To all of those planning on walking, running, cycling, or horseback riding on the trails surrounding the lower American River — follow these tips to prevent the day from taking a wrong turn:
1 - Be mindful of others.
"Always remember we must share the trail with other trail users and that we share the responsibility for safety on the trail and not just other user safety but our own,” said Vic Massenkoff with the American River Bike Patrol.
The American River Bike Patrol has over 100 volunteers. They assist trail users in many ways, from helping to fix flat tires to contacting the authorities in emergency situations. With his experience with the volunteer-run organization, Massenkoff recognizes the need for shared responsibility on the trails.
Along most of the Lower American River there are multiple trails, including paved trails, winding dirt trails, and gravel levees. These trails are meant to accommodate cycling, walking, running and equestrian activity.
2 - Be courteous to horses.
Jeanlaurie Ainsworth pets Song Singer, a 24-year-old mustang she’s owned for 20 years, Thursday, May 29, 2025, at William B. Pond Recreational Area in Carmichael.(Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio)
"Whether you're a walker, a runner, a bicyclist, let us know you're there,” said Michelle Canfield with the American River Equestrian Patrol. “These horses can pick up sound everywhere and anywhere. And if you try and hide from them, they know you're there and it makes them even more afraid because they don't want to get eaten. Plain and simple."
Canfield says that horses are a prey animal in nature. While many horses are trained not to react, their instincts are to protect them from danger. And horses have blind spots in their field of vision, including behind them, so they rely on sound to sense danger. Because of this, she emphasizes the importance of communicating your presence to horses.
Jeanlaurie Ainsworth with American River Equestrian Patrol agrees with Canfield, and says that simple communication is all it takes to keep horses from reacting out of fear.
“Just say hi,” Ainsworth said.
3 - Walkers and runners go against traffic.
On public streets it is the law for drivers and cyclists to travel in the same direction as traffic. But this common sense rule doesn’t apply on the bike trail.
"We ask walkers to walk against oncoming traffic, which contradicts how it is when they drive, so sometimes it gets confusing to people, but it makes a big difference in their safety,” Massenkoff said.
Massenkof says that this practice helps cyclists and pedestrians to be more aware of their fellow trail users and avoid collisions and resulting injuries.
4 - Avoid distractions.
"If you have two earphones in and they cannot hear you... that's where you're going to have a problem,” Ainsworth said.
To avoid surprising both people and horses, she warns against wearing headphones that prevent you from hearing your surroundings.
Other electronics that can be distracting include phones and bluetooth speakers.
5 - Know your whereabouts.
Sacramento County Regional Parks Ranger J. Avendano says that it is important to be able to identify your location, wherever you are on the bike trail.
"If you pass a sign with the mile marker number on it, memorize it until you pass the next one. Landmarks [are] another big thing,” said Avendano.
He says that landmarks that can help you identify your location include bridges, street names, restrooms and callboxes. He says that your location is pinpointed whenever you use a callbox.
Law enforcement can also find your location whenever you dial 911 with a cell phone.
"If you don't know where you're at you're next to the river you don't know what park you're in. Dial 911,” said Sacramento County Regional Parks Commander David Spencer.
Sacramento County Regional Parks Commander David Spencer pets Song Singer Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Carmichael.(Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio)
6 - Help is available in emergency situations.
If in need of help on the bike trail, there is often help nearby - whether from your fellow trail users, or from park rangers and the American River Bike Patrol, who work closely with each other when people need assistance when using the trails on hot summer days.
"If you see something, say something. Look around you, look at other park goers,” Ranger Avendano said. “If they kind of look out of it, look for any signs of heat stroke, anything of that nature. If you see someone experience a medical emergency, call us."
7 - Be self aware.
Commander Spencer’s advice for dealing with high temperatures and physical exertion is to “know your limits.” He says to take breaks and seek help when needed.
“If you're not feeling well, time to pull over. Get in the shade. If you have to, you know, dip in the water a little bit, cool down. Also, stay hydrated,” Commander Spencer said. “It's okay to stop, rest, and if you need help, call 911."
(From left) David Spencer, Michelle Canfield, Jeanlaurie Ainsworth and Rich Fowler Thursday, May 29, 2025, in Carmichael.(Gerardo Zavala/CapRadio)
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