A little etiquette goes a long way on path to parkFor anyone who hasn’t taken a spin on the new Blue Mound Trail, the paved path from Luverne to the Blue Mounds State Park beach is truly a joy.It offers the perfect combination of challenging rolling hills with a terrain marked by tall-grass prairie, shady trees, a quartzite cliff line and a sandy beach.I know I’m not the only one who enjoys it, because every time I’m out there and every time I drive by it, there’s a steady stream of bicycle and pedestrian traffic heading to and from the park.As someone who uses the path both for personal exercise and for family recreation, I can see that "trail etiquette" is something we’re all going to have to start thinking about.The key to remember is the Blue Mound Trail has always been intended as a multi-use path, meaning bicyclists, in-line skaters, runners and walkers need to be aware and respectful of each other’s presence.It’s not the secluded dirt path it used to be, and we (myself included) can’t act like we’re the only ones out there anymore.Based on comments I’ve heard from path users, and with a little internet research on "bike path etiquette," I’ll offer the following guidelines:Bikers, in-line skaters: oRemember — it’s a multi-use trail. It’s not just for things on wheels. Yield to pedestrians.oStay on the right, pass on the left.oWhen passing, politely holler in advance, "Passing on your left," so no one is startled (potentially causing a wipe-out).oBe cautious of pedestrians, especially of unpredictable children on feet or on wheels.oRacing bikers: Stay off the trail when training for a race. Bike path speeds are best kept under 15 mph. It’s simply not safe for a racing bike to blow by a pokey family of bicycles, trikes and strollers. Take speed training to the open road.Runners/walkersoIt’s a multi-use trail, but let’s face it — it’s best-suited for people on wheels who are moving more quickly than you are … so stay safely out of the way!oKeep to the right. Be defensive pedestrians at all times, listening for traffic coming from behind. Weaving to the center of the path when a sneaky biker is coming up from behind could be disastrous.oSocial walkers are the most dangerous ones on the path. Groups of three or more pedestrians who are deep in conversation tend to lump in the center of the path making it impossible for anyone to pass. Social walking is great … just be ready to jump into single file when a biker or skater approaches from behind.Children and petsoFamilies with small children are a close second to the social walkers in the "tend-to-cause-accidents" category. The path is perfectly suited for family bike rides; just train little ones at home in the driveway before bringing them out on the trail.oIf pets must come along, make sure they’re tightly leashed and are accommodated by a pooper scooper.Motorized scooters …… are strictly prohibited. The bike path is the perfect way to actually enjoy exercise. Scenic drivers should stay on the road.Motorists:Motorists need to know that just because we have a Blue Mound Trail doesn’t mean all bikers and pedestrians must use the Blue Mound Trail.I’ve heard a few indignant motorists complaining that they still have to watch for bikers and runners on the road.It’s a free country. They may run or bike wherever they feel like it — within parameters of the law, and motorists must continue to be aware of their occasional presence on roadways.Bikers training for races can’t safely ride at high speeds on the trail, and many distance runners find the cushioned shoulder of a road kinder on their joints. Let common sense and basic courtesy prevailThe path follows a beautiful route, so I’m hoping we can get along without a big ugly sign posting every rule that should be obvious with a little courtesy and common sense.
