this: Always yield to users ascending a hill
and riders already committed to a dangerous or tricky section.

5. Yield to the right of the trail when you meet someone traveling towards
you or when someone is trying to pass you from behind. Yielding can mean
slowing and moving slightly out of the center of the trail, as well as stopping
if no rolling space is available.

6. Remember that cyclists are to yield to hikers and equestrians. As you
meet and pass another trail user, ALWAYS BE COURTEOUS.

7. Always SLOW down (<5mph) when approaching a hiker or equestrian from
behind. Greet them and let them know you are there by politely announcing
“Rider Back” or “Runner back” and make sure they acknowledge you. NOTE: This is
especially important when around horses – they may kick or spook if you approach
without speaking.

8. When passing from behind, announce to the other user that you will pass
on his/her left. This reduces the chances of someone stepping into the trail and
colliding with you. As you pass, let them know how many are behind you in your
group (i.e., “Four back”). If you are alone, or the last in your group,
announce “Clear Back”.

9. WEAR A HELMET WHEN RIDING YOUR BIKE!!!! No matter how easy you think
the trails are, it only takes a split second to end up in the hospital or ruin
your life if you hit your head on a root, tree or branch. Helmets are a little
as $20 and worth it!

Thanks! Enjoy the trails!!!



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