Over the last two decades there has been significant growth of the multi-use trail system. Northern Virginia is home to one of the busiest trails in the region, the W & OD trail. The trail, 45 miles in length, spanning several municipalities, takes its name from the railroad, the Washington & Old Dominion, whose trains ran along the right-of-way from 1859 until 1968. On any given day people flock to the W & OD trail and trails around the country to run, ride, skate, walk, bird watch, picnic, and more. The Road Runners Club of America takes this opportunity to share these important safety tips when training on the growing number of multi-use trails around the country. These safety tips, coupled with the RRCA General Running Safety Tips should help keep everyone on the multi-use trail safe.

Rules of the Roads

* Follow the rules of the road - travel on the right and pass 
on the left. 


* Do not run down the middle of the trail. Run to the right 
side to allow others to pass safely. 


* Do not wear headphones - but if you insist on going against 
this RRCA safety guideline, keep the volume low or only wear 
one headphone. 


* If you are running an out-and-back route on a trail, do not 
just make a sudden u-turn at your turn around point. Stop, step 
to the right to allow oncoming traffic the opportunity to pass. 
If you are wearing headphones, now is a good time to pop out an 
earphone to make sure no one is approaching. Ensure the trail 
is clear of oncoming traffic (runners, cyclists, in-line 
skaters, etc.) then make your u-turn. Making a sudden u-turn 
without looking over your shoulder is a good way to get hit by 
an oncoming cyclist or skater. 


* Avoid running on trails in the evening if they are not well 
lit and do not have regular traffic. 


* Never run more than two abreast if you are running in a 
group. Do not be a trail hog. While pedestrians have the right 
of way on most trails, the goal is to share the trails.  


* Alert people when you are passing them - do not assume they 
are aware of their surroundings.  A simple "on your left" 
warning will suffice. 


* Be alert on blind curves.  


* Stop at stop signs if the trail crosses a roadway.  Do not 
assume cars on the road will stop for the trail crossing. 


* Be mindful of young children on the trail - their movements 
can be unpredictable.  


* Slowing the pace a bit when you pass small children on the 
trail is a wise idea. Use this as an opportunity to slow the 
pace then pick up the tempo. 


* Respect private property along the trail.  


* Do not litter.  If you cannot find a trash can, carry your 
trash home. 


* Get approval from local authorities before planning a race or 
training event on your local multi-use trail. 


* If you run with a dog, keep it on a short leash. Long leashes 
can create a hazard for your pet and passing runners, cyclists, 
and skaters. 

The RRCA is the national association of running clubs, running events, and runners. The mission of the RRCA is to promote long distance grassroots running as a competitive sport and healthful exercise. The RRCA achieves their mission by promoting the common interests of its members by providing educational opportunities, programs, and services. The organization's membership consists of more than 775 running clubs and events which comprise more than 180,000 individuals.

RRCA Web site