This time of year is made for getting outside. With so many people enjoying King County’s parks and trails during the summer, it’s more important than ever that we all do our part to keep these spaces safe, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.
Two of the biggest ways you can help? Slow your roll and leash up your pup.
This summer, King County Parks and partner organizations are teaming up to promote safe, enjoyable experiences across the region. You might see staff out on the trails offering friendly reminders, answering questions, and even rewarding great trail etiquette. Be sure to give them a wave or shout.
Here’s how cyclists and trail visitors can help:
- Slow your roll – All regional trails have a 15 MPH speed limit. This applies to everyone on every mode of transportation.
- Stay right, pass left – Keep to the right except when passing and stay mindful of those around you.
- Use your voice or bell – A quick “on your left!” or a friendly bell ring helps others feel safe and prevents surprises.
There are more options than ever to electrify the way we get around, which is a great thing for people and the planet! But not all electric vehicles are safe or allowed on King County regional trails even when following the rules above. Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
Allowed: Class I & II E-bikes, E-scooters, E-skateboards
Not Allowed: Class III E-bikes, motorcycles, e-motos, mopeds, ATVs, and anything with a gas motor
Have something we didn’t list here? Check out the Parks Rules website to see if it’s allowed on the trails!
Dogs may enjoy the summer even more than us people do. It’s important to remember that our dog’s enjoyment of a park shouldn’t come at the expense of other people’s. Not every person is a dog person, and not every dog is a “dog dog.”
Off-leash areas like at Marymoor Park pictured above are a great place to let your dog roam free and they’re welcome at pretty much every park on a leash.
Here’s how dog owners can help:
- Keep your dogs on leash – it protects your dog and wildlife. Leashes should be 8 feet or shorter.
- Pickup after your dog – it keeps our parks clean, healthy, and prevents the spread of diseases harmful to pets and wildlife.
- Know before you go – Make sure the space you’re visiting allows dogs and the things you might encounter on trail.
Warnings and tickets may be given out to those who speed on the trails, operate unauthorized vehicles or leave their dogs unleashed.
By following these simple steps, you’re helping make our parks and trails the welcoming, safe, and joyful places we all love. Thanks for doing your part—and we’ll see you out there!
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