Naperville Park District Reminds Everyone to Share the Trails

Thursday, May 30, 2024

Summer is here and it's the perfect time to get outdoors and walk, run or bike on a trail, and Naperville has over 70 miles of trails that connect and loop through individual parks. These paved, mulched, mowed, dirt and concrete trails are used in different ways, and the Park District wants to remind everyone of simple practices to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users.

Most of the asphalt trails maintained by the Park District are open to walkers, runners, bicyclists, skateboarders, scooter riders and inline skaters. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes, electric skateboards and electric scooters are also allowed on asphalt, multi-use trails. Please note that the Naperville Riverwalk only allows walkers and runners (including strollers and wheelchairs) and does not allow bikes, skateboards, scooters or other wheeled transportation vehicles.

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; for example, 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.

Newly installed Share the Trail signs illustrate proper trail etiquette; 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.