89 replies to this topic

[Steve Heard]

Common courtesy would go a long way. But it's hard to be courteous if you don't know if you should go left or right when meeting someone head on, hence the need for posted rules.

Agreed. That's why we need rules and signage.

Please provide the links.

Yes, please do.

[tony]

SACOG's recommendation on trail management policy, subject to adoption by individual agencies: SACOG Recommended Policy See Table 2. Interestingly, it appears that the CVC requires pedestrians to use a parallel facility to a bike path when an adequate one exists:

CVC 21966. No pedestrian shall proceed along a bicycle path or lane where there is an adjacent adequate pedestrian facility.

This is not intended to start the debate about the difference between multi-use paths and bike paths (or how one is to know if a particular facility is one or the other) nor the definition of "adequate".

But also of note is the fact that blocking a path is also illegal (with the same questions of definition):
CVC 21211. No person may stop, stand, sit, or loiter upon any Class I bikeway, ... or any other public or private bicycle path or trail, if the stopping, standing, sitting, or loitering impedes or blocks the normal and reasonable movement of any bicyclist.

This does not, it would appear, directly address the issue of groups blocking the path by walking 5 abreast.

[mylo]

I think the ban on motorized bicycles on the trails needs to be revisited. Trails should be for all

[folsombound]

I think the ban on motorized bicycles on the trails needs to be revisited. Trails should be for all

You're just trying to set it up so you can drive your VW Camper on the trails. Motorized cycles, then motorcycles, then campers! I see where you are going with this.

[mylo]

You're just trying to set it up so you can drive your VW Camper on the trails. Motorized cycles, then motorcycles, then campers! I see where you are going with this.

Close. I do want to be able to camp in a "van down by the river", but that's probably best left to Negro Bar.

I just want to ride my bicycle!

[knittychick]

Maybe not a gas motor, but you can take an electric bike on the trails:

Electric Bicycle Regulations
· Federal law says that an electrically driven bicycle is considered a "bicycle" and the laws of bicycles
apply if:
o Electrically driven bicycle has less than 750 watt motor
o Functional pedals
o Max speed is less than 20mph
· The Federal law shall supersede any State law or requirement with respect to low-speed
electric bicycles. (The state must regulate the electric bicycle as a bicycle)

http://www.x-tremesc...-regulation.pdf

[eVader]

Please provide the links.

Page 2 of thread

Page 2 of thread

The ARP site trail rules are posted http://www.msa2.sacc...egulations.aspx and last year at least twice Rick Kushman of the Sac Bee posted a great column explaining different scenarios (cycling, walking, walking in group, with stroller, roller blader, etc) from the chief ranger for Sacramento County - Hit the Parkway Page 1 and Page 2

I can't find the Folsom bike trails list of rules. I thought I found them on the Folsom Parks and Recreation site in a sub menu but either no longer there (hmm). Folsom Trails has guidelines that are recommendation vs. rules or law but I recall a page formatted like the P&R site with rules. So first step is P&R needs to form a logical set of rules for their trails, publish them and provide signage. Since $$ are tight, encourage an Eagle Scout to consider it for a project and get it done because apparently it is an important topic and potential safety issue for residents and visitors (who by the way may spend $$$ while here).

So I guess lacking rules, use whatever part of the trail you want, cyclists speed past hitting runners, runners trip bikes and kick dogs, babies toss toys at people. For me in the absence of rules, common sense applies. I will be polite, courteous and follow the ARP rules as they seem logical for all people and if I see Steve running, I will announce my approach then allow enough room for both of us to safely pass. Oh and I will wave and say hi.

[Dave Burrell]

Which ever side I'm supposed to be on I'm ok with it - I just want to ride my bicycle

[Steve Heard]

The ARP site trail rules are posted... http://www.msa2.sacc...egulations.aspx and last year at least twice Rick Kushman of the Sac Bee posted a great column explaining different scenarios...

I can't find the Folsom bike trails list of rules.

