Let’s Share the Capital Trail

- Capital Trail Etiquette Rules -

Trails are more popular than ever! In 2020, the Virginia Capital Trail had over 1.2 million usage counts. We want everyone’s Trail adventure to be a fun and memorable experience that they can treasure. By following proper trail etiquette and sharing the Capital Trail, we can ensure people of all ages, skill levels, and abilities are enjoying recreation, fitness, and travel safely! See you out on the Capital Trail!

• Be respectful and alert

• Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give audible warnings

• Limit distractions, don’t impair your hearing

• Obey all Trail and road signs

• Use safe speeds for current conditions (recommended speed not to exceed 20 mph)

  • Use slow speeds when vision is impaired, in congested areas, or when necessary for the safety of others.

• If you’re on wheels, yield to pedestrians

• Pull off the Trail when stopped

• Keep dogs on short leashes and clean up after your pet

• Maintain single file when passing or being passed

• No unauthorized motorized vehicles

• Full E-Bike Policy (E-bikes Type 1 and 2 with motor assist that cannot exceed 20 MPH are allowed on the Trail)

• Full Equestrian Policy (horse use is discouraged on the Trail)

Trails allow us to get outside and enjoy nature at our own pace. One of the great things about the Capital Trail is the wide diversity. On any given day you can see runners, walkers, cyclists, skaters, of all ages and abilities enjoying the Trail. By following the simple Capital Trail Etiquette rules above, we can set a great example on how to best share the Capital Trail! Thank you for taking care of your Trail family!

- More information on trail etiquette -

Be Respectful and Alert 

Knowing Capital Trail Etiquette helps us keep the trails welcoming and enjoyable. Keep in mind that all Trail users have different abilities and comfort levels. The Trail also runs through wetlands and wooded sections that are home to turkey, squirrels, turtles, deer, and other animals. Being respectful and alert will help keep all of our Trail family safe as they enjoy the outdoors.

Stay to the right, pass on the left, and give audible warnings 

When we follow the same traffic pattern as other Trail users, we are making our moves more predictable so others can adjust their movements accordingly. Just like road rules, Trail traffic occurs on the right side of the Capital Trail. When passing a slower Trail user, please pass on the left. Always look ahead and behind you before passing. Give a friendly “On your left” or ring a bell well in advance so the person being passed is not startled and knows you are coming. Give a friendly wave, smile, or a thank you as you go by. Once you are able to do so safely, please return to the right side of the Trail. Let’s help each other out. We all want to get home safely.

Limit distractions, don’t impair your hearing

While everyone’s Trail experience is different, limiting distractions and ensuring your hearing is not impaired helps you and other Trail users make good decisions. If you use headphones, keep the volume low, or consider only using one so that your hearing is not impaired. By limiting distractions you are staying alert and will be able to communicate better with other Trail users.

Obey all Trail and Road Signs

It’s important to remember that all Trail and Road Signs need to be obeyed. The signs are there to protect you and other Trail users. Please follow them.

Use safe speeds for current conditions (recommended speed not to exceed 20 mph)

On weekends, at Trailheads, and near residential areas, the Trail can get congested especially during the summertime. High-traffic areas tend to have people of varying skill levels and ages such as young children and skill levels and can be hard to predict. You should always use safe speeds and slow down when nearing or traveling through congested areas or when necessary for the safety of others. Your speed should also be adjusted anytime your visibility is impaired such as going around corners, at dusk, and when encountering adverse weather conditions. For the safety of all Trail users, the recommended speed on the Virginia Capital Trail should not exceed 20 mph.

If you’re on wheels, yield to pedestrians

Wheels always yield to pedestrians. “If on wheels, you yield” means that cyclists, roller & inline skaters, and skateboarders should yield to walkers and runners. Slower Trail users should be walking on the right side of the Trail and have the right of way.

Pull off the Trail when stopped 

Taking a break, photos, chatting with friends, grabbing a bite, or enjoying a sunset are all experiences that make sharing time with friends and family fun. By planning ahead and removing yourself completely from the trail when stopping, you are allowing others to pass by safely without having to make sudden stops or change course. If you are stopping with a bike or stroller, please make sure they are completely off the Trail. Thank you for respecting your fellow Trail users.

Keep dogs on short leashes and clean up after your pet

Pets love the outdoors and Trails as much as we do but not all Trail users are comfortable around animals. Keeping your pet secured on a short leash will ensure your pet and other Trail users have an enjoyable experience. When taking your pet for a walk on the Trail, please carry a waste disposal bag so you can pick up after your pet. Let’s keep the Trail clean, safe, and enjoyable for everyone.

Maintain single file when passing or being passed

Trail Etiquette is even more important when traveling in a group. Always maintain a single-file line when someone is approaching from the opposite direction or passing you. Stay on the right side of the Trail and never take up more than half the Trail space. Avoid sudden movements that may startle someone.

No unauthorized motorized vehicles

Unauthorized motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Trail. If you see an unauthorized vehicle on the Trail please report it by filling out a maintenance/safety report below or by calling the police department (numbers below at bottom of page).

Full E-Bike Policy (E-bikes Type 1 and 2 are allowed on the Trail)

Type 1 and 2 electric bikes are allowed on the Capital Trail. Type 3 is prohibited.

- Capital Trail Tips -

Learn tips from other Trail users by watching the videos below.

Report illegal activities to the appropriate police:

• James City County: 757-253-1800

• Charles City County: 804-652-4701

• Henrico County: 804-501-5000

• City of Richmond: 804-646-5100

To report maintenance and safety concerns, call 804-788-6453 or fill out a maintenance report by clicking below.