Be Predictable ...

Obey all traffic signs, signals, and laws. Bicycles must obey the rules of the road, and be driven like motor vehicles, if they are to be taken seriously by motorists.

Never ride against traffic. Motorists are not looking for and do not expect bicyclists riding on the wrong side of the road. Ride with traffic to avoid potential accidents; wrong-way cyclists are much more likely to be in a crash than cyclists riding with traffic.

Use hand signals. Hand signals let motorists know what you intend to do. Signal as a matter of law, courtesy, and self-protection.

Follow lane markings. Don’t turn left from the right lane, and don’t ride straight through in a lane marked right turn only.

Ride in a straight line. Ride in a straight line, to the right of faster-moving traffic but a car door width away from parked cars. If the lane is too narrow to safely share with vehicles, it’s safe and legal to occupy the full traffic lane. When using a street with shared lane markings, like South San Francisco Street, align your wheels with the arrows and the center of the bicycle emblem.

Don’t weave between parked cars. Don’t veer over to the curb between parked cars. Motorists may not see you when you try to move back into traffic.

Position yourself correctly. When riding slower than traffic, ride as far right as is practical and safe. You may move left into

The Arizona Trail, the dream of Flagstaff teacher and hiking enthusiast Dale Shewalter, is an 800-mile, non-motorized trail

that traverses Arizona from Mexico to Utah. The trail winds through mountain ranges, canyons, deserts, forests, and communities; and showcases the state’s topographic, biological, historical and cultural diversity.

Two different segments of the Arizona Trail pass through the

Flagstaff area. The main passage cuts through the middle of town on a series of FUTS trails, and an equestrian bypass skirts around the east side of town on Forest Service trails.

The Arizona Trail Association (ATA) was founded in 1994 to promote the Arizona Trail as a unique recreational and educational resource and to provide opportunities for citizens to become involved. The ATA is primarily a volunteer group that helps build, maintain, promote, protect and sustain the Arizona Trail.

In March of 2009, the Arizona Trail was designated a National Scenic Trail.

For more information, contact the Arizona Trail Association at 602.252.4794, or visit www.aztrail.org

The Flagstaff Loop Trail is a 44-mile non-motorized trail that circumnavigates Flagstaff, with the goal of providing an exceptional

recreational experience close to the urban fringe.

The trail also improves connections between our community and the surrounding forest. The Loop Trail is like a wheel that encircles Flagstaff, with FUTS and other trails serving as spokes to provide access to and from the city. The wheel also connects to the network of Forest Service trails and the Arizona National Scenic Trail, and provides trail links to outlying communities.

The Loop Trail uses a variety of FUTS trails, Forest Service trails, Coconino County trails, and abandoned forest roads. Most of the trail is in place, and interim routes help complete the rest of the circle.

The project is coordinated by Flagstaff Biking Organization, with the participation of the Coconino National Forest, Coconino County Parks and Recreation, the City of Flagstaff, and many volunteers.

Additional information about the Flagstaff Loop Trail can be found at www.flagstaffbiking.org/loop-trail/

the vehicle lane to make a left turn, to avoid hazards, if you are traveling at the same speed as traffic, or if the lane is too narrow to allow a bicycle and a vehicle to travel safely side-by-side.

There are two ways to make a left turn. As a vehicle: look back, signal, move into the left lane, and turn left. As a pedestrian: ride straight to the far-side crosswalk, then dismount and walk your bike across.

Be Courteous ...

Be alert on FUTS trails. Pedestrians have the right-of-way on FUTS trails. Give them an audible warning (call out, ring a bell) when you pass. Slow down to cross driveways and intersections, and look for traffic turning across your path.

Walk your bike on downtown Flagstaff sidewalks. By law, bicycles are not allowed to ride on sidewalks where posted in downtown Flagstaff.

Avoid sidewalks; ride in the street. Ride on the sidewalk only when you have to and be courteous of pedestrians. Walk your bike on busy sidewalks if you are uncomfortable riding in the traffic lane. Although it is legal to ride on sidewalks in Flagstaff (unless posted otherwise, like downtown) it is often safer to use the street. Motorists crossing the sidewalk on a driveway or side street may not be looking for bicycles.

Be Alert ...

Watch for cars pulling out from side streets and driveways. Make eye contact with drivers. Assume that they do not see you until you are sure they do.

Avoid road hazards. Watch out for sewer grates, manhole covers, oily pavement, gravel, cinders, and ice. Cross railroad tracks at a right angle. For better control, stand up on your pedals as you move across hazards.

Ride with both hands ready to brake. Ride with your hands near the brakes so you can react quickly to traffic and road hazards. Allow extra distance for stopping when your tires are wet.

Negotiate with drivers. Make eye contact with motorists, and communicate through hand signals and body language so they know what you intend to do.

Be Well Equipped ...

