Pathway Etiquette 

Walking and biking is a great way to move around for exercise and escape during COVID-19.  With more people using the over 100 miles of sidewalks and pathways, following the new Yolo County Public Health rules and pathway etiquette tips will help us all feel safer outside.    

As of April 24, Yolo County Public Health requires runners and people on bikes to take extra precautions.  
The following measures help runners and cyclists from exposing others: 

• When running, cross the street to avoid pedestrians on sidewalks.

• When unable to leave the sidewalks, slow down and move to the side when approaching others.

• Never spit.

• Avoid running or cycling directly in front of or behind another runner or cyclist who is not in the same household. 

Please follow these orders and be responsible for your family’s actions when outside and sharing the pathways with others.  The pathways are a shared space for everybody: families, kids, students, seniors, dogs, rollerbladers, people in wheelchairs, babies in strollers, people on bikes and squirrels. Be courteous to everyone and yield to pathway users.

Pathway priority is as follows

Walkers have the right of way, which means that runners and people on bikes and wheels need to yield to people walking and pass them no closer than six feet. If you are breathing hard, stay far away from others.  Wearing a facial covering is not required on the pathways when exercising, but if you feel safer wearing a facial covering, then wear one.  

Use Safe Speeds

Different users travel at different speeds. Travel at a speed that allows you to react in time for who or what might come your way. Be prepared to slow down when nearby or passing others.  The pathways are not for racing. People who want to ride their bikes more than 10-15 mph should use the streets. Your speed and style of riding on the pathway should not endanger other users.   

Have a Face Covering Accessible

Due to the County’s health order on face coverings, it is recommended that people exercising outside have a face covering accessible or on them.  

Don’t Block the Path

Keep moving and make sure there is room for others to pass.  While it’s easy to forget, do not stop in the pathway or travel more than two abreast. When passing, walk or ride single file, and do not swerve around and between other users.     

Look and Listen 

Pay attention. The first defense against collisions is being aware of your surroundings. People on bikes should always be predictable and warn people on the pathways when turning, slowing, passing or stopping.    

Think ahead

Anticipate what others will do next. Kids and pets can be especially unpredictable. Give a clear signal by politely announcing “on your left,” or ring a bell well before passing. Keep in mind that some may not be able to hear you. 

Keep Right, Pass Left

No matter which way you are going on the path always keep to the right. Faster users should pass on the left.   

Call Out or Ring Your Bell When Passing

Tell people you are coming! If you want to pass, clearly and politely communicate your plans to other users so that they have time to react. People on bikes can say, “passing on your left” or “on your left” or ring your bell to alert other users they are passing. Warn people far enough in advance so you have time to maneuver if necessary. Only pass at speeds that allow you to avoid or safely respond to unpredictable movements by other users. 

Use Lights at Night

Be visible in the dark! Lights and reflectors on pedestrians, petsand bikes let other users see where you are, especially at night or when visibility is poor. Be courteous by aiming the lights at the pavement and not up towards other people’s eyes.   

Pick Up Your Trash and Scoop the Poop

Pet owners and individuals accompanying pets are required to clean up and remove pet waste.  It is the right thing to do. Tip: keep a pet waste bag tied to their leash at all times so you always have one on hand. 

If all pathway users follow these simple tips, then we could all feel safer walking and biking during the COVID-19 pandemic.  Most importantly, be kind, courteous, and have fun! Please share these rules with your children, friends and family.  Some information in this column comes from Marin’s Share the Path campaign: http://sharethepathmarin.org.  Please send any questions or comments to bikes@cityofdavis.org.   

Like our signs and want to use them too? Here are the details. 

We printed the signs on vinyl and then attached the vinyl sticker to coroplast boards (18" x 24").  We used lawn sign "H" frames to insert the signs into the ground.  Below are the PDF files.

Call Out When Passing

Keep Moving

Keep Right, Pass Left

Use Safe Speeds