With a busy fall riding season coming up, now is a great time to brush up on trail safety and etiquette.
Equipment
Having correct equipment is always a good first step to set yourself up for success on the trail or even the Razorback Greenway. Make sure to bring things like a flat repair/plug kit and a multitool at a minimum. Extra equipment like a frame pump, chain lube, and chain parts are always a plus.
Even if you don’t plan to ride or hike into the evening, having a light (front and back) is beneficial if you end up in a special circumstance – you may get a little off-course and need to seek help for directions, you may find yourself helping someone else find their way, or have an incident such as a flat tire that delays your return to your home/car.
Etiquette & Safety
Firstly, no gas-powered vehicles are permitted on the trails. The only other bikes outside of traditional non-powered bikes allowed on the trails are pedal assist e-bikes, which have a maximum speed of 20 MPH and no throttle. Pedal assist e-bikes are, in fact, encouraged to be ridden and enjoyed on OZ Trails!
Many of your favorite OZ Trails are two-way and open to various types of users: cyclists, walkers/hikers, one wheelers, and more. Pedestrians have the right of way on multi-use trails. If – as a bike rider – you see a walker, slow down considerably and pull off to the side of the trail if it’s safe.
Trail users of all ages, skill levels, and abilities are encouraged to use the trails. If you come up behind someone who is slower or less skilled, be patient and ask politely with plenty of warning to pass. Riders going uphill typically have the right of way as opposed to riders going in a downhill direction. This is out of courtesy as the rider going uphill will have to exert more energy to get back up to speed compared to a downhill rider.
Some trails are downhill only. Walkers are NOT permitted on these trails as it poses a significant safety risk. Bikes come down swiftly and riders typically do not have enough time to react to walkers at their higher speed. If you see a sign reading, “downhill trails hub,” do not use these trails as a hiker.
Examples of downhill trails in Bentonville:
- Castle/G6 trails in Bentonville (re-opening soon)
- Rim Trail, Walter’s Whistler, Techgnar, Cry Baby, Boo Boo & Choo Choo
- Jesse’s Last Stand
- Schroen Train
- Trails located at Coler Mountain Bike Preserve: Fire Line, Cease & Desist, Rock Solid, Rock Soft and Thunderdome
Examples of downhill trails in Eureka Springs:
- Lake Leatherwood downhill trails (north and south hub)
Examples of downhill trails in Rogers:
- Sawtooth & Timberjack located within Hobbs State Park
We hope everyone enjoys the trails responsibly and safely!
