Safety

The Trolley Trail is open from dawn to dusk. Trails are shared recreation amenities and are accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Users should always be aware of their surroundings. The trail crosses busy streets at several intersections. 

Please be courteous to all users, and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way. Pedestrians have the right-of-way. Stay to the right. Riders, skaters, rollers, and scooters should signal when passing on the left. 

Maryland law requires all bicyclists under the age of 16 to wear a bicycle safety helmet when riding on public property — this includes roadways, trails, and sidewalks.

In the case of an emergency, dial 911. Five law enforcement agencies monitor various sections of the Trail.

• Never use the trails after dark. Maryland-National Capital Parks and Planning Commission trails are available for use from sunrise to sunset each day.

• Tell friends or family the route you'll be taking, and always travel with a buddy, when possible.

• Be sure to carry identification (which includes name, phone number, and pertinent medical information), and record your bicycle serial number.

• Keep valuables such as cell phones and wallets hidden.

• Wear reflective material and carry a whistle or noisemaker.

• Never wear a headset, airpods, or headphones.

• Always carry tools to repair minor bike issues and have supplies to change a flat tire.

• Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.

• Prior to using a new trail, take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.

• Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings, and avoid areas where visibility is poor.

• Use discretion when acknowledging strangers, and follow your intuition about unfamiliar people and areas.

• Bicyclists should pull off the trail when stopping to avoid a possible accident.

• Bicyclists approaching pedestrians should make an advanced noise using voice, bell, or horn to avoid startling walkers.

• Bicyclists should always wear a helmet and ride at speeds that do not exceed 12 miles per hour.

• When on roadways, remember to ride with traffic, but walk and run against traffic.

• Pets should be kept on a short leash, and people must clean up after their pets.

• Horses should be kept on the grass shoulder, when possible.

• With the exception of motorized wheelchairs, motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.