Tips

• Never use the trails after dark. Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission trails are available for use from sunrise to sunset each day.
• Tell friends or family the route you'll be taking, and always travel with a partner, when possible.
• Be sure to carry identification (which includes name, phone number, and pertinent medical information), and record your bicycle serial number.
• Carry coins for phone calls or have a cell phone.
• Keep valuables such as cell phones and wallets hidden.
• Wear reflective material and carry a whistle or noisemaker.
• Never wear a headset.
• Always carry tools to repair minor bike issues and have supplies to change a flat tire.
• Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.
• Prior to using a new trail, take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.
• Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings, and avoid areas where visibility is poor.
• Use discretion when acknowledging strangers, and follow your intuition about unfamiliar people and areas.
• Bicyclists should pull off the trail when stopping to avoid a possible accident.
• Bicyclists approaching pedestrians should make an advanced noise using voice, bell, or horn to avoid startling walkers.
• Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and ride at speeds that do not exceed 12 miles per hour.
• When on roadways, remember to ride with traffic, but walk and run against traffic.
• Pets should be kept on a short leash, and people must clean up after their pets.
• Horses should be kept on the grass shoulder, when possible.
• With the exception of motorized wheelchairs, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.