March 22, 2021
Contact: Lee Farmer
Recreation Superintendent
Parks & Recreation
479-444-3481
lfarmer@fayetteville-ar.gov
Reminders for Safe Use of Trails this Spring
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — As we move into the spring season of warmer temperatures and longer daylight hours, we consistently see an uptick in the use of the City of Fayetteville’s paved and soft-surface trails. The majority of paved trails in the Fayetteville trail system are designated as multi-use, allowing for physical activity in the form of walking, biking, running and skating, as well as use by ebikes and electric scooters. Most soft-surface trails are open to both hiking and biking, although some trails designated as “Downhill Mountain Bike Trails” are one-directional and for bike traffic only. Motorized vehicles are not permitted on our soft-surface trails.
Since trails use comes in many forms, it is imperative to keep the following general trail etiquette and safety tips in mind as we approach a period of heavy use.
- Be Respectful: Show respect to all user groups and to the environment around you.
- Be Friendly: Every user on the trail is there to enjoy the outdoors. Expect to see other people around every corner. Give plenty of warning when you need to pass others.
- Stay on the Trail: Narrow trails mean less environmental impact and happier plant and animal life.
- Know your Role: Bikes should yield to foot traffic. Pet owners should clean up after their pets and keep pets leashed.
- Move Aside: Move to the side of the trail when taking a break.
- Be Alert: Keep your eyes and ears open, pay attention to your surroundings and others who may be approaching.
- Know your Impact: Use soft-surface trails in dry conditions. If you are leaving prints (tire or foot), the trail is too wet to use. If a muddy spot is found, go through the middle, not around, to keep trails narrow.
Our general rule of thumb is to slow down, be kind, keep yourself and others safe, and remember that every trail user’s goal is to have a good experience when out on the trails.
For more information about the City’s multi-use and soft-surface trails, visit www.fayetteville-ar.gov/trails.
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