Please note: The issue of closing public places and facilities related to COVID-19 is rapidly changing. We recommend everyone should adhere to all guidelines and recommendations from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and our local public health and safety officials for the most up-to-date information.
UPDATE March 23, 2020: Read the full order from Governor Whitmer issued today. Below is an excerpt pertaining to biking trails:
7. Exceptions.
Individuals may leave their home or place of residence, and travel as necessary:
To engage in outdoor activity, including walking, hiking, running, cycling, or any other recreational activity consistent with remaining at least six feet from people from outside the individual’s household.
The Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail encourage everyone to heed the direction from local officials. During these trying times, when there are so many limitations on us, we’re proud to offer the public a beneficial activity that is still permitted, when we continue to practice safe physical distancing.
Below is some guidance from the National Recreation and Park Association on practicing physical distancing on the trails.
Recommendations for trail users on observing physical distancing minimums*
There are a number of specific recommendations for advising the public to keep safe physical distancing when in parks or on trails
- Follow CDC’s guidance on personal hygiene prior to heading to trails — wash hands, carry hand sanitizer, do not use trails if you have symptoms, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, etc.
- Observe at all times CDC’s minimum recommended physical distancing of six feet from other people. Practice it and know what it looks like. Keep it as you walk, bike or hike.
- Warn other trail users of your presence and as you pass to allow proper distance and step off trails to allow others to pass, keeping minimum recommended distances at all times. Signal your presence with your voice, bell or horn.
- Note that trail and park users may find public restrooms closed — be prepared before you leave and time outings so that you are not dependent on public restrooms.
- Bring water or drinks — public drinking fountains may be disabled and should not be used, even if operable.
- Bring a suitable trash bag. Leave no trash, take everything out to protect park workers
*Recommendations and infographic published by the National Recreation and Park Association. “Keeping a Safe Social Distance in Parks and on Trails During the COVID-19 Pandemic”