As more people are out on the trails (and sidewalks for that matter) to stick with their New Years Resolutions, running etiquette has become increasingly more important. Mostly everyone on the trail is out there for the same reason, to exercise while enjoying nature, so we should all do our part to make sure everyone is able can enjoy this. Here are just a couple of tips everyone can keep in mind:
1. Don’t smoke. I know this seems obvious but we have all seen it, someone walking on a trail with a dog or something and a cigarette. If I wanted to breath in toxins I’d run along a busy road. Please do not smoke on exercise trails. I’ve even see someone in full road biking gear smoking a cigarette. It was pretty special.
2. Make a Large Group Small. I support getting out and enjoying exercise with as many friends as possible, but if you are walking or moving slowly, you shouldn’t take fill up the whole trail. If you do take up the entire trail, at least consolidate your group to one side when other exercisers are passing. Also, do everyone in your group a favor, at the beginning of your workout establish a side that everyone will move to. I suggest the right side, but that’s just because I’m American. However, it is Internationally agreed that the worse thing for a passing runner encounter is a split group. It can get very messing and awkward.
3. Short Leash for Dogs. If you are out exercising with your dog put it on a short leash. No one knows where a dog’s mind will lead it, including the canine, so please put them on a short leash. At least you know that they will stay close to you.
4. Biking. As an experienced mountain biker I understand both sides of this argument. First off, if you really want to do some mountain biking, don’t go somewhere that people are walking dogs or in large groups, that’s probably not a real mountain bike trail. However, if you do find others on a trail (maybe riding horses along the trail or trail runners), then make sure you are experienced enough to maneuver around them. If possible, ride off to the side of the normal trail. Blazing your own trail! Now that’s extreme!
Let’s all just get along on the trail. We are all there for the same reason. Trust me, if you ever see me out on the trail, I’ll be the first to move out of the way of the faster exerciser…but that doesn’t happen very often.
Feel free to post any other rules I didn’t think of. Thanks.