Open Space Trail Use Guidelines

All persons using Pioneer Park and Engstrom Open Space trails must observe the following rules:

TRAIL RESTRICTIONS. Trail restrictions may be posted at park kiosks, trailheads, maps, or on individual trails. Trail use designation will be based on the park master plan, resource conservation, trail user conflicts, maintenance issues, and safety hazards.

NO MOTORIZED VEHICLES. No motorized vehicles are allowed on Mercer Island trails. A “motorized vehicle” means any form of transportation powered by an internal combustion or electric motor, including but not limited to automobiles, golf carts, mopeds, motor scooters, and motorcycles. This shall not apply to wheelchairs powered by electric motors or other power-driven mobility devices, or authorized maintenance, police, or emergency vehicles.

NON-MOTORIZED USERS PERMITTED. Trails and paved pathways are open to all non-motorized users unless otherwise designated and posted. Pedestrians and bicyclists are permitted on all maintained soft surface trails unless otherwise posted and designated.

EQUESTRIAN USE. Equestrians are permitted only on designated trails. On trails where horses are permitted, equestrian users have the right-of-way. All other users shall yield to equestrian users.

DOG RESTRICTIONS. Dogs are permitted on all trails but must remain on leash in the northeast quadrant of Pioneer Park. Off-leash dogs in the northwest and southeast quadrants are required to be under voice and/or signal control, defined in MICC 7.04.020 as “the immediate recall of an animal to the person in control of the animal when signaled or called. To be under effective voice and/or signal control, the animal must be within the sight of the person in control.”

SAFE SPEED. Travel at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under the conditions and with regard to actual and potential hazards and other trail users.

TRAFFIC DEVICES. Obey the instructions of any official traffic control device placed in accordance with applicable law unless otherwise directed by a police officer.

STAY RIGHT. Stay as near to the right side of the trail as is safe, except when necessary to make a turn or pass another user.

PASS ON LEFT. If overtaking another trail user proceeding in the same direction, pass to the left at a safe distance until safely clear of the overtaken user.

GIVE AUDIBLE PASSING SIGNAL. Give an audible warning signal before passing another trail user, allowing adequate time for response. The signal may be given by voice or bell.

AVOID COLLISIONS. Exercise due care and caution to avoid colliding with any other trail user.

YIELD WHEN ENTERING TRAIL. Trail users entering or crossing the trail at uncontrolled points shall yield to traffic on the trail.

YIELD TO EQUESTRIAN USERS. Trail users shall always yield right-of-way to horses and warn equestrian users when approaching and attempting to pass. Trail users shall also exercise extreme caution to prevent frightening horses with sudden noise or movement.

STAY ON TRAIL. Off-trail use damages vegetation and causes soil erosion and compaction. Park users are strongly encouraged to remain on maintained trails only.

AVOID TRESPASSING. Trail users should respect private lands adjacent to public trails and should stay on trails to avoid trespassing on maintained trails only.

BICYCLE LIGHTS. All bicyclists using the trail from 30 minutes before sunset to 30 minutes before sunrise shall equip their bicycles with a headlight visible 500 feet to the front, and a red or amber light visible 500 feet to the rear.

GROUPS ON TRAIL. No group of trail users, including their animal(s), shall occupy more than half of the trail as measured from the right side to not impede normal and reasonable movement of trail users. Exceptions to this shall be groups holding a Special Event permit that allows trail use, equestrian users, and employees or contractors for the City constructing or maintaining park facilities.