Use lights at night. Front reflectors are not adequate. City code requires a strong headlight (visible from at least 500 feet) and a red reflector or red taillight on the back when riding at night.

Dress accordingly. Wear light-colored clothing at night and bright clothes in the rain or when visibility is poor. Dressing in layers allows you to adjust to temperature changes.

Lock your bike. Invest in a good locking system; no lock is as expensive as a new bike.

Always wear a helmet! Protect your head. You’re worth it!

Bicycle Safety Tips

Arizona TrailFlagstaff Loop Trail

Bike lane or shoulder. An outside lane of four to five feet in width for the exclusive use of bicycles, separated from vehicular lanes by a white stripe. This definition include bike lanes designated by signing and pavement markings, as well as paved shoulders delineated by a stripe, but not pavement markings or signing.

Bike route. Includes streets that are comfortable for most cyclists because they are wide enough for bikes, vehicle speeds are low, and/or traffic volumes are low. They are generally not signed or

otherwise marked as a bike route.

Shared lane markings. A new kind of pavement marking that shows cyclists where to position themselves on streets where bicycles share the lane with vehicles.

Ride with caution. Higher speed/higher volume streets that may be less comfortable for less experienced cyclists and require extra attention and caution for all riders.

Not recommended. Streets that are not recommended for

cyclists because of high speeds and volumes of vehicular traffic, as well as a lack of space for cyclists.

Interstates. It is legal to ride on the shoulder of both Interstate 17 and 40 in Flagstaff, although it is only recommended for experienced cyclists.

Share the trail. Flagstaff’s FUTS trails are designed to accommodate a variety of users – pedestrians, joggers, bicyclists, skateboarders, and in-line skaters. Showing courtesy and following a few simple, common-sense guidelines will make using the FUTS safe and enjoyable for everyone.

Keep to the right. All FUTS users should keep to the right side of the path except when passing or turning left. If you stop along the trail, move off the path to the right.

Signal to others. When approaching other trail users, bicyclists should sound their horn or bell, or call out, then pass on the left. Pedestrians should acknowledge with a wave and move to the right side of the path.

Yield the right-of-way. Bicyclists, in-line skaters, and skateboarders must yield to pedestrians on FUTS trails. Pedestrians always have the right-of-way.

Check your speed. Bicyclists should slow when approaching and passing other trail users. Travel at a speed appropriate for the conditions that allows you to be in control.

Be careful in crosswalks. Vehicles turning across the trail at a driveway or side street pose a particular hazard to trail users. Motorists turning right are looking to the left and may not see trail users on their right. Left-turning motorists are looking ahead for gaps in traffic and may not be paying attention to the trail at all.

Trail users should be especially alert and cautious at side street or driveway crossings. Make eye contact with drivers and be sure they see you before crossing. Cyclists should slow down prior to entering the crosswalk to look for turning vehicles and to give motorists a chance to see you.

Control your pet. By law, pet owners in Flagstaff are required to keep their pets on a leash while using the FUTS trail. The law also requires owners clean up after their pets.

Headphone hazards. Keep the volume sufficiently low so you can hear other trail users approaching.

Be visible. Bicycles on the trail at night must be equipped with a headlight and tail light or rear reflector, just like when riding on the road.

Respect private lands. Many FUTS trails pass through private land. Help protect trail access for the future by being courteous and respectful, and by staying on the trail.

Bikeway Definitions

FUTS Trail Courtesy

Bikes are welcome on Mountain Line and Mountain Link, and all buses are equipped with a front rack for two or three bikes. Taking your bike on the bus is simple; just follow these guidelines:

Before the bus arrives, remove bulky, detachable items from your bike, such as panniers and large bags.

Wave and make eye contact, to make sure the driver sees you, before you load your bike.

Always load and unload your bike from the curb side of the bus.

Cyclists are responsible for loading and unloading their own bicycles. The bus driver cannot leave the bus to provide assistance.

Loading and unloading your bike is easy and takes only a few seconds (see the graphic instructions at left).

Inform the bus driver before your stop that you will be removing your bike from the rack. If there are no other bikes on the rack, refold it to its upright position.

Bicycles are transported at no charge for fare-paying passengers, and are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Bicycles cannot be brought inside the bus.

For more information on services and schedules, contact Mountain Line at 928.779.6624, or visit their website at www.mountainline.az.gov

Mountain Line Transit Bikes on BusesThe Mountain Line transit system provides fixed-route bus service on seven routes that serve most neighborhoods in Flagstaff.

Mountain Line buses operate 6:00 am to 10:30 pm on weekdays and 7:00 am to 8:30 pm on weekends. The buses are operated year-round.

Mountain Line welcomes bike riders and walkers, and encourages them to use the bus to access the FUTS and other biking and walking opportunities. Mountain Line embraces the multimodal concept for transportation; by using the bus for part of the trip, bicyclists and walkers can extend their journey for more variety and fun!

