CENTENNIAL TRAIL SAFETY

The Centennial Trail is a multi-use trail where you can encounter inline skaters, cyclists, walkers, joggers, pets, scooters, and other activities—even wildlife—approaching both from the front and from the rear.

• Cycle speed limit on the Centennial Trail is 15 mph or 24 kilometers per hour.
• Recognize your surroundings, other people ahead on the trail, obstacles on the trail, and approaching from behind, wildlife, etc.
• Ride RIGHT unless passing and yield to others, especially pedestrians, and slow down when approaching and then passing others.
• Let people know well in advance if you’re passing them and use a bell or say “on your left” loudly enough that they can respond. Some people wear “ear buds” when on the trail and cannot hear you at all, and be careful with these folks!
• Be especially careful of pets; they are supposed to be leashed, but sometimes they are not.
• Children on small bikes and scooters are unpredictable therefore, give kids a lot of room when you pass.
• Be aware of cyclists who want to pass and move right when it’s safe. Let them pass and BE AWARE that some people may not be as considerate as you, and may not give you any warning.

DAN HENRY MARKERS

The route is marked on the right with signs painted in the streets. These are called “Dan Henry” markers and are shaped as shown below. Use the color code for your route: RED – 10 mile; YELLOW – 25 mile; BLUE – 50 mile.

ROAD SAFETY

• Make sure your bike is in good shape before the ride. Check your brakes and put air in your tires. If you need help, visit The Bike Hub tent before the ride.
• Check out this VIDEO on how to get your bike ready:
• Obey all traffic rules. All of the Cycle Celebration routes include some riding on city streets. Under Washington State Law, bicycles are a vehicle subject to the same laws as the driver of a car. On roads shared with auto traffic, stay to the right of the road when there is enough space for the auto to pass. Otherwise, move to the center of the lane.
• Where there are bike lanes, stay within the bike lanes.
• Leave a big cushion of space around yourself, especially for the first mile.

BE PREDICTABLE

Do not make sudden stops, turns, or swerves. If you do have to change course, announce yourself as “Stopping” and pull off to the right. Pass on the left if possible and announce, “On your left,” to avoid startling the overtaken rider. Slower riders stay to the right, and faster bikers stay to the left. Always be courteous to drivers and ride defensively.