I walk at a local trail on weekends, and I can’t help but notice a lack of etiquette while I’m there. There are things that I think are pretty common knowledge, but perhaps I’m wrong. In light of that, I thought I’d share a few courtesies that I think make the trail more enjoyable for all.
1. Walk on the right, pass on the left. Easy peasy, just like driving :). Also it’s nice to say “on your left” if you’re passing so you don’t startle anyone.
2. If you are walking with other people, be mindful of how much space you’re taking. I’ve had to awkwardly weave through big groups that included little kids running back and forth and dogs off leash because there was literally no room to pass.
3. Smoking while walking the trail seems like a no-no to me. When I’m working out I don’t want to be inhaling smoke. While not necessarily breaking any laws, smoking while waking along a trail and leaving a smoke haze for others to go through seems inconsiderate.
4. I’ll be cruising along at a good pace and see people along the side of the trail taking a break to enjoy the scenery, and right as I get about 10 feet away from them they suddenly rejoin the trail in front of me, and 98.0% of the time they are slower than me. It would make more sense for them to let me pass, then start their walk again.
5. Don’t litter!
shougmama 