Recreation Trail Safety

Bikes on the trail

The Recreation Trail is a network of over 36 miles of connected trails in Sioux Falls. It’s the go-to place to enjoy walking, running, biking, and more. 

Trail Safety Rules and Tips 

For everyone’s safety and enjoyment: 

  • Control your speed: 15 mph speed limit.  

  • Stay on the right, pass on the left. 

  • Give audible signals and proceed cautiously when passing. 

  • Don’t block trails; walk two-by-two in large groups or move off trail when standing still. 

  • Wear helmets and protective gear. 

How can you know if you’re keeping under the 15-mph limit? 

  • For reference, the average person sprints 12–15 mph. 

  • Attach a speedometer to your bicycle or e-bike. 

  • Use a fitness tracker or smartwatch (many have GPS capabilities to track your speed and distance in real-time). 

  • Smartphone apps for tracking outdoor activities can calculate your speed and distance. 

What’s Allowed on the Recreation Trail 

Trails are shared and dedicated to walkers, runners, bicyclists, rollerbladers, and other forms of human-powered transportation. All forms of human-powered transportation are permitted for use on the Recreation Trail.

Certain motorized vehicles are not allowed on the Recreation Trail. This does not apply to or limit use of Other Power-Driven Mobility Devices (OPDMDs).

ALLOWED AT 15 MPH

NOT ALLOWED

Classic Wheels

Human-powered bicycles, scooters, rollerblades, etc.

Class III E-Bikes

Speed pedals with high-powered motors.

Class I E-Bikes

Pedal-assist bike; start pedaling and the power kicks in.

Electric Scooters

A two-wheeled device with handlebars, a floorboard designed for standing, and an electric motor.

Class II E-Bikes

Full throttle-assisted bike (Effective June 1, 2024)

Electric One wheels

Self-balancing electric skateboards with a single wheel. They’re considered unsafe for a shared, multi-use trail.

Authorized Vehicles

Such as OPDMDs 

Vehicles of City departments, Law enforcement or public service corporations authorized by the department. 

Electric, Pedal-less Bikes

They are considered motorized bicycles and unsafe for a shared, multi-use trail.

Other power-driven mobility devices in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Full Electric and Gas-Powered Mobile Devices

Motorized vehicles are not allowed on the trail.

View the Sioux Falls Bike Ordinance

Trail Rules and Road Rules for bicycles differ. To bike safe on Sioux Falls roads visit Bike Safety.

 

 

Resources

Interactive Trail Map

Active Transportation Board

Bicycle Registration Form

Trail Safety Brochure

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