Naperville Park District Reminds Everyone to “Share the Trails” this Spring

Wednesday, May 6, 2026

As the weather finally begins to warm up, 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 the Naperville Park District wants to remind everyone of simple practices to help provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all trail users.

From a safety perspective, trail users need to be aware of one another 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 is safe to pass. Also, be aware that faster trail users must yield to slower users; therefore, bicyclists yield to runners, who yield to walkers.

The Park District also emphasizes the need to “walk your wheels” on the Naperville Riverwalk. Bikes, skateboards, scooters and other wheeled recreation device (with the exception of strollers and necessary mobility devices like wheelchairs) are not permitted; visit www.napervilleparks.org/riverwalk for additional information.

Most of the other trails across the park system allow the use of bikes and other wheeled recreation devices. Class 1 and Class 2 electric bikes, electric skateboards and electric scooters are also allowed on asphalt and multi-use trails.

For trail users walking their dogs, please keep all dogs on a leash that is  a maximum of six feet long. Additionally, people and their pets need to keep a respectful and safe distance from wildlife. Pet owners should always clean up after their pets as well.

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 May, coinciding with National Bike Month, Park Police will collaborate with several regional agencies to promote responsible and safe bike riding on our trails. This campaign will cover a wide array of aspects including safety, understanding e-bike classifications, and recommendations for sharing the trails. Trail users will find DuPage County Forest Preserve Police and Naperville Park District Police along the bike path at Pioneer Park to promote this initiative on Wednesday, May 6, Saturday, May 16, and Tuesday, May 19.

To view a detailed summary of trail rules, along with regional trail maps, visit www.napervilleparks.org/trails. Residents can also locate trails in specific parks by using the Parks and Facilities Search/Interactive Map feature on the District’s website. For more details on the variety of  trails maintained by the Park District, as well as more tips on proper trail etiquette, read the ParkTalk Blogs on Five Main Types of Trails Throughout the Naperville Park District and Trail Safety: Reminders While Enjoying the Trails.