Trail Etiquette Toolkit July 26 (3)

Trail Etiquette

Introduction

Massachusetts’ shared-use path network is 1,000+ miles and growing, with over 50% of Massachusetts residents living within 10 miles of an existing trail. With new public spaces come new users, devices, and needs.

This creates conflicts in constrained spaces.

MassBike created this resource guide to navigate these issues so everyone feels welcome and safe on our shared trails!

Identify the problem

Implement the solution

Measure the outcome

Post trail etiquette signage (that includes language about ebikes) at trail entrances & intersections

Advocate and participate in Safe Routes To School programming

Paint recommended speeds on asphalt

Host school events like bike buses or educational group rides to teach about bike safety/road safety

Overview & Opportunities

New devices of varying speed are utilizing limited space on trails. Micromobility; which include, bike-share, ebikes, escooters and more, has created safety concerns, especially around speed limits and trail etiquette.

Micromobility has increased over the last decade

Bike Boom: Growth in overall ridership since 2020 due to affordability, access to outdoors & climate concerns.

In 2025 alone 40+ miles of Shared Use Path were added in MA, completing our regional networks and making us more connected.

As on Summer of 2026, Legislation is in process to clarify devices and where they are eligible to ride.

Current Legislation

As of August 10, 2022, the e-bike definition language was signed into law as amendments to the Transportation Bond Bill (H.5151) to include Class 1 and Class 2 definitions for e-bikes.

CLASS 1: Bicycle equipped with a motor that provides assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less.

CLASS 2: Bicycle equipped with a throttle-actuated motor that ceases to provide assistance when the e-bike reaches 20 mph, with an electric motor of 750 watts or less

Related Laws

“Mopeds” aka Motorized Bicycles are required to be register with the RMV.

Motorized Bicycles operation requirements in MA

“Dirt Bikes” aka Recreation Vehicles, are not allowed on roads but are supposed to be insured.

Off-Road Recreational Vehicle operation requirement in MA

Proposed Legislation

May of 2026, Governor Healey filed a bill: “An Act to enhance the safe use of micromobility devices”

This was based on recommendations from MassDOT’s Micromobility Commission. MassBike Executive Director, Galen Mook, participated in these discussion which resulted in these reports:

Small Wheels, Big Potential (summary)

Special Commission on Micromobility Report (full report)

Micromobility Report Summary, page 10. January 2026

Industry & Nationwide Trends

These issues are not unique to Massachusetts and are part of a nationwide trend in micromobility.

E-Bike Smart

Learn about the world of electric bikes

People for Bikes wrote a 3-part series on the topic from a bike industry point of view.

1. The E-Bike Problem is an E-Moto Problem (9/18/25)

2. The Hidden Dangers of Illegal e-Motos (9/26/25)

3. Solutions to the E-Moto Problem (10/9/25)

E-motos are being marketed to young people as lifestyle products. The video below demonstrates some of the blurriness of the marketing.

Motorcyclist provides a critical comparison on the difference between e-bikes (class 3) and motorcycles or lack thereof.

FortNine

Education & Classes

Emphasizing bike riding safety and skills for adults and students can create a safer environment for bike riders.

Safe Routes To Schools (SRTS) is a MassDOT program which provides biking education in elementary and high schools and builds biking infrastructures to public schools so that kids can bike to school.

Work directly with MassBike to schedule classes for your community!

Smart Cycling is a Bike League national program with on-line and in-person cycling events.

Parents and educators an use Traffic Gardens as a hands-on approach to teaching safe biking principles.

Bike Buses are started by community members and there are several operating in Massachusetts. These programs encourage students to bike to school with a safe and supervised group.

Legibility

Rail Trail Posted Signs

Able to read sign while biking past

Reiterate information in other media (website, trail map, etc)

Age-inclusive & reading level of 5th-7th grade

literacy

Translations made available

QR codes

Not age-inclusive

Can’t be used while in motion

Better for context sign or translation services

Tone

Use words like “Allowed” ‘Class 1 & 2 eBikes Allowed’

Avoid using “Prohibited” when possible. ‘Class 3 eBike Prohibited”

Examples: Rules & Etiquette

Trail Sign Template

Key Elements to age-friendly, legible signage:

Bare Minimum Content

High Contrast

Non-Reflective

Minimun Font Size: 2"

Large Type

At Eye level

Icons & Text

Minimum Size: 18" x 24"

Name of Rail Trail

Trail Etiquette

Class of eBikes allowed

On-leash pets only

No littering: carry-in, carry-out

Keep right, except to pass

Give audible warning when passing

Be alert of your surroundings

website name

Speed Limit Signs

General Speed Limit signs:

White signs are enforceable

Yellow is a recommendation

MA law allows municipalities to set their own speed limits on rail trails, if it goes through a public process. To date, none have done so. Here are some possible examples for what future signage could look like.

Note: It is legally possible to have two different speed limits for different times of day or days of the week, like a School Zone or “25 mph unless posted” signs.

Source unknown

Dynamic Feedback Signs

A few of these are currently being used on trails in Massachusetts.

Brochure for signs

These signs are commonly seen around school zones but can also be used on Shared Use Paths.

The feedback signs can be programmed to have smiley face when the rider is going at reasonable speeds and frowning face when rider is going too fast.

Example on the Charles River

Caution Signs

Yellow signs are cautionary, not legal speed limits.

Passing Etiquette Examples

No Horsing Around

Some of our Rail Trails do allow horseback riding. Additional layer of caution need to recognized when riding near horses.

NEMBA (New England Mountain Biking Association) made a short video on the topic & Bay Circuit Trail also has resources:

Sharing the Trails with Horses NEMBA

Bay-Circuit Trail Etiquette

Informational Examples

Cochituate Rail Trail

Bike ABCs

ABC Quick Check before you ride

Air:

Inflate to the pressure listed. Use a pump with a gauge. Check for damage or wear.

Brakes:

Inspect pads for wear, Check if the pad is rubbing the tire. Check if you can fit a finger under the break levers when they squeeze all the way.

Chain & Crank:

Check that the chain is free of rust and gunk. Tug crank away from the bike; if it’s loose, tighten the bolt.

Print & Digital Outreach

If your entity has a social media presences or does physical mailings, consider sharing resources your trail uses through those avenues.

League of Michigan Bicyclists: E-bike Etiquette and Trail Access

Posting recommendation and rules on your website and/or printed trail maps to reach the broadest amount of users.

Graphics for Social Media

This image is an example of a resource MassBike has made available for anyone to use for for websites or socials.

Feel free to use on your various feeds.

Example Postcards

Street Smart, Contra Costa, CA

Recommendations

Paint recommended speeds on asphalt

Post trail etiquette signage (that includes language about ebikes) at trail entrances & intersections

Advocate and participate in Safe Routes To School programming

Host school events like bike buses or educational group rides to teach about bike safety/road safety

Identify the problem

Implement the solution

Measure the outcome

Additional Resources

Here are additional resources regarding trail etiquette, signage, and other resources for cycling programs.

Federal Highways: ebike & pathways

NACTO: Urban Street Design Guide

PBIC: Micromobility Typology

PedBike Info: ebikes

E-bike Battery Recycling Guide

Rails to Trails: Signage and Surface Markings

Rails to Trails: Share the Trail Video Series

Esplanade Association: Trail Safety, 2024

Seattle Bike Blog: Headphone Use

Better World Club: Roadside assistance for all bikes

Safe Routes to Schools: E-Bike Webinar

Ride Cafe: A Parent’s Guide to Safe & Legal E-bikes for Teens

MassBike, MassDOT & the Ride Cafe: Youth Micromobility Safety Webinar