Agencies Launch Bike Safety Campaign in Wood River Valley

Local officials and recreation partners are urging residents and visitors to slow down, communicate clearly and share multi-use trails as part of a regional safety campaign launched in response to increased user conflicts during peak biking season. The “Bike WRV” campaign begins in May and will continue through the summer.  

Partners said the effort is aimed at improving safety and reducing conflicts across the Wood River Valley’s interconnected trail system in Blaine County, Idaho. 

Participating agencies include the cities of Hailey, Ketchum, and Sun Valley, along with the Blaine County Recreation District (BCRD). At the center of the campaign is a consistent message: slow down, yield appropriately and be predictable on shared trails. 

Officials emphasize shared trail behavior 

Organizers are asking cyclists and pedestrians to follow consistent etiquette across the region’s multi-use trail network. Key guidance includes: 

• Respect all users regardless of mode, speed or ability  
• Cyclists yield to pedestrians, runners and equestrians  
• Slow down and communicate when passing 
• Announce presence and pass only when safe and clearly visible  
• Travel at controlled, reasonable and prudent speeds at all times  

Officials said the goal is to improve predictability and reduce conflict among users sharing the regional trail system. 

Local safety guidance 

Officials encouraged users to become familiar with local rules and conditions along their routes, which may vary by jurisdiction. 

“The Wood River Trail is one of our community’s most treasured resources,” says Mat Hall, BCRD Board President. “We are glad to be working with the cities to promote safe riding and encourage healthy activity, like bike riding, on the Wood River Trail and throughout our community.” 

In Hailey, officials said the Wood River Trail and local pathways have a 20-mph speed limit unless otherwise posted. The city also requires helmet use for riders under 18 using e-bikes or other electric mobility devices. 

“The City of Hailey has been working to clarify rules for e-bikes and other electric mobility devices, and we appreciate input from residents and partner agencies,” City Administrator Lisa Horowitz said. “All users must share roads and pathways responsibly and operate in a reasonable and prudent manner. The speed limit on the Wood River Trail and on streets and pathways is 20 mph unless otherwise posted. Riders under 18 using e-bikes or other electric mobility devices are required to wear a helmet in the city.” 

Ketchum Mayor Pete Prekeges said the campaign reflects the importance of shared responsibility on the region’s trails. 

“We’re fortunate to have an incredible trail system that brings people outside and connects our community,” Prekeges said. “The best way to protect that experience is simple—slow down, look out for one another, and share the trail with respect and care.” 

Sun Valley Mayor Peter Hendricks said users should remain attentive and courteous on shared pathways. 

“The City of Sun Valley is committed to keeping our multi-use path safe for everyone including pedestrians, cyclists and our furry friends,” said Peter Hendricks, City of Sun Valley Mayor. “We encourage all cyclists to ride responsibly and signal when passing.” 

Officials noted that trail rules vary by jurisdiction, including local ordinances in valley communities in Blaine County, Idaho, and additional regulations on federal public lands managed by the U.S. Forest Service and Bureau of Land Management. Residents and visitors are encouraged to follow posted guidance, respect other users and practice predictable trail behavior to reduce conflict and improve safety. 

More information is available at BikeWRV.com. 

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