Rules to abide by for safety on trails, roads and bike paths

As the world slowly reopens, the issue of safety on shared-use paths comes back into focus. Lots of folks, eager to get out on the local paved trails, can make the trails somewhat crowded, especially on weekends and nice days. And it is not just for recreation as many people, including students, use these paths to get to their destination.

A meeting between an approaching bicycle and a pedestrian can pass one another safely if all users of the trails adhere to their respective responsibilities to each other, as should vehicles and trail users approaching a crossing.

The Bicycle Advocates for Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (“BikeAAA”) and the Anne Arundel County Department of Recreation and Parks have worked together to update the “trail rules,” noting that safety is Rule No. 1.

BikeAAA is an all-volunteer charitable organization promoting safe bicycling for transportation, recreation and fitness. Its President, Jon Korin, notes the difference between a shared use path and on-road bike lanes.

“Shared-use paths are fully separated from the roadway and are the safest and most comfortable place for people of all ages and abilities to ride,” he says. “On-road bike lanes are another option but tend to be used by more experienced riders.”

These shared-use paths are not designed to set bicycle speed records; rather, as Jon points out, “the trails are designed for use by people of all ages and abilities, including those that use assistive mobility devices.” The duties of the bicyclist are especially focused during passing maneuvers.

Just as a bicyclist has certain duties, other users on foot should be cognizant that a bicycle can’t stop on a dime or predict the unpredictable. Even those with four legged friends can get in on the safety by ensuring their pets are on a short leash.

A highlight of the trail rules serves as a good reminder of the shared duties for to all users: Pedestrians, runners and personal mobility device users:

Stay to the right, no more than two abreast; allow room for others to safely pass.

Maintain a straight and predictable line.

Do not stop or turnaround without looking ahead AND behind you. Bicycle and other wheeled device users (skates, scooters, ellipticals, etc.):

Racing or riding in a reckless manner is prohibited. No pace lines.

Always give pedestrians the right of way.

Pass cautiously on the left single file when safe to do so — clear sight line, no oncoming trail users; while always giving an audible warning, for example, “Passing on your left” or ringing your bell.

Obey posted bike speed limits, never exceeding 15 MPH on the Trails (especially in crowded areas).

Use extra caution around children and congested areas.

The full list of trail rules can be found at aacounty. org/departments/recreation-parks/parks/trails/ safety/.

If you haven’t checked out BikeAAA and are interested, you can look them up at bikeaaa.org. Bike AAA’s goal is to get all of the local trails, including the B&A, BWI Trail, the WB&A, Broadneck Trail, Poplar Trail, USNA Stadium Trail and the Spa Creek Trail connected into a network, while encouraging people to ride, educate and promote safety and advocate for safer laws and more trails and on-road bike lane. See annearundeltrailnetwork.org for more about the trail network vision.

And you don’t need a bike to be part of the biking scene, as BikeAAA has a Wheels of Hope partnership, which collects gently used bikes, refurbishes them and provides them to adults and children in need.

Anne Arundel CountyLifeline100

Speaking of biking, BikeAAA is planning the seventh annual Anne Arundel County Lifeline 100 for Oct. 3 with some adjustments based on restrictions at the time. The event offers rides for all ages and abilities with beautiful scenic 65- and 100-mile county tours, 15- and 30-mile flat, paved trail rides and a free bike rodeo for children at Kinder Farm Park. The event has raised more than $200,000 for local nonprofits. The website has been updated and registration will open approximately May 1. Learn more at lifeline100.com.

New 50K world record

Des Linden, who represented America at the 2012 and the 2016 Olympics as well as being the first American woman in 33 years to win the Boston Marathon, recently set a new record on a 6.5-mile course in Oregon for the 50K (31 miles) in a stunning 2:59:54. She ran a stunning 5:47 per mile pace, smashing the prior record by 7 minutes.

The 50K was not far off from her marathon personal best of 2:22:38 (5:26/mile), set in 2011. It is quite a testament that Linden, 37, was able to get close to a pace she set 10 years ago over a longer distance.

5K training

Maybe you aren’t quite ready to compete with Des Linden over the 50K distance and beginning a 5K training plan is more your speed. Well, the Annapolis Striders are putting on their annual beginner Couch to 5K training program starting April 27.

This is a 10-week run/ walk program that starts the first week with three 1-minute run, 2-minute walks over 20 minutes and gradually increases each week. By Week 10, the goal is a 20-minute continuous run. The best part is the class is free to members. For more information, go to annapolisstriders. org/5k-beginning-runners/.

Running calendar

(All subject to government approval and compliance with COVID-19 restrictions)

April 1 to May 31: Spring Explorer Series (virtual). More information: charmcityrun. com/calendar/2021/2/8/ spring-explorer-race-series

April 11: Cherry Pit 10-miler (virtual). More information: https://www. annapolisstriders.org/ race/2021-cherry-pit-10mile-race/

June 2-3: Charm City Run 24-hour ‘Run Your Town Challenge’, Annapolis Town Center (in-person). More information: charmcityrun.com/calendar/ run-your-towne-24-hourchallenge-presented-bybrooks

Sept. 11-19: Annapolis Run for the Light House (virtual) and with in-person race on Sept. 19. More information: annapolisrunforthelighthouse.org