A bicyclist prepares for a ride by donning the appropriate gear.
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	Top 10 Reasons to Commute by Bicycle: Tami Mendonca of Sequim, Wash., bicycles 13.5 miles, each way, on the Olympic Discovery Trail to get to work. Read about her commute-altering epiphany and why this 47-year-old chose her bicycle over her automobile to arrive at work energized, good-humored and with a ready-made excuse for a "bad hair" day.

Trail Safety:
Promoting Harmony on Trails

People's love for their trails is beginning to show in an unexpected way—trails are becoming overcrowded. Whether it's the result of rush-hour bicycle commuting or evening jogs, trails face many of the same congestion problems that other popular attractions encounter.

By design, rail-trails accommodate a variety of trail users. While this is one of the benefits of rail-trails, it can also lead to occasional conflicts, especially when trails experience high usage. The standard order of trail right-of-way is: equestrians, then pedestrians, then inline skaters, then bicyclists. The following simple guidelines can ensure trail safety and harmony:

• The most basic rule is to stay to the right, and pass on the left.
• When passing, yield to oncoming traffic.
• If you stop for any reason, alert others that you are stopping and move off the trail surface so that others may pass.

An important mantra to remember—especially on crowded trails—is, "Wheels yield to heels." Bicyclists (and in-line skaters) yield to other users; runners, walkers and wheelchair users yield to equestrians. The "wheels" need to alert the "heels" that they are approaching and indicate that they will be passing, saying, for instance, "Passing on your left."

Similarly, all trail users should slow down and warn equestrians of their approach. A horse can be startled by a bicycle, skater or runner, so it is important to make verbal contact with the rider and be sure it is safe to pass.

Here are some other guidelines for ensuring trail safety:

• Always wear proper safety gear, such as helmets, knee and elbow pads, as appropriate to your activity of choice
• Obey all trail use rules posted at trailheads
• Stop at all trail traffic lights and stop signs
• Always look ahead and behind when passing
• Travel at a reasonable speed or the posted speed limit
• Keep pets on a leash and on the right side of the trail
• Do not trespass on private property
• Yield to other trail users when entering and crossing the trail