Above / Follow trail etiquette to ensure safety and enjoyment for all. From neighborhood parks such as May Watts Park pictured here to linear parks such as the Riverwalk in downtown Naperville, look for posted signs that help keep everybody safe on the trails. (PN Photo)
Naperville Park District Report
Warm, spring weather is finally here, and it is the perfect time to get outdoors and walk, run, or bike on a trail. Naperville has over 70 miles of trails that connect and/or loop through individual parks throughout the community. These paved, mulched, mowed, dirt and concrete trails are used in a variety of ways, and Naperville Park District wants to remind everyone of simple practices to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users.
Walk Your Wheels!
Additionally, the Park District is emphasizing the need to “walk your wheels” on the Naperville Riverwalk. The Riverwalk only allows walkers, runners, strollers and wheelchairs. Bikes, skateboards, scooters and other wheeled transportation vehicles are prohibited on the Riverwalk; visit www.napervilleparks.org/riverwalk for additional information.
Most of the other trails across the park system are available for riders to enjoy. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes, electric skateboards and electric scooters are also allowed on asphalt and multi-use trails.
May is National Bike Month – Kindly share trails
Along with the District’s Share the Trails campaign, the Naperville Park District’s Park Police will participate in a Regional Bike Safety Initiative. Throughout the spring and summer, the Park District will collaborate with several regional agencies to promote responsible bike riding on our trails and help ensure public safety. Coinciding with May’s National Bike Month, this campaign will cover a wide array of aspects including safety, understanding e-bike classifications and sharing the trails.
From a safety perspective, trail users need to be aware of others and be ready to communicate with others as needed. For example, if a bicyclist approaches from behind, saying, “On your left,” offer a wave or a quick verbal acknowledgement that it’s safe to pass. Also, be aware that faster trail users yield to slower users; therefore, bicyclists yield to runners, who yield to walkers.
For trail users walking their dogs, remember to keep all dogs on a six-foot leash or shorter. Additionally, people and their pets should keep a respectful and safe distance from wildlife and enjoy nature from afar. Pet owners should always clean up after their pets as well.
Thanks for reviewing trail rules
To view a detailed summary of trail rules, along with regional trail maps, visit napervilleparks.org/trails. Residents can also locate trails in specific parks by using the Parks and Facilities Search/Interactive Map feature on the Park District’s website.
For more details on the variety of trails maintained by the Park District, read the ParkTalk Blog on Five Main Types of Trails Throughout the Naperville Park District.
