Slow Down and Communicate When Passing

We all play a part in keeping the trails safe and enjoyable for all.

As daylight extends and temperatures rise, trails grow busier, welcoming bikers, walkers, and runners alike. Sharing the path becomes an exercise in mutual respect, and we all play a part in keeping the trails safe and enjoyable for everyone. Whether you're out for a social walk with friends, pushing through an interval run, biking to school, walking your dog, strolling with a stroller, using a hand cycle, or commuting to work on your ebike, remember: the trail belongs to everyone. Regardless of your mode of transportation, age, or ability, we all contribute to making it a great experience. 

Visit with the Rangers and Talk About Trail Safety

Look for our Ranger Naturalist on the trail in May 2024 to learn more about trail safety. Get free stickers and other swag!

• Wednesday, May 8 at 8:30 a.m. – Davidson Mesa
• Friday, May 10 at 8:30 a.m. – Harper Lake
• Wednesday, May 15 at 3 p.m. – Powerline/Coyote Run
• Sunday, May 19 at 1:30 p.m.
• Monday, May 20  at 8:30 a.m – Dutch Creek
• Wednesday, May 22  at 3 p.m. – Warembourg/Cleo Mudrock
• Saturday, May 25 at 3 p.m. – Aquarius

*Note, schedule is subject to change due to weather.

CYCLISTS & eBIKES

Slow Down!

• Reducing your speed ensures you have time to react to unexpected situations and allows others to feel safe and comfortable.

Yield to Slower Trail Users

• Yield to pedestrians and give them the right of way.

Call Out When Passing

• Use hand signals to indicate turns or stops, allowing drivers and pedestrians to anticipate your movements.
• Use bells or vocal cues when passing fellow cyclists or pedestrians. Remember, you may need to call out more than once to be heard!

Ride at a Safe and Controlled Speed

• Slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic, limited visibility, or confined areas like an underpass.
• If using an e-bike, use the appropriate power assist levels to maintain control and adapt to the surrounding environment.

Wear a Helmet

• Always wear a properly fitted helmet to protect your head in case of an accident. It’s an essential shield against the unexpected.

Stay Visible

• Equip your bike with lights and reflective elements, both front and rear, to increase visibility during low-light conditions.

One Person per Bike Seat

• Never carry more people than the bicycle is designed or equipped to carry because it can compromise your balance and maneuverability, increasing the risk of accidents.

Obey Trail & Traffic Rules

• Stay on designated paths
• Ride in the same direction as traffic, and follow traffic signs and signals. Ride in the bike lane when available.

Thank you for riding responsibly, respecting the environment, and all fellow trail users!

RUNNERS & PEDESTRIANS:

Yield to Slower Trail Users

• Yield to slower pedestrians and give them the right of way.

Call Out When Passing

• Use bells or vocal cues when passing fellow trail users. Remember, you may need to call out more than once to be heard!

Cross at Designated Crosswalks

• Whenever they are available, use marked crosswalks to cross the street. Look left-right-left for vehicles or bikes before crossing.

Share the Trail

• Respond to cyclists’ passing communication by stepping to the side and leaving enough room to pass.
• If in a group, avoid taking up the entire trail.
• Stay right and allow faster users to pass on the left.

Free One Ear

• Leave one ear free of headphones, earbuds, etc. so you can hear cyclists and other trail users as they communicate with you.

Keep Dogs on a Leash

• Dogs are required to be leashed in public throughout Louisville, except the City's two Dog Off-Leash Areas.  Dogs must be on a leash no greater than 10 feet.

Thank you for walking and running responsibly, respecting the environment, and all fellow trail users!

E-Bikes: Did you know?

• Electric bicycles must follow many of the same state laws as conventional bicycles.
• Electric bicycles are separated into three classes:
  

  	Pedal-Assist	Throttle	Max Assisted Speed	Allowed on Trails	Age Limit
  Class 1	yes	no	20 mph*	yes	no
  Class 2	yes	yes	20 mph*	yes	no
  Class 3	yes	no	28 mph*	no	16+

  *Any additional speed is gained by rider power alone, and/or decreasing elevation (riding downhill).
  
  
• Electric bikes are allowed on Louisville trails if motors do not exceed 750 watts, and power assistance ceases at 20 mph (designated as Class 1and 2 e-bikes).
• Per Colorado State Law, Class 3 electric bikes are restricted to riding on public roads only (no bike paths or pedestrian paths) and cannot be operated by a person under 16 years of age.
• Any person operating a bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter upon a roadway at less than the normal speed of traffic shall ride in the right-hand lane
• A bicycle, electrical assisted bicycle, or electric scooter shall not be used to carry more persons at one time than the number for which it is designed or equipped.
• When riding an e-bike, maintaining a safe and controlled speed ensures the well-being of both riders and those sharing the path.