As you round the bend on one of the more than 350 miles of trails in the Forest Preserves this summer, you might catch a glimpse of some friendly faces, waiting to spark a conversation and offer some giveaways, too. To raise awareness about trail rules and etiquette, Forest Preserves staff will set up Share the Trail rest stops on the trails from May through September to talk about how the dogwalkers, bicyclists, families, runners, walkers and even horseback riders can be on the trail in a way that makes the experience great for everyone.
 
“The trails are for everybody, for multiuse users, and we all have to be respectful and courteous to other users,” says Joanna Huyck, a volunteer program coordinator with the Forest Preserves.

These Share the Trail stops will be an open invitation to connect with Forest Preserves staff who help maintain the trails and keep them safe. The program will be at a new spot on a different trail system on the first and third Saturdays of each month. Staff will provide information about what trail users should expect, what their responsibilities are and how to safely pass others.

One of the biggest things trail users tell staff is that they love the chance to chat in a relaxed setting. “It’s the public connection,” says Brittany Baumer, an administrative operations manager who is leading the project with Huyck. “This, for a lot of us, is our opportunity to get some face-to-face time and have folks actually stop and talk to us and ask questions. It also gives us a chance to hear directly from the public on what changes they’d like to see and to understand the various user groups.”

It’s not every day you get to meet the people who work behind the scenes—whether they’re repairing a storm-damaged path or working with volunteers who help make the Preserves a better place to visit. Staff will be handing out trail maps, event guides, Share the Trail stickers, other commemorative items and bike helmets. Forest Preserves Police will also be on hand for many of these rest stops.

“It’s a great opportunity for our officers to be out there as well, a positive way for them to interact with the public,” says Huyck. “They’re not addressing an issue, they’re just out there handing out helmets, being a smiling face and collecting feedback.”

A big part of Share the Trail is reminding people to stay on designated trails, avoid using motorized or electric vehicles aside from Class 1 & 2 e-bikes, and encouraging awareness of trail rules and etiquette. Whether it’s giving a quick heads-up before passing someone or being mindful of speed, small gestures make a big difference.

“The speed limit part is really key,” Baumer says. “We just need to remind people to check themselves and be aware of how quickly they’re going. E-bikes can easily sneak up on people so if they announce themselves, it can avoid an incident.”

The response from visitors from Share the Trail events in years past has been overwhelmingly positive. People appreciate seeing the people behind the work that goes into maintaining the preserves and keeping the trails safe.

“People are super glad to see us alongside the trail,” Huyck says. “They’re glad to see a real person.”

For more details on trail etiquette and the Share the Trail program, visit fpdcc.com/sharethetrail/full.html. For more information on locations, stay up to date on Forest Preserves social media.

Share the Trail schedule: