All Users
- Don’t litter and pick-up after yourself. The American River Parkway is a beautiful resource. You can help keep it that way.
- No glass containers are allowed on the Parkway.
Swimmers and On-Water Enthusiasts
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- Children under 13 are required by law to wear a life jacket or vest when in the American River in Sacramento County. You can borrow kids’ life vests for free at 11 locations along the Parkway. Adults are also strongly encouraged to wear a life jacket or vest.
- Swim within your means and be vigilant. Cold water temperatures and strong undertows make the water more dangerous than it might look.
- Monitor for warnings of water contamination or algae blooms before entering the water. Sacramento County Regional Parks and the Central Valley Water Board are both good resources.
Pedestrians
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- Always walk or run on the left side when on the bicycle trail. That way you can see oncoming bicyclists and they can see you. When on the right side, you can’t see bicyclists coming up behind you.
- When possible, walk or run on the dirt shoulder of the bicycle trail and not on the pavement. If there is no dirt shoulder, stay as far left as you can. Or, utilize the dirt multiuse trails instead of the bicycle trail.
- Walk or run in single file when on the pavement, especially when there is oncoming traffic.
- Yield to equestrians. Horses always have the right-of-way.
Dog Owners
- Dogs must be kept on a leash no longer that 6 feet. This will prevent encounters with people and animals like coyotes and rattlesnakes.
- Pet owners are required to clean-up after their pets. There are 18 pup mitt stations along the Parkway if you do not have any bags.
- Monitor for warnings of water contamination or algae blooms before allowing your pet to enter the water. Sacramento County Regional Parks and the Central Valley Water Board are both good resources.
Cyclists
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- Cyclists under 18 MUST wear a helmet.
- Ride on the right side of the paved trail and pass on the left.
- Adhere to the 15 mph speed limit.
- Faster traffic is responsible for yielding to slower and oncoming traffic.
- Yield to pedestrians and equestrians.
- Be predictable, including using hand signals when turning or stopping and giving verbal indications when passing.
- Ride in single file, especially when there is oncoming traffic.
- Bicycles are not allowed on the dirt trails, except in the designated areas in the Lower Parkway.
- Class I and II e-bikes are allowed on the trail, but Class III are not.
- Want more tips? Visit the American River Bike Patrol.
Equestrians
- Let others know if your horse is safe to pass.
- Avoid areas on the trail that are soft or muddy to prevent deep hoof ruts.
Fishermen
- Whenever possible, remove fishing line from the Parkway.
- If wading, be careful of where you step and wear a life jacket or vest.
