Before you head out on a greenway, there are some important things you need to know before you go. These guidelines will help you—and everyone else you meet along the way—have a great experience on the trail!

Trail Etiquette

Walk or bike on the right side of the paved trail. If you want to pass someone, announce your presence. Ring your bike bell or say, “on your left” or “passing” so the person you are passing knows you are there. Once you have passed, return to the right lane as quickly as possible. Bonus – make eye contact or say hello! Slow down and be prepared to stop if there are people in front of you.

Wear a helmet every time you ride your bike or scooter!

A helmet is one of your most important pieces of safety equipment and can significantly reduce the risk of head or brain injuries when riding a bike. Wearing a helmet also sets an example for children and helps increase visibility. Make sure your helmet is properly fitted; size, position, buckles, side and chin straps. An improperly fitted helmet is the same as not wearing a bike helmet at all!  Click here for a video that shows you how to adjust your helmet properly.

Pets

Dogs (and maybe even cats!) are welcome on the greenways as long as they are on a leash. Please keep them on a leash that is six feet or less so they do not wander into the path of other people walking or riding bikes. And speaking of pets, please pick up all of your pet’s waste. No one wants to step in that! Most greenways have trash cans along the way, but be prepared to carry out pet waste in a plastic bag just in case you cannot find a trash can.

Lower the volume on your ear buds

Make sure you set the volume on your ear buds or headphones so you can hear people around you. You don’t want to wander into the path of a vehicle at an intersection or another person running or riding a bike!

Dress for the weather

Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather. Synthetic “wicking” fabrics are better choices for shirts and socks—all year round. Be sure to apply sunscreen!

Hours of Operation

Each greenway is managed in collaboration with different municipalities or other partners across the region. Some are in parks with set hours and gates, whereas some are on college campuses or commuting routes. In general, each paved trail is open for you to explore and enjoy no earlier than 30 minutes before sunrise and no later than 30 minutes after sunset. Please double check the signs located at each trailhead to confirm the hours of operation.

No motorized vehicles allowed on the trail

There are no motorized vehicles allowed on the paved trails in the greenways except for your motorized wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, etc. In some cases you may see a see a slow-moving truck on the trail; they are typically service vehicles for landscaping or other work. If you see someone operating a motorized vehicle in an unsafe way—speeding, weaving in and out of people on the trail etc., please call 911.

What to bring

Many trails have drinking fountains along the way, but it is a good idea to bring your own water whether you are biking, walking, or running. Bug spray in the summer is always a good idea. Most people like to have a cell phone in the event of an emergency or to map their route—but make sure it is charged before you go!