Mountain Line buses are also equipped with a ramp for easy wheelchair access. For passengers boarding with a walker, cane, or stroller, the bus can “kneel” to minimize the step up onto the bus.

Mountain Link is a high-frequency (every 8-20 minutes on weekdays and every 20 minutes on weekends) bus service between downtown Flagstaff, the NAU campus, and the Woodlands Village area.

Mountain Lift provides curb-to-curb, paratransit service for persons who are disabled and are unable to use Mountain Line.

Printing underwritten by

Flagstaff Urban Trails SystemFUTS Trail DescriptionsThe Flagstaff Urban Trails System (FUTS) is a city-wide net-work of non-motorized, shared-use pathways that are used by bicy-clists, walkers, hikers, runners, and other users for both recreation and transportation.

FUTS trails are generally eight or ten feet in width. About half of the trails are paved, either in concrete or asphalt, and the other half consist of a hard-packed, aggregate surface. With a few exceptions, FUTS trails are operated and main-tained by the City of Flagstaff.

At present there are about 55 miles of FUTS trails in Flagstaff, and the overall master plan shows another 80 miles of trails to be built in the future.

FUTS trails offer an incredibly diverse range of experiences.

Some trails are located along busy streets, while others traverse beautiful natural places - canyons, riparian areas, grasslands, meadows, and forests - all within the urban area of Flagstaff. The system connects neighborhoods, shopping, places of employment, schools, parks, open space, and the surrounding National Forest, and allow users to combine transportation, recreation and contact with nature. For more information about the FUTS trail system, visit www.flagstaff.az.gov/futs or call 928.213.2685

Arizona Trail (3.9 miles) Part of the Arizona National Sce-nic Trail. The south part of trail is paved and generally follows streets. North of Route 66, the trail climbs onto McMillan Mesa and hugs the east rim, providing great views in all directions. At Cedar Avenue, the trail crosses the Matt Kelly Urban Trail Bridge, then continues north through Buffalo Park.

Bow & Arrow Trail (0.8 miles) Follows the Bow & Arrow Wash in the grassy bottom of a wide, scenic canyon.

Cedar Trail (1.3 miles) Climbs 150 feet to the top of McMillan Mesa through open forest and grasslands from both the east and west side of the mesa. The climb is steady and steep in spots.

Country Club Trail (1.3 miles) Adjacent to the east side of Country Club Drive. On the bridge over I-40, trail users can make the connection via an existing sidewalk.

Dry Lake Trail (0.8 miles) Located along the south side of Kiltie Lane adjacent to W.L. Gore’s Woody Mountain campus. El Paso /Cliffs Trails (0.8 miles) Connects Highway 89 with Route 66 through the Flagstaff Mall area.

Fisher Point Trail (0.4 miles) Drops almost 100 feet from J.W. Powell Boulevard through the Pine Canyon neighborhood. Crosses into the Coconino National Forest and continues as a singletrack trail to Fisher Point. Fort Valley Trail (2.6 miles) The trail is adjacent to Fort Valley Road. Several cultural institutions are located along the trail, including the Pioneer Museum, the Coconino Center for the Arts, and the Museum of Northern Arizona.

Fourth Street Trail (0.4 miles) The trail includes two segments of a longer, planned trail along the west side of Fourth Street.

Foxglenn Trail (1.9 miles) Begins in Foxglenn Park, then fol-lows the wide, open canyon of the Rio de Flag. The west end of the trail climbs and descends a small hill before ending at Herold Ranch Road.

High Country Trail (1.5 miles) The trail follows High Country Trail (the street) along the east and south sides of the Ponderosa Trails neighborhood.

JWP Trail (2.1 miles) Adjacent to the south side of J.W. Powell Blvd. A bike/pedestrian underpass at Lone Tree Road connects to a formal trailhead at the south end of the Lone Tree Trail.

Karen Cooper Trail (3.6 miles) Begins at Wheeler Park in downtown Flagstaff and generally follows the Rio de Flag to the far northwest corner of town. Along the way the trail passes through several neighborhoods, as well as a variety of natural areas, including willow-lined riparian wetlands, stands of mature Ponderosa pines, rock outcroppings, and oak thickets.

Lone Tree Trail (1.3 miles) Along the east side of Lone Tree Road. Topography is rolling, with a few short, steep hills. Mars Hill Trail (1.9 miles) Begins in Thorpe Park and makes a steady climb on the east slope of Mars Hill. The climb ends with an extremely steep section that includes 130 feet of elevation gain in less than 1000 feet. Once on top, the trail continues a more gradual climb through Ponderosa pine forest.

McMillan Mesa Trail (0.5 miles) Connecting trail through the neighborhoods and open grasslands of McMillan Mesa.

