2019 Recreation Guide

“Recreational Greenway
and Trail Etiquette”
Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation promotes sharing
the greenway, paved and natural trails with other
users so that everyone can equally enjoy their
experience. Greenway and trail etiquette is a tool to
help inform other users of the courteous ways to
interact on recreational trails.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO:
• Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation trails are open
from sunrise to sunset.
• Ticks, chiggers, and mosquitoes are common
April through October. Be prepared with insect
repellant.
• Know your physical capabilities when choosing a
trail.
• Always carry water to ensure you stay hydrated.
• Watch the weather and dress appropriately.
• If available, read the information on the trailhead
signs and maps to become oriented and aware of
the trail terrain, length, and special features.
GENERAL GUIDELINES FOR ALL USERS:
• Be courteous of all other users regardless of their
sport, speed or skill level. Obey traffic rules and signs.
Stay to the right and pass on the left when safe and
appropriate. Give an audible warning before passing.
When stopping, move off of the trail. Travel at a safe
and reasonable speed. Faster users yield the right of
way to slower users. Users should be single file when
in groups and approaching other users. Stay on the
trail to protect the vegetation. Removal of plants,
animals, rocks, downed timber, artifacts or relics is
prohibited.
• All pets must be kept on a leash for their
protection and that of other users and wildlife.
Please pick up after your pet. Bags are provided for
waste removal, please deposit bags in trash
receptacles. Enjoy and respect wildlife and landscape;
do not disturb. Take only pictures, and leave only
footprints.
• Vandalism and theft of trail amenities will result in
prosecution. Report crime and maintenance problems
to Poplar Bluff Parks and Recreation, 686-8645.
Reckless behavior that endangers other trail users is
prohibited. Carry out what you carry in. If the trail
users before you have not done this, you can help by
removing their trash too.
• No power-driven mobility devices, except ADA on
paved trails. No power-driven devices on
natural trails.
“Pedestrian Safety”
A pedestrian is a person traveling on
foot, whether walking or running.
People riding skateboards, roller
skates, as well as people in
wheelchairs are pedestrians also.
• Only cross at designated crosswalks. When
crossing a street look left, right, and then left
again before crossing. Then continue looking as
you cross. Walk on sidewalks or paths and cross
at street corners, using traffic signals and crosswalks.
If there are no sidewalks, walk facing
traffic as far to the left as possible.
• Make eye contact with drivers before crossing the
street. Be aware of drivers even when you’re in a
crosswalk; vehicles have blind spots. If your
view is blocked, move to a place where you can
see oncoming traffic. Never rely on a car to stop.
• Children under 10 need to cross the street with an
adult. Every child is different, but
developmentally, most kids are unable to judge
the speed and distance of oncoming cars until age
10.
• Be on the alert for cars that are turning or backing
up. Do not run or dart out into the street or cross
between parked cars. If walking after dark, wear
light or brightly colored clothing and reflective
gear, and carry a flashlight. Do not use phones,
headphones, and devices when crossing the street.
Stay alert and watch out. Your eyes and ears are
your best tools for keeping safe. Use caution
when crossing driveways and alley entrances.
Drivers may not expect you to be there or see
you. Be aware of your surroundings. Know who
is in front of you and who is behind you. Stay on
well lit, populated streets. You should not use
dark streets or alleyways while walking,
especially at night. If you were to get into trouble
nobody would be around to help you.
• Do not talk to strangers. If a stranger tries to talk
to you, walk or run away. Do not approach a
vehicle that stops to talk to you. You can be
grabbed and pulled into a vehicle. Use the buddy
system. If you need to walk somewhere have
someone walk with you. Carry a cell phone. If
you feel scared or threatened call 911. If someone
tries to grab you SCREAM and FIGHT as hard
as you can to get away.