California Equestrian Trails & Lands Coalition
Safety Considerations for Multi-use Trails
CET&LC is continuing to develop
specific design and enforcement standards for proposed and designated multi-use
trails. The primary concern of our member organizations regarding multi-use
trails is the safety of these trails for equestrians. The recent need (since
about 1985) for multi-use trails is primarily to accommodate the addition of
mountain bicycle use. In order to safely accommodate bicycles that travel much faster than equestrians or hikers,
specific trail design standards and safety guidelines are required to provide
safe use for all.
The CET&LC represents most organized recreational equestrian groups in
California with 46,000 members. It is estimated that there are over 400,000
recreational riders in California. Many of these people ride trails as part of
their recreational enjoyment.
The CET&LC offers general comments on conditions necessary to make the
trail use experience positive, safe and enjoyable for all users. Also included
is a set of Trail User Guidelines
for issuance to every user at the trailhead.
1. From the equestrian userÕs perspective, mountain biking use has
become a safety issue and needs to be addressed on all trail conversion
decisions, as well as new trail construction, to help alleviate the conflict among
users. The CET&LC supports multiuse trails where appropriate. In
recent discussions with California State Parks staff in Sacramento on how best
to define safe practices that will allow users to continue enjoying multiuse
trails, we have recommended a number of safety provisions. The term
ÒappropriateÓ means trail portions where terrain and slope do not limit the
safe passage between equestrian and bike users. Inappropriate trails should not be designated multi-use
until corrected. CET&LC is
committed to working with State Parks, other agencies and other users to
develop a set of safety guidelines that is acceptable to all users.
2. Some users have commented that it
is a Òperception of safetyÓ when considering conversion of trails to multi-use.
To the equestrian community, it is more than a perception; it is a true
evaluation of the safety circumstances, including the likelihood of increased
risk to other trail users. Speed by other users is a major problem for horses,
especially around blind or limited visibility curves. Trails can be
designed to mitigate this problem, coupled with additional training for
equestrian animals. It still remains that the primary user for which
speed is part of the use is the mountain biker. If all users were to
travel no more than 4 to 5 mph, as most trails are designed to be used, then
most of the interface problems would be solved. Horses react to fast moving
objects with their natural instincts and can only be trained to a point.
Equestrian users have asked why should a well established user group be asked
to significantly retrain their animals to meet a user that has brought a
completely new use to the trail system?
CET&LC is committed to developing a set of safety guidelines that
all users can accept as long as the users consider the innate survival reaction
of the horse. We accept the need to accustom our animals to meet bikers
on multi-use trails so long as the biking community will do the same in
adjusting their use patterns accordingly. The enclosed draft safety guidelines
should be accepted by all agencies as part of the trail plan; otherwise, it is
predictable that conflict will continue.
Often, in defining the conflict problem, it seems that the emphasis is
focused on equestrian ÒbehaviorÓ rather than a focus to resolve problems by
urging all the users ( bikers, equestrians and hikers) to work together for a
solution.
3. In the new update of the State Park Trail Policy there is reference made
that Òdesign, education, signage, and enforcement can be effective in
controlling conflict.Ó The CET&LC totally supports this approach, and
our member organizations in California join in this support. Noted below is what was recently
presented to the California State Parks Director and Staff:
Design Considerations:
a. Develop a set of trail construction standards that take into consideration each userÕs needs. Obviously, these will have compromises but will use safety as the primary objective. Some specific suggestions are:
á Visibility:
Switchbacks and curves need 50 ft visual clearance on either side so users can
see others.
á Trail
width: Wide trails can create
maintenance and drainage problems. This topic includes old roads and whether
they should continue to be used and be an exception. Some agencies consider
wide trails as an erosion problem. Forest Service believes bikers and
equestrians will often ride side by side if the trail is too wide, while many
equestrians consider a 6 ft wide trail as a minimum in order to safely pass
cyclists.
