Join us for a Bike Safety & Helmet Giveaway Event! Saturday June 28, 2026 from 10am to 12pm at Louisa Lake.

Trail safety tips and etiquette

Summer is the busiest time on the Milford Upper Charles Trail! With over 1,000 people sharing the trail on a typical weekend day, we also share the responsibility for keeping everyone safe while having fun. Here are a few safety tips to ensure an awesome experience.

Common Safety/Courtesy

  • Walk or ride on the right.
  • Move off the paved area when stopping to chat with friends, making a repair or taking a needed break, especially with young children or pets.
  • Store all valuables out of sight in vehicles to prevent smash & grabs.
  • Call 911 in an emergency or if observing a dangerous situation, taking a picture with your cell phone helps catch offenders!
  • Leave no trace: take your trash with you or use the receptacles located near the dog cleanup stations or trailheads.

Bicyclists

  • Yield to pedestrians.
  • Stop at stop signs and look both ways before crossing roadways.
  • Ride on the right, pass on the left.
  • Call out "on your left" to let pedestrians & other cyclists know that you are passing them on their left or ring your bell to announce your approach.
  • Children under the age of 12 are required to wear a helmet (MA state law).

Pedestrians / Joggers

  • Walk / Run on the right.
  • Earbuds? Keep the volume down to increase awareness of other trail users.
  • Stop at stop signs and look both ways before crossing roadways.

Wildlife

  • Respect, Protect & Share the natural wildlife habitats along the trail!
  • Turtles, swans, bunnies, snakes, geese, fox, chipmunks, turkeys and more can be observed, photographed and can provide a valuable learning experience for all.

Dogs / Pets

  • Dogs must be leashed.
  • Preserve the water resources & cleanliness of the trail, "Scoop the Poop"! (Dog clean up stations are located near the trailheads)