Holmes County Trail rules help maintain safety for all

As the Holmes County Rails to Trails Coalition’s Holmes County Trail edges closer to being done from border to border, it will only bring more traffic to the trail.

With foot traffic, bicycles, e-bikes, strollers, horseback riders and buggies sharing the trail, following the rules and laws will be critical for everyone to take full advantage of what has become a source of pride and a useful tool for travel and leisure in Holmes County.

With summer bringing on the busy season, Holmes County Park District Director Jen Halverson said learning and obeying traffic laws on the trail is something most people do, but it never hurts to remind everyone about some key points when traveling.

For the most part, the east side of the trail is used as the buggy portion of the trail while the other side is for bikes, walkers and runners, although Halverson said there is a small portion of the trail near Fredericksburg where the lanes switch.

Walkers are encouraged to walk on the outer edge of the walking area, and Halverson said communication is always a key to every situation when various trail users meet.

"Whenever someone approaches anyone on the trail and is passing them, always alert those you’re passing to let them know you’re there,” Halverson said. “Communication is vital in allowing everyone to have a successful time using the trail.”

In addition, she said when people do experience other travelers on the trail, they should be in single file, and she added that everyone needs to slow down and take their time, looking behind them and in front of them when encountering others.

One issue that has become more prevalent with the increased use of e-bikes on the trail is adhering to the speed limit. Halverson said some e-bikes are designed to travel at great speed, and the speed limit along the trail is 20 mph. In high traffic areas, the speed limit dips to 10 mph.

“People will experience all different types of traffic along the trail, and it’s important to slow down and be respectful to everyone,” Halverson said. “We expect everyone to follow the posted speed limits. Those limits are posted strategically for the safety of everyone.”

Another tip Halverson offered is for anyone who might have ear buds for music or podcasts. She said it is easy to not hear approaching travelers from behind, so any time someone moves out of their lane, they need to make sure they are totally aware of their surroundings, especially what is approaching from the rear when faster travelers may be nearing.

“A lot of people can move along the trail very quietly, and you don’t realize they are there until it’s too late,” Halverson said. “It’s easy to step into approaching traffic if you’re not aware or have a child or dog dart out into the lane into the path of oncoming traffic.”

She said even when notifying someone you’re approaching from behind and passing, they may not hear, which is why slowing down is important.

“It’s always better to be safe and assume someone may not hear you,” she said.

Another big issue isn’t a safety concern but rather an etiquette decision. The trail is known for its natural beauty, so the “leave no trace” idea of disposing of litter along the miles of trail helps keep it clean and beautiful.

“Whatever you bring in, pack it out,” Halverson said. “We ask that people using the trail simply keep their trash on them or wait until they come across one of the trash containers located on the trail. It’s a simple matter of respect.”

Halverson said the trail serves as an example of what Holmes County represents to those who visit, and keeping the trial clean leaves a positive impression on visitors and locals.

Unfortunately, people don’t always obey this rule, and there are opportunities for individuals or groups to volunteer to clean up a section of the trail. Anyone wishing to do so may call Halverson at 330-674-0475.

She said as is the case on the road, there is a no-use policy for all drugs and alcohol, and while helmets and safety vests aren’t a requirement, she said it is always a good idea to wear them to add to the safety, especially when biking.

The trail coalition continues to make the trail a beautiful and useful part of Holmes County, a corridor for all people to use and enjoy.

“If everyone follows these rules and respects one another, we can all get along,” Halverson said. “Our trail is for everybody, and we want everyone to be able to enjoy it.”