Sharing Roadways Shouldn’t Be That Hard… Or Dangerous
Lucky for me, my favorite state park not only has a gorgeous network of trails I can hike with my husband and dogs, but also a separate set of paths for me and my horse to explore. In recent years, this park has agreed to host our local foxhunting club’s hunter paces. With hills, water crossings, shaded windy paths and beautiful sunny open pastures, it’s a perfect place to explore from horseback.
The only downside to this state park is that it also offers trails for mountain bikers. Now, I don’t have a problem with mountain biking. It’s actually quite cool to watch. But the zipping speeds and turns of a mountain biker and that of a leisurely trail rider on horseback just do not mix. Too many times I’ve been walking, trotting, or even cantering up to a small log-style jump near an area where the bike and horse trails butt up on one another and its fraught with peril. Sometimes bikers even take a wrong turn and end up on a horse trail. Even in the parking area, where bikers and horseback riders share a loading and unloading space, they sprint by without any real understanding of the flight response in horses.
IMO. No one expects bike enthusiasts to be experts on horse behavior, but some common etiquette can go a long way in terms of safety for all parties involved. And this isn’t just for the park-bound mountain bikers. Road cyclists, (car) drivers and even dog walkers could benefit from a bit of education, too. Literacy is the key to understanding, and in this case, it’s vital for the safety for all involved.
A wonderful resource is the Bike-Walk Alliance, which shared some great tips and guidance on how everyone can share the road or trail. Some highlights include:
Bicyclists should always yield to equestrians.
Because cyclists tend to be moving quicker than the horse when they approach and sometimes bikers are wearing headphones, so they can’t hear others… it’s safest for them always to assume they should yield to those they come up on, especially horses.
Whether approaching from behind or front, pass wide and slowly and be prepared to stop.
Some good common sense to avoid injury.
When meeting, announce yourself.
Say hello. Ask if it is OK to pass or follow the advice/instruction of the rider. Generally, the rider wants you to be on your way just as fast as you would like to continue. Trust them!
Do not use a bell or horn.
We want to keep the horses’ legs on the ground, please. So seriously, please don’t.
Slow and steady FTW.
By default, it’s best to move slowly around horseback riders at all times. Some horses might not be bothered by a bike, but some may lose all their marbles.
Feel free to share these tips with all your non-horsey outdoorsy friends.
This hot take originally published in the Heels Down Spark in June 2022. Get more conversation starters in your inbox every weekday morning by subscribing to the Spark now.