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Many areas have bicycle or multi-use paths through parks, forests, or railroad rights-of-way, or next to roadways. While they’re a welcome relief from autos, remember: Bicycle collisions happen almost three times as often on paths as on streets. Here’s how to ride paths safely.

Be Courteous

People on paths don’t always know which side to travel on and when to yield. So the most important rule for everyone is: act courteously. When in doubt, give the other person a break.

Ride Predictably

Ride straight and at a steady speed so people can stay out of your way. Always look back before passing or turning. And use hand signals and make noise by shouting or using a bell, horn, or whistle.

Where to Pass?

Slower path traf-fic should stay right, except to pass—just like traffic rules for the street. And you usually should pass others on the left. When there’s not enough room on the left, don’t pass on the right unless you’re certain it’s safe. Always signal so peo-ple behind you know which side you’ll pass on.

Calling Out to Others

Yell “passing on your left” or “passing on your right” before you pass another cyclist, a skater, or a runner. When you yell at people walking, some will freak out and jump in front of you. If they’re walking in a straight, predictable line, pass them without saying anything—but give them lots of room so you don’t startle them. Avoid headphones so you can hear others passing or warning you.

When to Yield

• When you enter a path, or you’re on a path that crosses a street or another path, always be ready to slow down and yield to cross traffic.
• If cross traffic has a stop or yield sign, they should yield to you.
• If there are no signs, you should yield to the person who reaches the intersection first.
• Yield to anyone who looks like they won’t slow down for you. If there’s no room to pass safely, yield to slow-moving people in front of you. And if you’re stopping, move off the path so you don’t block it.
  

Do No Damage

Don’t ride off designated trails into mud, dirt, or grass, or over seedlings, or lock your bike to small trees. You’ll compact the soil and kill trees.

Problem Areas Sharp turns. Paths often have blind turns where you can’t see oncoming pedestrians or other traffic. Slow down! Crowds. Where they run along beaches and other gathering places, paths are often filled with pedestrians. In crowds, go slow and make noise. Sand, ice, and snow. Paths covered with snow, ice, sand, wet leaves, or gravel will make you slide. Avoid sharp turns and sudden braking.