Greenway Etiquette

Posted on Thursday July 30, 2026

We strive to make the greenways accessible and friendly to all visitors, but we need your help to ensure everyone can have a great time out on the greenways!

The rules for each greenway are set by the partners who operate and maintain the greenway. Great Rivers Greenway works with many partners (often municipalities or other public agencies) to build the greenways, then, once the greenway is built and open for use, those partners are in charge. Just like parks or other public land, these partners set policies, law enforcement, and general usage rules.

We encourage greenway visitors to follow all rules and guidelines posted, but below are some greenway etiquette guidelines you can follow!

Greenway Rock logo in the style of School House Rock

Greenway Etiquette Song

Come as you are, the greenways are here for you anytime. For some visits, you might want water, sunscreen, bug spray or a charged cell phone.

Stay to the Right Side

Stay to the right side of the greenway trail – walk or bike on the right side of the paved trail, and pass on the left side. Once you have passed, return to the right lane as quickly as possible.

Lego figures with text reading: "Use the right side of the trail and pass on the left."
Two Lego figures, one with a helmet riding a scooter saying: "On your left!"

Announce When Passing

When you do want to pass someone, please make your intentions clear! You can ring a bell, say “on your left” or “coming up on your left side” or “passing on your left” so people know you’re coming!

No Unauthorized Vehicles

There are no motorized vehicles allowed except for your motorized wheelchairs, bikes, scooters, etc. You may see a see a slow-moving service vehicles for landscaping. If you see someone driving unsafely, please call 911.

Lego figures with the text: "No unauthorized motorized vehicles!"
Lego figure throwing away litter into a trash can with text: " Properly dispose of trash!"

Don’t Litter

Do your part to make sure your trash makes it into a trash can or home with you to throw away later. Bonus points if you’re able to pick up others’ trash!

Wear A Helmet

Wear a helmet that fits, down on your forehead, to be seen and reduce the risk of injury!

Two Lego figurines on scooters wearing helmets

Mind Your Headphones

Keep headphones at a low volume so you can communicate with and be aware of your surroundings on the greenways!

Keep Pets On Leashes

Keep your pets close on a fixed leash, 6 feet or less, preferably on the right. Pick up any waste they leave behind and be aware of your surroundings and how your pet is doing.

Lego human and dog on leash with text: "Keep pets leashed and close."

Greenway Hours May Vary

Each greenway is managed in collaboration with partners. Some are in parks with set hours/gates, some are on campuses or commuting routes. In general, they’re open for you 30 minutes before sunrise to 30 minutes after sunset. Please check signs to confirm!

Keep Wildlife Wild

While the Missouri Department of Conservation encourages you to fill your bird feeder, hand feeding or leaving food for other urban and suburban wildlife—such as deer, coyotes, raccoons and geese—do more harm than good.

An American Robin in branches of a tree