April Newsletter

GOVERNMENT
TRAIL ETIQUETTE AND
SAFETY FOR PEDESTRIANS,
EQUESTRIANS
AND BICYCLISTS
PARKS AND TRAILS ARE BUSIER THAN
USUAL RIGHT NOW; PLEASE MAKE SURE
YOUR FAMILY IS FOLLOWING THE 6 FOOT
RULE FOR SOCIAL DISTANCING AT ALL TIMES.
Just like dining in a fine restaurant, there is
proper etiquette when using area trails. Though
the look of multiuse trail signs may differ, the
right-of-way order is universal: bicyclists yield
to everyone; pedestrians yield to equestrians;
equestrians always have the right-of-way and do
not yield to bicyclists or pedestrians.
Pedestrians — of course it’s more fun to walk
side-by-side to talk with your walking buddies
than to walk single file but please be aware that
taking up the whole trail makes it difficult for
bicyclists and equestrians to pass safely. Stay to
the right and close to your walking partner.
Equestrians — It is safest to ride single file but
as with pedestrians, many prefer to ride sideby-side
to talk with friends. Be aware that two
horses riding take up a lot of trail space,
making it difficult for others to pass safely.
Trails in the Village are multiuse, so you will
encounter bicyclists and pedestrians; it is the
rider’s responsibility to ensure that their horse
in under control. Also keep in mind that many
people are not familiar with horses and do not
understand that objects such as bikes and
runners coming up behind them can scare your
horse. Be courteous and notify pedestrians
when passing. Horses should be held to a walk
or trot on the High Line Canal Trail for the
safety of all users.
Bicyclists — bicyclists yield to both
pedestrians and equestrians. Be courteous to
other users and keep right when possible.
Verbally alert others when you are approaching
to pass; call out “on your left” or “on your
right” as pedestrians and equestrians may not
hear you approaching. The speed limit on
Village trails is a maximum of 15 MPH,
depending on conditions.
Some Notes About Horses — Have you ever
noticed a horse jump? Here’s why: horses are
easily scared. In nature, horses are prey. Horses’
eyes are situated on the sides of their heads
which causes objects to appear to jump from
one side of their vision to the other. This can
trigger the horse’s instinct to flee. Pedestrians be
aware that if you get too close to a horse (closer
than the horse’s leg length) you are in danger of
getting kicked, especially if you surprise the
horse. When approaching or passing a horse,
keep your dog on a tight leash and on the side
away from the horse. Dogs unfamiliar with
horses may be fearful or try to jump at the
horse. Don’t forget to use your voice by stating
“on your left” instead of using your bell, which
may scare a horse.
For more information, please call Parks, Trails,
and Recreation at 303-486-5773. To report
unsafe user behavior on Village trails, please call
the Police Department at 303-773-2525. GV
SOCIAL DISTANCING AND WALKING YOUR DOG
Respect space and distance with other
dog walkers, keeping a 6 foot distance at
all times.
To avoid a negative interaction with other
dog walkers, follow these tips:
• Every dog behaves differently when
walking outside. Take frequent small
steps in introducing your dog to a new
environment, such as a new park or
trail. The more your dog is familiar
with its environment the less anxiety
the dog will display, such as
aggressiveness toward other
approaching dogs and strangers.
• Use a training collar when walking
your dog, i.e. choke chain collar or
choke nylon collar, to be used only
for correcting and controlling your
dog when an encounter occurs
during a walk.
• Use only a leash that is no longer
than six feet in length that is not
retractable. A retractable leash is not
a good training tool to keep your dog
at a consistent distance when
walking. A six- foot leash gives
better control of the dog in advance
of any encounter that may occur.
• While training your dog on a leash,
choose times during the day that are
not busy with frequent dog walkers.
• Consult with a professional dog trainer
in getting information on how your
dog can be conditioned to walk in
locations with high pedestrian traffic.
Your dog’s body posture is the key.
APRIL 2020 | GV NEWSLETTER PG. 13