á Trail slope: Keep slope as low as possible (< 12% if possible) for safe places for passing and visibility.
á Separate Trails: Where terrain is steep, visibility is limited and safe passage is hazardous, consider having separate parallel trails, one for equestrians/hikers and one for mountain bikers.
b. Line Of Sight: Visibility is a major factor in the safety issue. Switchbacks and blind curves severely limit all users. Limited visibility reduces reaction time of trail users to gauge other userÕs speed and control so as to move out of the way where possible. Limited visibility also reduces the user seeing others approaching from behind or in front, thereby not slowing nor giving a warning call before reaching them.
c. Trail Width - Slope & Drop-off: Safety on narrow trails requires that one be able to move off the trail to avoid an accident. If there is no way to go up a steep slope or if the drop-off is too extreme, one literally has nowhere to go. Blind curves and switchbacks in conjunction with narrow trails along sides of mountains with steep drop-offs and slopes increase the chances of accidents when trail users of different speeds are using the same trail.
d. Startle Factor: Cyclists are relatively silent and can appear suddenly thus startling and alarming others. On narrow trails with reduced line of sight, the risk of collision between fast approaching, silent cyclists and other users rises dramatically.
e. Trail
Grade: This factor is directly
proportional to the downhill speed of some users. There does not appear to be
incidents among the users when bicyclists are going uphill. Cyclists
going downhill are sometimes not able to stop in time to avoid startling horses
f. Trail Surface: Surfaces that are slippery with sand or excess scree diminish traction for most users and raise the chances of injury. When such a trail is also narrow, or has no escape route or reasonable visibility, it becomes a hazard for multiple users.
g. Quality
of Outdoor Experience: Safety and
peace of mind should be a primary consideration in establishing policies for
multi-use trails. Policies should enhance the positive experiences that
outdoor recreation provides. For most, the trail experience is a relaxing endeavor.
Mountain biking, requiring a vehicle, is fundamentally a different experience
from hiking and horseback riding. These experiences may be compatible
where there is sufficient physical trail space to allow each user a sense of
freedom and safety without interference. However, when physical space
diminishes on a trail, then compatibility disappears and conflict intensifies.
Perceived risk becomes real for hikers and equestrians, and injury is a
predictable experience. Thus, when the quality of a trail experience is
markedly reduced, many will choose to not repeat it to avoid the possibility of
conflict. They are then displaced or disenfranchised from enjoying a quality trail experience.
Education:
a. The
education of trail users is a key factor in the creation of a safe trail system
for all to use. Not everyone understands the nature of a horse or
appreciates the incredible survival skills with which they are born. We are
offering to develop some suggestions for all trail users to adopt as a way of increasing
the comfort level of both the trail horse and non-equestrian trail user.
b. The
education of the equestrian user is also a vital area for multi-use trails.
The CET&LC is recommending to its member organizations to improve the
Òstartle factorÓ training of riders and animals as part of the adjustment to
becoming multi-use trail users. Several Equestrian Clubs have adopted training
clinics to teach the horses and riders to meet cyclists in varying situations. This
greatly improved the animalÕs awareness that a cyclist is not a threat. However, even with training, Òsudden
appearance situationsÓ requires an exceptional horse to handle and is not in
the usual scope or ability of many equestrian trail riders (reference Police
and Sheriff Posse training and horse dropout ratio).
Signage:
The CET&LC is recommending that
California State Parks and other agencies with trail systems adopt the classic
triangle yield sign as a standard for all multiuse trails. Enclosed with this
letter is an example of the sign used by several other States, as well as some
California park systems. It works quite well to alert users to a certain
protocol and trail etiquette when meeting others on multi-use trails. Likewise,
there should be good signage to make users aware of who is permitted or not on
various trails.
Enforcement:
Having an enforcement process is vital
for todayÕs multitude of users. There is reference to volunteer patrols in
the pending State Parks Trail Policy, but no mention is made of law enforcement;
and that is a critical element in maintaining a safe recreational
environment. If State Parks or any
other agency adopts multiuse trails over special use trails, some type of rules
enforcement on the trails must be in place and will need a significantly high
priority.
