Basic trail etiquette
By Mike Brooks
As the Lake Links Trail around White Bear Lake advances toward completion, we hope to one day see signs with trail etiquette rules approved by each of the communities, posted along the trail. In lieu of any formal posting of how to safely and respectfully share the trail with others, here are a few thoughts for those on foot and those with wheels.
Currently, the longest continuous stretch of shared-use trail around White Bear Lake is nearly four miles. It extends from Hwy. 96 along Lake Avenue to Hwy. 61, south along the waterfront, through Lions Park and up South Shore to East County Line Road. “Shared-use trail” is exactly what is sounds like – a trail used by everyone going in either direction.
Here are a few thoughts for those on foot or with wheels on how to coexist with others on the trail.
Be mindful of other trail users around you.
The trail has lots of different behaviors to navigate. Groups of people have been known to walk in a line across the trail while talking. Some dog leashes extend, and there are many squirrels. People spontaneously stop and talk on the trail. Bikes go faster than people walking. Everyone is out to have a good time, and everyone can do just that if we’re all considerate. Etiquette rule number one for all trail users is to be aware and respectful of others. If you are biking, slow down, give an audible warning with a bell and/or say "on your left," and pass at a safe speed and distance. The law requires it!
Pedestrians set the trail’s speed.
On the lake you are circumnavigating, power boats yield to nonmotorized boats. If you are on a bicycle and the trail is crowded, it only makes sense to modify your speed to something equivalent to the overall speed of movement on the trail. This allows you to make quick adjustments. Yes, at times this can mean you are crawling along at five miles an hour, but remember, it is a shared-use trail. If you are eager to move quickly, you will want to gain the skill set to ride in the road. (And if you do, remember to always ride in the direction of traffic.)
Batteries and Two Wheels
If a vehicle that looks like a bike has a motor of no more than 750 watts and pedals, it can be ridden on a shared-use trail by anyone 15 years or older. However, motorized two-wheel vehicles without working pedals, sometimes called e-motos, have no legal basis for being on this or any other city trail or sidewalk regardless of the driver’s age. Battery-powered two-wheelers and how they are being used, especially by adolescents, is a major focus of the Minnesota Legislature, law enforcement, and local communities. We are hopeful that in the coming session some tangible advances can be made to support education and enforcement.
Communicate!
This is especially relevant to those using wheels. If you are coming up behind someone and about to pass them, before you pass them, say "hello," "nice day," "cute dog" – something to make your presence known. Chances are you will get a “thank you.”
If you experience bad or unsafe behavior on the trail you can contact the community where the trail is located to report the incident. Lake Links has on its web page under “Enjoy the Trail” a “Report Trail Incident” form if you wish to let us know.
Stay safe.
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