Trail Sharing

Some things we just take for granted.

For example, most trails I've ridden on around the U.S. were shared trails. One very limited example of a shared trail is one on which both hikers and bikers can recreate. (Not procreate... that would be just a little too sharesy for most jurisdictions.)

But many trails also include numerous other forms of trail mobility including inline skating, horseback riding etc.

But in a recent email from Barry, in Japan, I was surprised to learn that "In my country cyclists are forbidden to ride on hiking trails under the jurisdiction of the "Department of Conservation", or National Parks."


I've been meaning to write a blog on the topic of shared trails for a while, so my thanks go out to Barry for prodding me to "...get 'er done." So without further ado, here was my email reply to Barry:

I am so glad you asked me about shared trails...

The majority of trails in the U.S. are shared trails... some more than others. The last two Everytrail Guides I completed were about trails shared by: snowmobilers, cross-country skiers, snowshoers, hikers, bikers, and equestrians. One of the two was also shared by ATVs and motorcycles.

However, those trails were not quite the ordinary. Most trails prohibit motor vehicles. But many of the paved trails do allow inline skaters.

As for whether I support them... Wholeheartedly. It goes back to, "Why can't we all just share and get along?"

Now for the unspoken question: "Do other people agree with me?"

If you judged based upon the letters to the editor in my local newspaper... Absolutely not!!

Many people are vehemently opposed to sharing trails with bicyclists. Needless to say, biking is one of the most important activities in my life, and I do it on a daily basis, mostly on trails. But I can't blame people who are enraged by bikers. To some people/bikers, all life is a race. They're always rush, rush, rushing. This is intimidating, unsafe, and unfriendly for hikers. 

I have experienced this rush, rush attitude w/ bikers on roads and on mountain bike trails. I have not seen it on rail-trails. It seems like bikers on rail-trails are more calm, relaxed, and courteous. It also helps that rail-trails are usually much wider than mountain bike trails.

Anyway, that was the just of my email response to Barry. Now if it sounds like I'm picking on bikers and want to limit their trail use, quite the opposite is true. Anyone who knows me knows that I'm a tireless advocate for more bike trails. However, that's not going to happen as long as bikers are rude and inconsiderate to other trail users.

Oh, and by the way, I think just as many hikers are equally rude. Why do some hikers feel compelled to take up the whole path and have to be asked/begged to share the trail? I am also a hiker and I always stay to the far right and am aware of what's going on in front of me and behind me. I love to share the trail and stay out of the way of other trail users. Whether I am biking or hiking, I do so in single file about 90% of the time. If I ride/walk side-by-side, I pay even more attention to other trail users and move over when I see someone approaching.

The Mount Vernon Trail in Virginia is a
 good example of  a shared trail
with bikers, trail runners, walker, skaters...

It's all about courtesy and sharing. Trails are one of the greatest luxuries in life. Let's all respect one another and share the wealth.

It sounds like this may be a good subject for the next survey in the left sidebar. What do you say? As always, I'd love reader feedback.

Trail Sharing

Rockingham Recreational Trail in New Hampshire

For active travelers, the Rockingham Recreational Trail is probably the most readily available of the New Hampshire rail trails. Due to its proximity to Manchester, New Hampshire's largest town (and airport), the trail is a cinch to access.


The trail is accessible year round, but for bikers, we are coming to the best season of all. I rode this trail in late September last year, and the temperature was perfect. Unfortunately, it was a bit early for fall colors, but it was absolutely gorgeous, nonetheless.


The foot traffic  was moderate near Manchester, but I enjoyed plenty of solitude after just a couple miles on the trail. Expect to see lots of water, trees, and small critters. There are a couple places to stop for refreshments, but in general the trail is fairly remote, so make sure to bring along water, snacks, & emergency supplies like rain gear and a basic tool kit.

bridge on Rockingham Rail Trail

If it looks like rain, bring along a shower cap to put over your helmet. It looks dorky, but keeps you fairly dry in minor rain showers.


For detailed Rockingham Rail trail information, pictures, and a map, visit trailsnet.com.

Rockingham Recreational Trail in New Hampshire

Is there really a constant need for speed?

I've been involved in an ongoing online dialogue about bollards on trails. For those of you not familiar w/ the term, a bollard is a device used on trails to keep motor vehicles out. (see enclosed pictures.)

In the course of the discussion, I mentioned that riders/bicyclists could avoid dangerous collisions w/ bollards by limiting their speed. One member of the discussion asked "Don't we like riding fast ?"

My simple reply to that is, "NO!" Not always. In fact, when it comes to trails, for me the answer is never.

There are so many places and activities where fast seems to be the default speed. Some examples of perpetually fast(er) vehicles include motorcycles, road bikes, planes, trains, & automobiles. Okay, I'll grudgingly give them their "need for speed."

But what about trails? Can't we have just one place where we can escape speed? Can't we have a place where we can relax and enjoy the scenery? How about a place where we can relax and enjoy each other w/out constantly being angry that someone is going "too slow?"

And no we can't just leave it up to each individual; because then trails will just end up like the road: just another place to get frustrated w/ one another.

Bikers already have a bad name. Automobile drivers don't like them because they're a nuisance. Pedestrians don't like them because they're too fast and dangerous. And much of that criticism is rightfully earned.

But I'm a complete trail fanatic. I love trails, not because they're another place to put the race in "rat race." I love trails because they're a place to slow down and enjoy the world. They're a place to enjoy the view and stop to chat with fellow trail-users.

So it's a very short, one-word answer to your question. "NO!" We do not like riding fast. Not everywhere. And we don't like constantly worrying about others who ride fast. I'm not saying you can't ride fast, but please do it on the road or the race track or the velodrome. Please allow the rest of us one place for tranquility, harmony, peace, and all those other 6os words.

Trails are a special place, and we should keep them that way.

Is there really a constant need for speed?

Hiking Trails and Clubs

One of the great benefits of trailsnet.com is the wide variety of trails found on it. The trails are often suitable for hikers, bikers, horse riders, inline skaters, & joggers.

If you are enjoy hiking trails, you may want to consider joining a club. Adventure Travel Guides recently devoted a web page to the "exciting benefits of joining hiking clubs." The article explains what the benefits of joining a hiking club are and why people partake in group hikes.

On the one hand, group hikes may seem contrary to the purpose of hiking, which is often to seek solitude.
However, hiking with others provides companionship, safety, and motivation.

Read the Adventure Travel Guide article, then look for the best hiking trails on trailsnet.com

Hiking Trails and Clubs