Conclusion:
CET&LC is recommending for all trail system users the guidelines
listed above as a way to make riding, hiking and biking an enjoyable trail
experience. As stated before, our intent is to support multi-use trails as long
as the safety concerns and terrain conditions are addressed. If an existing trail cannot meet
these standards, then it should not be designated multi-use. CET&LC
looks forward to working with all user groups and agencies in developing safety
guidelines.
Signed: Charles (Toby) Horst, Chairman
Email easyrider@netptc.net
Tel. 559-855-7765
GENERIC
SAFETY GUIDELINES FOR MULTI-USE TRAILS
1. The
Future
The way we use the trails today shapes trail access for tomorrow. Please do your part to enhance our multi-user access and image by observing the following Safety Guidelines for the Trail.
2.
Always yield to other trail users.
Let your fellow trail users know you are coming. A friendly greeting or gesture is consideration of others and that will go a long way towards cooperative trail use. Don't startle others. Show respect when passing by slowing to a walking pace. Anticipate other trail users around blind corners or in areas of poor visibility. Yielding means slow down, establish communication, follow the yield protocol and be prepared to stop if necessary to pass safely.
If you need to pass a horse and rider, either from behind or from the front, slow down and alert the rider you want to pass on the downhill side. Give the rider time to take control and move the horse. If a horse needs to pass you, dismount or stand on the downhill side.
When groups of users desire to pass from the rear, be courteous, convey your desires and wait for the slower users to determine a safe passing point.
3.
Right of Way Protocol - Reference to
Yield Triangle Sign
When trail conditions require a right of way for safe
passage, equestrian users have the primary right of way, hikers next and then
cyclists. When trail conditions
allow and when there is width to safely pass, common courtesy should prevail
for all users.
4.
Control your Actions.
Awareness of trail conditions at all times is vital for safe use. It is recognized that the level of training and experience of any user varies and it is your responsibility to be in control. If you and a mount, cyclist, or hiker is inexperienced on the trail, it is suggested you travel with other trail users with more experience. Travel only at a speed that is safe for conditions on the trail.
If you see a horse shying or spooking, move away from the
horse and keep talking. Speaking will help the horse relax and realize you are
a person.
5.
Safe Speed
Excessive speed is an unsafe use of multi-use trails. All users must use good judgment and be
aware that there are other users on the trail who may be going slower than they
are. Limited visibility around
corners and curves should be a signal to slow down to the speed of hikers, the
slowest trail users.
6.
Plan ahead.
For safe use of trails, know your ability and the area in which you are riding, hiking or cycling, and prepare yourself accordingly. Be self-sufficient at all times. Keep your animal & equipment in good shape and carry necessary supplies for changes in weather or other conditions. A well-executed trip is a satisfaction for you and not a burden to others.
7.
Awareness of Equestrian Safety
If you or your siblings would like to pet the horse on the trail, first ask the rider if it is OK. Horses are very social animals and follow specific social rules with each other. We humans get along best with them when we act as they do.
Other Trail Considerations
8.
Use open trails only.
Respect trail & road closures. Use a map, and contact
agencies if uncertain about the trail.
Avoid trespassing on private land.
Obtain permission, permits or other authorization as required. The way we utilize the trails today
will influence trail management and practices in the future.
9.
Leave No Trace. Practice Gentle Use Principles.
Be sensitive to the earth beneath you. Recognize different types of soils
& trail conditions. Wet &
muddy trails are more vulnerable to damage, so consider other options. Please stay on existing trails; do not
create new ones and do not shortcut.
Be sure to pack out all that you pack in.
10.
Be Aware of other animals.
Give other animals, both domestic and wild, extra space and time to adjust to you.
Running cattle or disturbing wildlife is a very serious offense. Leave gates as you found them or as they are marked.