Forest Preserves of Cook County Share The Trail

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Preparing the trail... 

Forest Preserves of Cook County #ShareTheTrail

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Share the Trail

Walkers / Runners / Hikers

Use 300+ miles of paved & unpaved trails

two people jogging

Expect faster trail users.

Faster users approaching from behind will often say "On your left." This means you should stay to your right.

woman with headphones

Don’t tune out.

If you wear headphones, keep the volume down or only wear one earpiece so other trail users don’t startle you.

man with dogs on leashes

Keep a short leash.

Especially when passing. Remember that other trail users may be frightened by dogs or unsure how to pass safely.

Trail Tip: Don't block trails.

Taking a break?
move to the side.

Bicyclists on Paved Trails

Use 147+ miles of paved trails

woman guiding boy on tricycle

Expect Varying Speeds.

Always ride under control, anticipate other users, and be communicative and friendly.

two bikers passing a pedestrian

Pass pedestrians with care.

Yield to walkers. Greet slower trail users early, pass slowly and expect the unexpected. Pass on the left and say "On your left."

man riding a bike

Communicate clearly with cyclists.

Announce your intention to pass slower cyclists with a friendly "On your left."

Trail Tip: Obey Posted Trail Rules.

Nature Centers & sensitive areas have unique restrictions.

Mountain Bikers

Use stone or natural surface trails

man on mountain bike

Expect Surprised Trail Users.

Fast moving users can startle others. Make sure to announce yourself around blind corners.

man and woman biking on a montain bike trail

Pass with Care.

Yield to hikers and horses. Greet slower trail users early, pass slowly and expect the unexpected. Pass on the left and say "On your left."

woman walking her mountain bike

Use Caution Near Horses.

Stop and greet at least 30 feet from the horse. Ask for instructions on how to safely pass and get off your bike if necessary.

Trail Tip: Don't use
wet trails.

If you are leaving prints, the trail is too wet to use.

Equestrians

Use stone or natural surface trails

a man and a woman on horses

Expect Inexperienced Trail Users.

While all trail users yield to horses, many are intimidated, or just don't know what to do.

man on a horse

Manage Your Animals.

Familiarize horses with expected trail encounters (cyclists, dogs, backpack-wearing hikers, etc.)

a line of people on horses

Negotiate Safe Passage.

Greet users early, be vocal and continue communication until the pass is complete.

Forest Preserves of Cook County Help us #ShareTheTrail

Share:

Help us spread the word about Sharing the Trail.

Volunteer:

Join our Trail Watch program to help keep our trails friendly & safe.

Apply Here »

Want more information?See this on a regular old web page or download the brochure.