Share the Trail

Be Safe, Be Seen, Be Courteous: Brush Up on Mississauga’s Trail Etiquette

Every summer, Mississauga residents pull out their running shoes, pump up their bike tires, grab their pets and family members and head to the City’s trails and pathways. As Mississauga continues to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, its trails are seeing even more traffic than normal, with residents looking to get outdoors and get some exercise while practising physical distancing.

Whether you’re just starting to discover Mississauga’s network of shared pathways and multi-use trails, or have been using this network for years, make sure to brush up on trail etiquette before you head out.

Stay Right

  • Always keep to the right of the trail, particularly if you are traveling at a slower speed.

Pass Safely

  • Always pass others on their left.
  • Cyclists must use their bell or give a friendly, verbal warning before passing another cyclist or pedestrian.
  • Cyclists should keep their speed low when passing pedestrians.

Keep Your Distance

  • Respect the space of others. Maintain at least two metres, or one bike length, between yourself and those not in your household.
  • Be extra cautious when cycling around older adults, children and pets.

Be Aware of Others

  • When approaching a sharp turn on your bike that obstructs your view, approach slowly, use your bell or give a verbal warning and proceed when clear to do so.
  • Don’t block the trail. If stopping for a break, pull off to the side or off of the trail completely, allowing trail traffic to continue safely.
  • Make sure that you can hear what’s going on around you, especially while you’re listening to music, talking or texting on your phone, or chatting with your walking buddy.
  • Keep your dog on-leash and make sure they are well-behaved at all times.

Be Seen and Be Safe

  • Make sure your bike has a light and reflectors that can be seen by others.
  • Wear a bike helmet. In an accident, helmets greatly reduce the risk of injury or even death. While it is required for anyone under the age of 18 to wear a helmet while riding their bike, it is strongly recommended that everyone riding their bike wear a helmet.

Request Share the Trail Signage

New Share the Trail signage has been finalized for use on shared trails across the City.  City staff will be installing the signs on shared trails to remind trail users to be respectful of one another and use proper trail etiquette.  If you have concerns with trail etiquette on a specific trail, please fill out the form below to request signage.