Nate Avery Trail (2.0 miles) Flagstaff’s most popular urban trail makes a 2-mile loop around Buffalo Park, a community trea-sure of open space located on the expansive, flat top of McMillan Mesa.

NAU Trail (1.2 miles) A primary pedestrian and bicycle spine through the heart of the Northern Arizona University campus. Trail can be very crowded, especially when NAU is in session.

North 89 Trail (1.1 miles) Wanders through open grasslands and stands of giant Ponderosa pines along the west side of Highway 89.

Pine Knoll Trail (0.6 miles) Along the south side of Pine Knoll Drive. A side trail drops into a small canyon near I-40.

Ponderosa Trail (2.5 miles) Winds through south Flagstaff neighborhoods from Beulah Boulevard to Pulliam Airport. The northern and southern segments parallel roads, and the middle section travels through an open meadow.

Railroad Springs Trail (0.5 miles) Follows Railroad Springs Boulevard through the Railroad Springs neighborhood.

Route 66 Trail (4.9 miles) Follows the south side of historic Route 66 from downtown Flagstaff to the east side of town. One of Flagstaff’s first urban trails (built in the early 1990s), it has also become one of its most heavily used for commuting and recreation.

San Francisco Trail (0.9 miles) Adjacent to San Francisco Street on the east edge of the NAU campus. Maintained by NAU.

Sego Lily / Arrowhead Trails (0.9 miles) Two trails climb almost 200 feet from Sunnyside neighborhood on the forested east slope of McMillan Mesa.

Sinclair Wash Trail (5.7 miles) One of our most varied urban trails. The west end traverses open grassland and pine forests before entering the more urban setting of the Woodlands Village neighborhood. The middle section of trail hugs a wooded hillside through the south end of the NAU campus. The east portion paral-lels the Rio de Flag through a lush, limestone-walled canyon.

Southwest Crossing Trail (0.6 miles) A short-cut from Wood-lands Village to the University Heights neighborhood. The underpasses at I-40 were origi-nally built for sheep herds.

Sunset Trail (0.6 miles) Set above basalt rock cliffs along the west edge of McMillan Mesa, this trail features abun-dant views to the south and west.

Switzer Canyon Trail (1.5 miles) The north end of the trail is located on the road bed of the old alignment for Cedar Avenue. This section climbs about 120 feet at a fairly steady grade. South of Forest Avenue, the trail is concrete and meanders through rocks, trees, and meadows on the west side of Turquoise Drive.

Switzer Wash Trail (0.4 miles) Follows the floodplain of Switzer Wash through open space south of Butler Avenue.

Tunnel Springs Trail (1.8 miles) A long climb through Ponderosa pine forest on the south side of Observatory Mesa. Climbs steeply for just under a mile, gaining 320 feet in elevation, then levels out on top of the mesa.

Winifred Lynch Trail (0.6 miles) Begins near Route 66, crosses under Highway 89 in a bike/pedestrian tunnel, then continues north through an open space tract in a residential neighborhood. Provides access to the National Forest on the south slopes of Mt. Elden.

1 Squeeze handle andpull down rack 2 Place bike in slot

4 Pull over tire3 Grasp arm support

Flagstaff Biking Organization. A non-profit group of volunteers that advocates for bicycles as a safe, healthy, and attractive means of commuting and recreation in northern Arizona. FBO organizes a number of programs, including Bike to Work Week, Safekids, the Loop Trail, and a trail construction and maintenance pro-gram. Online at www.flagstaffbiking.org

Bicycle Advisory Committee and Pedestrian Advisory Com-mittee. The BAC and PAC are City of Flagstaff committees which meet monthly to discuss bicycle and pedestrian issues. The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. Call 928.213.2685, or go to www.flagstaff.az.gov/bicycle or www.flagstaff.az.gov/pedestrian

Other resources:

City of Flagstaff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.flagstaff.az.govPolice Department . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.556.2316Recreation Services . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.213.2300Public Works/Streets Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.213.2175Multimodal Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.213.2685

Coconino County . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . www.coconino.az.govParks and Recreation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.679.8000Safekids Coalition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.679.7262

Coconino National Forest . . . . . . . . .www.fs.usda.gov/coconinoHeadquarters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.527.3600

Flagstaff Metropolitan Planning Org . . . www.flagstaffmpo.orgOffices . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.213.2651

Arizona Dept of Transportation . . . . . . . . . . . .www.azdot.govNorthcentral District Office . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 928.774.1491Bicycle/Pedestrian Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 602.712.8141

Resources

Matt Kelly Urban Trail Bridge

Safety graphics by That’s Smart! Designs

3561

00-1

7

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, we see your hike as taking steps toward improving your health and wellness. So go ahead and enjoy Arizona’s great outdoors. You’re already on the right track.

You’re on the Right Trail

FlagstaffUrban Trailsand BikewaysMap