Parkway Etiquette

Safety First for Kids and Adults: By law, children under 13 must wear a life jacket or vest while in the American River in Sacramento County. For your convenience, free kids’ life vests are available to borrow at 11 locations along the Parkway. Adults are also strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket or vest to stay safe while on the water.
Know Your Limits: The river may look inviting, but cold water temperatures and strong undertows can be deceiving. Swim only within your abilities, and always remain alert to your surroundings.
Check for Water Advisories: Before diving in, stay informed about water safety. Algae blooms or contamination can occur, so monitor updates from Sacramento County Regional Parks or the Central Valley Water Board to ensure the water is safe for recreation.
Stay Visible: If you’re swimming or kayaking, use brightly colored gear or clothing to ensure you’re easily seen by others.

Swimmers and On-Water Enthusiasts

Stay Left and Stay Alert: Always walk or run on the left side of the paved bicycle trail. This allows you to see oncoming bicyclists and helps them see you. If you’re on the right side, it’s harder to anticipate fast-moving cyclists coming up behind you.
Choose the Dirt Shoulder When Possible: When available, walk or run on the dirt shoulder alongside the bicycle trail instead of the pavement. If there’s no shoulder, stay as far left as you can. For a more peaceful experience, consider using the dirt multiuse trails, which are designed for pedestrians and other non-cycling users.
Single File for Safety: When walking or running on the pavement, especially when others are approaching, stick to single file to keep the path clear for everyone.
Respect the Right-of-Way: Always yield to equestrians. Horses have the right-of-way on the Parkway trails. Step aside and allow them ample space to pass, as sudden movements can startle them.

Leashes Keep Everyone Safe: Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer than 6 feet at all times. This helps prevent unexpected encounters with other people, wildlife like coyotes and rattlesnakes, or even other dogs.
Clean Up After Your Pet: Be a responsible pet owner by picking up after your dog. The Parkway is equipped with 18 pup mitt stations to make cleanup convenient if you forget to bring bags. Keeping the trails clean helps protect the environment and keeps the Parkway enjoyable for everyone.
Check the Water Before They Splash: If your dog loves the water, be sure to monitor for advisories about water contamination or harmful algae blooms before letting them take a dip. Updates are available through Sacramento County Regional Parks and the Central Valley Water Board.
Know the Signs of Wildlife: Be alert for signs of wildlife, such as scat or tracks, and avoid areas that may pose a risk to your dog’s safety.

Safety: Cyclists under 18 years old are required by law to wear a helmet. Wearing one is a smart choice for riders of all ages. Use hand signals for turning or stopping, and communicate clearly to others when you’re passing or changing direction.
Ride Right, Pass Left: Always ride on the right side of the paved trail and pass others on the left. Use clear verbal signals like “On your left!” to let pedestrians or slower riders know you’re approaching. Stick to single file, especially when there’s oncoming traffic, to keep the trail safe and accessible for everyone.
Speed Limit in Effect: Keep your speed at or below the Parkway’s 15 mph limit to ensure a safe experience for all users. Only Class I and II e-bikes are allowed on the trail. Class III e-bikes are prohibited.
Stay Off Dirt Trails: Bicycles are not permitted on the dirt trails, except in designated areas of the Lower Parkway. Respect these rules to preserve the trails and protect wildlife.

Cyclists

Passing Safely: Let others on the trail know if your horse is safe to pass or if it needs extra space. Communication helps keep everyone safe.
Trail Conditions: Stick to designated equestrian trails and avoid soft or muddy areas to prevent deep hoof ruts and trail damage.
Right-of-Way: Horses have the right-of-way on shared trails. However, be courteous and yield to pedestrians when necessary.
Control and Awareness: Keep your horse calm and aware of its surroundings to avoid accidents with other trail users.
Clean-Up: Always clean up after your horse in staging areas and trailheads to keep shared spaces clean and enjoyable for all.

Equestrians

Tackle and Line: Whenever possible, remove discarded fishing line and tackle from the Parkway. This helps protect wildlife and keeps the area clean for others to enjoy.
Safety While Wading: If wading into the river, wear a life jacket or vest for added safety, and be mindful of your footing to avoid slips or sudden drops.
Respect the Environment: Follow local fishing regulations and avoid disturbing wildlife habitats along the shoreline.

Fishing