With a busy fall riding season coming up, now is a great time to brush up on trail safety and etiquette.
Equipment
Having the correct equipment is always a good first step to setting yourself up for success on the trail or even on the Razorback Greenway. Make sure to bring things like a flat repair/plug kit and a multitool at a minimum. Extra equipment like a frame pump, chain lube, and chain parts are always a plus.
Even if you don’t plan to ride or hike into the evening, having a light (front and back) is beneficial if you end up in a special circumstance – you may get a little off-course and need to seek help for directions, you may find yourself helping someone else find their way, or have an incident such as a flat tire that delays your return to your home/car.
Etiquette & Safety
Firstly, no gas-powered vehicles are permitted on the trails. The only other bikes outside of traditional non-powered bikes allowed on the trails are pedal-assist e-bikes, which have a maximum speed of 20 MPH and no throttle. The pedal assist e-bikes are, in fact, encouraged to… (more)
Source: Trail Etiquette for Bicyclists and Hikers – OZ Trails Northwest Arkansas
2 Responses
Do pedestrians have the right of way on trails? Are some trails labeled as bikes only or hikers only?
Thanks!
In the linked article, “Many of your favorite OZ Trails are two-way and open to various types of users: cyclists, walkers/hikers, one wheelers, and more. Pedestrians have the right of way on multi-use trails. If – as a bike rider – you see a walker, slow down considerably and pull off to the side of the trail if it’s safe.” and “Some trails are downhill only. Walkers are NOT permitted on these trails as it poses a significant safety risk. Bikes come down swiftly and riders typically do not have enough time to react to walkers at their higher speed. If you see a sign reading, “downhill trails hub,” do not use these trails as a hiker.’