Trail Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

Trail Usage Guidelines and Etiquette

General Trail Guidelines

• Leave No Trace: Keep Broomfield’s trails, parks, and open spaces inviting for all by packing out trash and dog waste along the trails. Increased trail usage leads to more trash and litter at public spaces and trails which can be detrimental to local wildlife and make these cherished community spaces unpleasant.
• Follow the Rules: Please observe all posted regulations. All Broomfield Trails are open to standard bikes, class one and two e-bikes and foot traffic. OHVs, ATVs, UTVs, class three e-bikes, motorcycles, and similar motorized vehicles are not allowed on Broomfield trails. View the Regulations on the Use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMD) on Public Facilities and the guidance for the use of mobility devices map showing trails suitable for OPDMDs.
• Stay safe and comfortable: Bring water, sunscreen, first aid equipment, and insect repellent. Wear sturdy, comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
• Keep dogs on-leash: All trails allow dogs (on-leash). Do not go off marked trails or allow pets off trail for the safety of you, your pet, and Broomfield’s wildlife.
• Check your route: Many trails are ADA accessible, although some segments fall outside of ADA guidelines for slope and trail width. Before any mobility devices are used on the trails, trail users should refer to the ADA Trail information below or contact openspace@broomfield.org.
  • View an ADA trail map
  • View the Broomfield Trail Map

Basic Trail Etiquette

• Stay on the right side of the trail except to pass. When you need to pass, be sure to announce that you are passing to the other trail user and pass on their left. 
• To ensure you hear other trail users attempting to pass, please consider lowering the volume of your music, only use one ear bud, or leave the headphones at home all together. 
• Stay alert and aware of your surroundings to limit conflicts with people, pets, or wildlife. 
  
• Trail users going uphill have the right-of-way over downhill users. 
• Bicyclists must yield to all other trail users. 
• All trail users must yield to horses as they are the slowest to maneuver and are easily startled. 
• Do not block the path by standing or walking in the middle of the trail (and try to keep your furry friends abiding by this too!). Leave at least half of the trail open for passing at all times. 
• Keep yourself and your pets on existing trails and keep your pet on a leash (Best practice is to use a 6 ft leash.) Avoid creating new trails or following social trails which cause damage to the landscape.

Bicycle Safety Tips

• Be Safe: Always wear a helmet and ensure that it fits snugly and is properly secured. 
• Check Your “ABCs” (Air, Brakes, Chain): Check your bike’s tires, brakes, and other components before each ride. Be Predictable: Obey all traffic signs and signals, ride with the flow of traffic, and remain on the right side of the road or trail as much as possible. Use hand signals to indicate turns, lane changes and stops. 
• Be Visible: Wear bright clothing, reflective gear, and use a headlight, taillight, and reflectors. 
• Be Respectful: Be considerate of other road and trail users. When passing other cyclists or pedestrians, pass on the left and provide an audible notice. Bikers can use the “hello” test to make sure that they are traveling at a safe speed: Travel slowly enough to where you are able to say hello and hear an answer back. 
• Be Aware: Have situational awareness of your surroundings, including other vehicles, bicycles, and pedestrians. Pedestrians always have the right of way within crosswalks, and on paths and sidewalks. Bicyclists must always yield to pedestrians. Be aware of hazards or conflicts and control your speed, especially on steep hills, blind turns, or when passing other trail users. 
• Be Prepared: Carry water, snacks, and a repair kit, including a bike pump. . If you are caught without your repair kit, visit one of Broomfield’s bike repair stations. 
• Check the E-bike Policy: Please note that only class one and two E-bikes are allowed in Broomfield and E-bikes are not allowed on Broomfield’s pump tracks.Read more information on e-bike policies in Broomfield. 
• Find more safety tips on CDOT’s “Rules of the Road” manual for bikers.