So I guess lacking rules, use whatever part of the trail you want, cyclists speed past hitting runners, runners trip bikes and kick dogs, babies toss toys at people. For me in the absence of rules, common sense applies. I will be polite, courteous and follow the ARP rules as they seem logical for all people and if I see Steve running, I will announce my approach then allow enough room for both of us to safely pass. Oh and I will wave and say hi.

So, the ARP rules are posted on their site, and Rick Kushman wrote an article about it last year, so the average Folsom family is to know what the cyclists expect them to do when they are out for Sunday stroll?

By the way, I traded emails with Rick Kushman, who says the trails are in his Sunday column. He said, "Those rules apply everywhere on the trail and on most trails, including in El Dorado and Monterey County. But the rules are not "stay off the paved portion," technically it's: walk on the left side facing bike traffic so you can see each other coming and don't accidently step out into the path of a speeding bike."

How about in the absence of rules, everyone just be nice to one another. Would that work?

[ducky]

So, the ARP rules are posted on their site, and Rick Kushman wrote an article about it last year, so the average Folsom family is to know what the cyclists expect them to do when they are out for Sunday stroll?

By the way, I traded emails with Rick Kushman, who says the trails are in his Sunday column. He said, "Those rules apply everywhere on the trail and on most trails, including in El Dorado and Monterey County. But the rules are not "stay off the paved portion," technically it's: walk on the left side facing bike traffic so you can see each other coming and don't accidently step out into the path of a speeding bike."

How about in the absence of rules, everyone just be nice to one another. Would that work?

Works for me. I always thought the trail codes were really more like guidelines anyway:)

[eVader]

Jeez Steve was it really that hard for you to understand and finally read the links to published rules? Either way the bottom line as I noted many times is common sense and courtesy which you agree with (I hope).

[Steve Heard]

Jeez Steve was it really that hard for you to understand and finally read the links to published rules? Either way the bottom line as I noted many times is common sense and courtesy which you agree with (I hope).

As you don't see my point, I don't see yours. My point is the rules of ARP have not been adopted for Folsom trails, yet many cyclists insist that they have and that pedestrians should stay off the paved area, and these cyclists are incorrect.

Your point, I'm not sure what it is.

I read those links you posted early on. Regardless, Folsom has not adopted those rules.

[MSgt]

As you don't see my point, I don't see yours. My point is the rules of ARP have not been adopted for Folsom trails, yet many cyclists insist that they have and that pedestrians should stay off the paved area, and these cyclists are incorrect.

Your point, I'm not sure what it is.

I read those links you posted early on. Regardless, Folsom has not adopted those rules.

The average citizen isn't going to care about the "rules". They just want to have fun and be safe. No one enforces bike trail rules. I see rarely see a ranger on the American River bike trail and I don't know who is responsible for enforcement on the Folsom trail system. It's up to us to use common sense. Great thread though.
Great video link Dave!

[mikat]

As Trail Stewards for Folsom State Park we have received a pocket card listing "Violations to Report". It states, in part, "Trail users must stay on designated trails. Maximum bicycle speed on all trails is 15 mph and 5mph when passing pedestrians, horses and when approaching blind curves."

I would think that if the bicyclists followed the speed limits, especially the 5mph speed limit when approaching pedestrians, that alot of these issues would be resolved for the most part. Granted, there is still the issue of walkers/runners/strollers being 3 (or more) abreast and taking up the whole trail. They too need to be considerate of others and leave room on their side of the trail so that others can pass them without having to cross the middle line.

Note: I'm not saying whether these rules apply to the City of Folsom trails or for the trail west of Hazel, or any other trails. Just that these are the rules we've been given for the trails within the State Park. (around Lake Natoma and east of Hazel to Beals Point.)

[MrsTuffPaws]

Is it common for cyclists to have a speedometer? I only have a mountain bike, and I'm fairly certain I hardly ever get faster than 10mph, but I really have no idea. Sometimes going downhill I ask my husband if we're breaking the 15mph rule, and he just snickers at me. Maybe I never even break 5.