Many people, both locals and visitors alike, often enjoy the beauty of Leelanau via the many public hiking/walking trails located throughout the county. As more people take to the trails for outdoor recreational activities, the more important it is to be aware of basic trail etiquette and the efforts being made to build a culture of respect and kindness among trail users.
To ensure users feel safe and confident while on any part of the TART (Traverse Area Recreation and Transportation Trails) trail network, the nonprofit organization has established a trail etiquette campaign designed to address times when conflict can arise. The initiative aims to educate others on the importance of a culture of kindness and using courtesy, caution, and control in public spaces like on the Leelanau Trail.
Some of the basics to keep in mind when out and about on a trail is first and foremost: Respect the trail environment by staying on designated paths, preserving plant life, wildlife and property. Tart trails also encourage exercising caution at road crossings and coming to a complete stop, as well as riding in single file when encountering other trail users to ensure consideration for everyone. Whether on foot, by bike, or other mode of transportation, people should also:
• Maintain a controlled speed to prevent accidents and show courtesy to fellow trail users by slowing down.
• Stick to the right side of the trail, and when passing, politely announce “on your left” to alert others.
• Avoid obstructing the trail; kindly move to the side when stopping.
• Keep pets on a leash to ensure the safety of both animals and fellow trail users.
• Dispose of all trash and pet waste in designated trash receptacles.
• Refrain from smoking on or near the trails to maintain a clean and healthy environment.
• Prioritize safety by wearing a helmet.
• In case of emergencies, dial 9-1-1 for assistance.
Kate Lewis, TART Trails Director of Communications, said the 17-mile Leelanau Trail, a popular choice among outdoor recreational users located between Traverse City and Suttons Bay, is unique in that their organization owns it unlike the other trails in their network. In the last decade when E-bikes and all different types of trail users started becoming more prevalent, Lewis said they realized that there was more to just the basic rules of the trail.
She said etiquette is also about behavior, so TART Trails spearheaded an initiative/campaign called “culture of kindness.” The message the nonprofit has been trying to drive home through the campaign is for people to really be respectful of other trail users around them while sharing the space.
“It’s really about individuals taking responsibility and sharing the trail and just being kind to one another,” Lewis said. “Things we have been really working on in the last couple of years include working really closely with all of the bike shops in the area. Suttons Bay Bikes is a huge partner of ours, and what we did was work with them to make sure that we had our etiquette in order and in line and that we’re all giving the same message.”
Those that frequent any of the TART Trails will come across various signs to remind users to be aware of their surroundings and kind to others. Some of the signs read “Practice the 3 C’s: Courtesy, caution, and control,” or “Don’t be prickly, show kindness to other trail users.” Lewis said the signs are really geared towards everyone rather than just one group.
The nonprofit has also been working closely with the Cherry Capital Cycling Club to educate people about trail safety through “Courtesy & Cookie” pop-up sessions. Lewis said it’s another way for people to get educated about trail etiquette while meeting others in the process that share similar hobbies. In addition, TART Trails created a program called “Caught Ya Cards,” which are cards that you can trade in for a free small ice cream or coffee from a local sponsor that is distributed by trail ambassadors and trail crews to celebrate trail users displaying great trail etiquette. It’s also used as positive reinforcement after a tough conversation regarding poor trail etiquette.
“We want as many people out enjoying the trails as possible, so sometimes there are new users and it’s a learning curve for them, so that’s our job to educate,” she said. Along the Leelanau Trail, there are portalets/restrooms available during the summer months located at the Cherry Bend trailhead, DeYoung Natural Area, and near the water treatment plant between Richter and Eckerle Road in Suttons Bay. TART Trail staff recently reconstructed the Fouch Trailhead, so a water filling station should be available for users there this year. There are also “fix it” bike stations located along the trail at the Cherry Bend trailhead, the Fouch Road trailhead, and at the Shady Lane trailhead for those that need a quick fix.
