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Did you know there are more than 38 miles of greenways and trails in our beautiful city? Charlotte is fortunate enough to have greenways located across the city to enjoy for biking, hiking, running and general leisure. The city’s greenways link parks, neighborhoods, offices and serve as both recreation and transportation for residents and visitors alike. Head out on the Little Sugar Creek greenway any day of the week and you’ll fully grasp just how much Charlotteans appreciate this wonderful amenity.
With our growing population and smaller living spaces, city residents everywhere are looking for a way to enjoy the outdoors, gain some physical activity and otherwise appreciate the amazing city in which we are fortunate to live. As both a runner and casual cyclist, I also spend a lot of time on our beautiful greenways; from the Anne Springs Close in Fort Mill to McMullen Creek and Little Sugar Creek. And in my time on the trails, there are a few points of etiquette that I feel need to be addressed to help make these busy outdoor amenities both the safest and most enjoyable experience for everyone:
- Share the trail. There’s nothing worse than a group of 10 deep blocking the trail so that other greenway enthusiasts on foot or bike cannot pass. Not to mention it’s dangerous when a cyclist is approaching and can’t pass by.
- Watch your pups. While it’s great to enjoy a walk or run with your furry friend, it’s never a good idea to let them run free or on an extended leash.
- If you’re cycling, give an audible warning (either verbal or a bike bell) to let others know you are approaching and need to pass. And if you’re walking/running and hear a bell or warning from a cyclist, move to the right side of the trail and allow them to pass. While pedestrians do have the right-of-way on the trails, it doesn’t mean they own them.
- Be nice. I can’t count the number of times I’ve received dirty looks or eye rolls for ringing my bike bell to warn others I am coming up and need to pass by. Be aware that there are others enjoying the trail that may need to pass. Eye rolls not included.
- Stay aware of your surroundings. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying some tunes or the latest podcast on your run, but try to keep the volume low so you can hear others around you. I even leave one earbud out so I can hear others around me. And especially as a female, it’s just not safe to be so consumed by your music that you cannot hear someone coming up behind you.
- Cyclists should also exercise caution and ride single file. Many of the greenways and trails are very narrow (think Little Sugar Creek by the hospital) so it’s important to be courteous and make room for others.
- PICK UP AFTER YOUR PET. Runners and walkers don’t appreciate stepping into your pet’s hot pile of you-know-what. Enough said.
- Teach your children the “rules of the road.” Teach them to pass to the left and to move to the right to allow other greenway goers to pass.
- Don’t litter. So many times I have seen trash littering both the greenway and the streams and creeks adjacent. There are trash receptacles along most of the trails, use them.
- Most importantly, just enjoy. There is so much to appreciate along the trails, be sure to soak it all in!
If we all take a moment to obey these simple rules, we can make the Charlotte greenways and trails a more enjoyable and safer experience for everyone.
