Before You Go


MCT Trail Rules

Permitted Uses

• Walking, running, roller-blading, and bicycling including electric bicycles and bicycle trailers.
• The MCT Trails are accessible to persons in wheelchairs, including motorized wheelchairs.
• Leashed pets are permitted but leashes must be less than six feet long. Failure to clean up after your pet will result in revocation of this privilege for all.

Trail Courtesy

• Bicyclists and other wheeled users should yield to pedestrians.
• Stay to the right except when passing.
• Always look ahead and behind before passing.
• Pass slower traffic on the left; announce passing.
• Move to the edge of the trail when stopped to allow others to pass.
• Yield when entering and crossing the trail.
• Use lights and reflectors at dawn or dusk, or when visibility is poor.
• Stay on paved surface or designated rest-parking areas.
• Bikeway users who are not on bicycles shall not attach themselves to bicycles for the purpose of being towed.
• Always use proper safety equipment.

Prohibited Uses and Activities

(Madison County Ordinance #2002 - 009, $500.00 fine)
• No unauthorized motor vehicles or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) allowed on the bikeway at any time.
• No horses or horseback riding allowed.
• No hunting allowed.
• No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, fireworks of any kind or firearms allowed.
• No dumping of any kind including: grass clippings, branches or yard waste.
• No unauthorized marking permitted for any reason.
Safety Considerations

• Protect your Head. Always wear a helmet
• Don’t go alone. Taking someone else along is not only a safety precaution it makes the experience even better. If you do go alone take a cell phone.
• Never carry another person on your bicycle.
• Look out for cars at cross streets and parking places.
• Look ahead. Be sure to watch where you’re going as to not run over debris that could cause an accident.
• Share the path. Ride slowly when shared paths are crowded, use your bell and/or voice to signal when you want to pass, and always yield to pedestrians.
• Keep hydrated. Be sure to bring plenty of water to drink, especially in hot weather and if you plan on a lengthy bike ride.
• Dress appropriately. Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment for your activity.
• Let someone know where you are and when you are coming back. Nobody will look for you if no one knows you are missing. Be sure to let them know you are back, too.
• Watch the weather. If you get caught in a storm find the nearest safe place or shelter and wait until it is safe to proceed.
• Be courteous. All trail users, including bicyclists, joggers, walkers, wheelchairs, skateboarders, bladders and skaters, should be respectful of other users regardless of their mode, speed or level of skill.
• Be predictable. Travel in a consistent and predictable manner. Always look behind before changing positions on the trail.
• Don't block the trail. When in a group or with your pets, use no more than half the trail so as not to block the flow of other users.
• Keep right. Stay as near to the right side of the trail as is safe, except when passing another user.
• Pass on the left.
• Stopping. When stopping, move off of the trail. Beware of others approaching you from behind and make sure they know you are pulling over.
• Do not use the trails at night. The MCT Trails close at dusk. When it begins to get dark, please start toward home. If you are walking or biking elsewhere after dark, be sure to dress in brighter clothes so that cars can see you coming.

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