Trail Safety & Etiquette

What can you expect?

• Fast trail users like cyclist, runners and equestrians. When approaching from behind, they may often say "On your left" which means you should stay to your right.
• Cyclists yield to hikers. It is the responsibility of the cyclist to pass at a safe speed. Offer friendly communication to let the rider know when it's safe to pass - give verbal acknowledgment step to the side of the trail or wave the rider by.

What is your responsibility?

• Share the trail. When hiking in a group, hike single file or take no more than half the trail.
• Stay to the right to allow other users to pass.
• Don't tune out! Keep headphone volume down so other users don't startle you.
• Yield to horses. Stay downhill, greet the rider and if hiking with a child, hold their hand when passing.

Galloping on HCA trails is NOT permitted.

What can you expect?

• Inexperienced trail users who may not know what to do around horses or users who are intimidated by large horses.

What is your responsibility?

• Manage your animals and don't bring 'green' horses into HCA areas. Familiarize horses with expected trail encounters, such as; cyclists, dogs, strollers, etc.
• Negotiate safe passes.
  • Greet users early.
  • Keep to the right of the trail. When passing others, always pass in a single file at a walk.
  • Expect the unexpected. Small children, animals and the elderly can be unpredictable or frightened by horses.
• Stay on trail at all times. Do not ride in mowed fields, into creek or stream beds or off designated trails.
• Kick or otherwise remove manure from the trail.

Where to go?
Horses are permitted at Christie Lake, Dundas Valley and Westfield Heritage Village.

Cycling is NOT permitted on the Bruce Trail.

What can you expect?

• Surprised trail users who can be startled by fast moving trail users, especially when approaching from behind. Always ride under control, anticipate users around blind corners and be friendly ad communicative.

What is your responsibility?

• Cyclists should stay on trails at all times.
• Yield to hikers, horses and uphill traffic.

What to do when passing?

• Passing Hikers
  • Greet hikers early.
  • Slow down to about the same speed as the hiker.
  • Pass slowly and be prepared to stop if necessary.
  • Expect the unexpected. Humans and animals can be unpredictable or easily spooked by cyclists.
• Passing Cyclists
  • Announce your intention with a friendly "on your left."
• Passing Horses
  • Stop at least 30ft. from the horse.
  • Greet the horse and equestrian to demonstrate that you are human and not a predator.
  • Ask for instruction on how to pass safely. Offer to get off your bike.
  • Pass slowly and steadily, but only after the equestrian gives you the go-ahead. Sudden movements can spook horses.

Dogs MUST be on leash at all times.

What can you expect?

• Fast trail users like cyclist, runners and equestrians. When approaching from behind, they may often say "On your left" which means you and your dog should stay to your right.
• Cyclists yield to dog walkers. It is the responsibility of the cyclist to pass at a safe speed. Offer friendly communication to let the rider know when it's safe to pass - give verbal acknowledgment step to the side of the trail or wave the rider by.

What is your responsibility?

• Keep your dog on leash and under control at all times.
• Dog walkers should yield to horses. You should also be aware that some people and horses may fear dogs. Please keep your dog on a tight leash when passing and give horses and dog-less hikers the right of way.
• Clean up after your dog and do not leave pet waste bags on the ground, or worse yet, hanging in a tree.
• Do not allow your dog to disturb plants or wildlife.
• Keep your dog on trail at all times.