Washington and Old Dominion Railroad Regional Park
Safety Guidelines

First Prepare
- Wear a safety helmet when riding.
- Use the trail with a friend.
- Stretch before and after exercising.
- Wear gloves and kneepads to prevent injury.
- Plan your W&OD trip with weather and your physical abilities in mind.
- Carry water and high-energy snacks when traveling long distances.
- Know how your equipment works and how to make simple repairs.
- Carry a repair kit.
- Carry a map.
- Always know where you are.
- Wear a hat and sunblock.
Be Aware
- Always travel to the right of the center line.
- Travel slowly when the trail is congested.
- Slow down and use caution when approaching or overtaking other trail users.
- Be sure to look for trail users approaching from the opposite direction before passing.
- Abide by all posted trail and stop signs.
- Be alert to changing trail conditions.
- Do not approach wildlife; obtain permission from pet and horse owners before approaching.
- Cross roads only at designated crossings; stop and look both ways before crossing.
- Headphone use, while not recommended, should be with one ear bud and at low volume.
Show You Care
- Be courteous to other trail users.
- Self-monitor and control your speed; faster users always yield to slower users.
- Give a clear, polite signal with voice, bell or horn at least 2-3 seconds before passing.
- Allow maximum distance between you and other trail users when passing.
- Horses, then pedestrians, have the right-of-way, cyclists must yield to both.
- Children, animals and other trail users may act unpredictably, pass with care.
- Keep pets on a short leash and under control at all times, the best place for pets is on the right shoulder of the trail, next to their owner.
- Do not block the trail when stopped, move all equipment to the side away from traffic.
- Do not stop on or fish from bridges.
- Report all dangerous trail situations or maintenance needs to the trail office at (703) 729-0596.
Report all dangerous trail situations or maintenance needs to the trail office at (703) 729-0596.
For emergencies call 911.