Trail Safety
The City of DuPont has many recreational trails and multi-use pathways throughout the community.
Our city trails and walkways not only connect people to their friends and neighbors but also provide a passageway for passive enjoyment of our diverse and rich environment. Before venturing out onto our trails, please take a few moments to review the following trail safety and general use guidelines.
Trail Safety Guidelines
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- City parks and trails are open from dawn to dusk. (DMC 10.03)
- Be aware of the time of day when planning to be at a park or out on the trails. Don't lose track of time and pay attention to changing daylight conditions during fall and winter months.
- Be aware that emergency, law enforcement, and parks maintenance motorized vehicles are allowed on the pathway. No other motorized vehicles are allowed (except wheelchairs).
- No fires, alcohol or fireworks are allowed on city trails.
- Any person bicycling or riding as a bicycle passenger shall wear an approved bicycle helmet and have either the neck or chin strap of the helmet fastened securely while the bicycle is in motion.
- Skateboards, scooters and roller skates/in-line skates are prohibited on striped streets within the city, but are allowed on sidewalks and paved public paths. Helmets must be worn as required for bicycles.
- You must pick up and properly dispose of your dog's waste.
- Dogs must be on a leash and under control at all times.
- Keep your dog on a short lead that doesn't extend across the path, causing a biker or skater to fall or forcing other pedestrian users to maneuver off the trail.
- Do not litter. Collect and properly dispose of all garbage (food packages, water bottles, etc.)
- All other City of DuPont Municipal Code and State laws apply to our trails.
- Dress appropriately for the location, time of year and planned activities.
- Wear sunglasses and a hat or visor during sunny weather.
- Wear reflective material in the early morning or evening. (Trail hours are dawn to dusk.)
- Bicyclists and skaters should wear a properly fitted helmet. A helmet is the single most effective way to prevent head injury resulting from a fall or crash.
- Be aware of potential trail hazards such as loose gravel, broken glass, holes, ruts and low-hanging branches.
- Trail conditions can vary depending on the time of year. Flooded or muddy areas can be hazardous and should be avoided.
- Keep your distance from wildlife.
- Do not feed wildlife.
- Walk, run or ride with a partner or a dog.
- If you are alone on the trails, avoid unfamiliar areas.
- Let someone know where you will be and when you intend to return.
- Carry a cell phone or know where telephones are in the area.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times.
- Trust your instincts and avoid areas where you feel uncomfortable.
- Report suspicious behavior to the Police by calling 911.
- If you wear headphones while on the trail, try to keep them at a volume that allows you to hear others around you.
- If you need assistance or encounter someone else needing assistance, call 911.
- Be courteous to other trail users.
- Allow other trail users to pass.
- When in a group, avoid blocking the trail.
- Stay alert. Slower moving individuals may be startled by faster moving trail users.
- Make your presence known to other trail users well in advance, particularly when approaching from behind.
- Enjoy, but don't disturb wildlife and natural surroundings. Be a good steward of nature.
- Stay on designated trails. Prevent injury to one's self and damage to natural resources by staying on designated trails.
- Be courteous to other trail users.
- Make sure your bike is in good mechanical condition.
- Ride in control and stay to the right when practical.
- Bicyclists should yield to pedestrians and obey all traffic regulations.
- When cycling on street to a trail, cyclists must ride in the same direction as traffic.
- Slow down when approaching other trail users or street crossings.
- At busy intersections, walk your bike.
- Control your speed at all times.
- Do not block the trail - pull off the trail when stopping.
- Slowly approach blind turns in anticipation of other trail users and obstacles beyond your view.
- Use a bell or horn or call out when passing others.
- To be noticed when riding in the evening, use a front light and a red reflector or flashing rear light and use retro-reflective tape or markings on equipment or clothing.