Park and Trail Safety Tips

Table of Contents

Anti-bullying/Anti-harassment policy

The City of Columbia and its Columbia Parks & Recreation Department cares for the health and well-being of our community and our participants and will not tolerate bullying or harassment of any kind that might inhibit an individual’s ability to live, work, learn and play. The City of Columbia rejects all forms of prejudice and discrimination, including those based on age, color, diverse ability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, and veteran status.  It is the policy of the City to promote and ensure all persons using city facilities or receiving city services can do so in a respectful environment which is free from bullying and harassment.

“Bullying” or “harassment” is defined as any gesture or written, verbal, graphic, or physical act (including cyber bullying via the internet, cell phone, personal digital assistant, etc.) that is dehumanizing, intimidating, hostile, humiliating, threatening, or otherwise likely to evoke fear of physical harm or emotional distress. This also includes forms of retaliation against individuals who report or cooperate in an investigation under this policy.  This policy is reinforced in employee and volunteer training programs. The department expects co-sponsored agencies to adopt the Principles of Community and develop and implement anti-bullying policies. 

Trail etiquette, rules and regulations

Rules and etiquette for pedestrians and people riding bicycles (including the use of electric bicycles - pedal assist only)

  • Walk and cycle on the right side of the trail; slowest traffic keeps far right; pass on the left.  
  • Cyclists should break into a single file when passing on the left and never pass when another trail user is approaching. (City Ord. 17-141)
  • Pedestrians should avoid walking three abreast. When traffic approaches from behind switch from walking two abreast to single file to allow room to pass safely on the left.
  • Electrically-assisted pedal powered bicycles (aka “e-bikes”) must follow all trail and park rules.  E-bikes shall only operate on the following city trails: MKT Trail, Hinkson Creek Trail, Hominy Creek Trail, Scott’s Branch Trail, Grindstone Trail County House Trail, Bear Creek Trail, S. Providence Trail and all hard surface city trail connectors. Throttle assist bicycles are not allowed on city trails. (City Ord. 17-99)
  • The maximum speed in all parks and trails is 15 mph, including where no speed limit is posted.  People riding a bicycle should operate equipment at a speed that is reasonable and prudent under existing conditions including when pedestrians are present. (City Ord.  Sec. 17-80 , 17-99) 
  • Multi-use trails have engineering and design/maintenance limitations that require appropriate cycling speeds to accommodate varying trail conditions and usage. If your preferred speed or style of cycling is inappropriate for urban multi-use trails, look for better-suited alternative street routes. 
  • Move completely off the trail when stopping. 
  • Allow ample space, at least 3 feet, and sound warning when passing to the left of another pedestrian or another cyclist (ring a bell or say “good morning” or “passing on your left”). (City Ord. 17-141)
  • Remain alert, pedestrians should expect to be passed by runners and people riding bicycles. Make sure the volume on your headphones does not keep you from hearing others approach or calling out.  Consider using only one earbud in your right ear or turn the volume to low.
  • Be courteous, yield appropriately, announce your approach. Cyclists traveling downhill should yield to uphill traffic.
  • When cycling, be predictable, and use hand signals to notify other trail users of your intent.
  • Equip bicycles with a white front light and red reflector (taillight preferred) for travel before dawn and after dusk. (City Ord.  Sec. 14-508)
  • Be respectful of private property.
  • Bike helmets are required for persons fifteen (15) years of age and younger. (City Ord. 14-509)
  • Dogs must be on a leash and reined in to within four (4) feet. Pull dogs close when interacting with other park users. Dog handlers must clean up after their dogs and dispose of dog waste in a sanitary manner. (City Ord. 17-143)
  • Use authorized trails. Respect closures. Minimize trail erosion by avoiding muddy trails and shortcuts.
  • Don’t litter. Pack out what you pack in.
  • Trail hours: 6 a.m – 11 p.m.

Prohibited activities

  • The use of motorized vehicles and equipment, including electric scooters,  is prohibited with the exception of:  official and emergency vehicles, pedal-assisted bicycles (aka electric bicycles or e-bikes) and “other power-driven mobility devices” (OPDMD) for persons with disabilities.  
  • Trail users may not disturb or remove any plants, animals or other property. (City Ord. 17-52)
  • Other prohibited activities include camping, trapping, horseback riding, hunting, and advertising.

Emergency numbers

Trail safety tips

Smart trail use includes adherence to some basic safety practices. Trails are shared recreation amenities and are accessed by a variety of users at the same time. Please be courteous to all users, and remember that pedestrians have the right-of-way. All trail users should stay to as far right as practicable.

  • At the trailhead, store valuables in the trunk of your vehicle or other secure location. Do not leave valuables or items visible in your vehicle.
  • Tell friends or family the route you’ll be taking, expected return time and whenever possible, travel with someone else.
  • Be sure to carry identification (which includes name, phone number, and pertinent medical information). Always have a record of your bicycle serial number .
  • Make use of cell phone harnesses or carriers.
  • Keep valuables such as cell phones and wallets hidden.
  • Carry a whistle or noisemaker.
  • If you wear earbuds to listen to music, keep one ear free so that you can hear those coming up behind you.
  • Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.
  • Prior to using a new trail, take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.
  • Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings, and avoid areas where visibility is poor.
  • Use discretion when acknowledging strangers, and follow your intuition about unfamiliar people and areas.
  • All trail users should completely step off the trail when stopping to avoid a possible accident.
  • Bicyclists approaching pedestrians should make an advanced noise using voice or a bell to avoid startling walkers.  Consider saying “good morning” or “passing on your left.”
  • If you use the trail at night, make sure you have the appropriate lights and light-colored or reflective clothing.

Bicycle safety tips

  • Tell friends or family the route you’ll be taking, and always travel with a partner, when possible.
  • Be sure to carry identification (which includes name, phone number, and pertinent medical information). Always have a record of your bicycle serial number.
  • Make use of cell phone harnesses or carriers.
  • Keep valuables such as cell phones and wallets hidden.
  • Carry a whistle or noisemaker.
  • If you wear a headset to listen to music, keep one ear free so that you can hear those coming up behind you.
  • Always carry tools to repair minor bike issues and have supplies to change a flat tire.
  • Avoid unfamiliar areas when on the trails alone.
  • Prior to using a new trail, take the time to familiarize yourself with the trail and plan your route.
  • Stay alert, be observant about your surroundings, and avoid areas where visibility is poor.
  • Use discretion when acknowledging strangers, and follow your intuition about unfamiliar people and areas.
  • Bicyclists should pull off the trail when stopping to avoid a possible accident.
  • Bicyclists approaching pedestrians should make an advanced noise using voice or a bell to avoid startling walkers.  Consider saying “good morning” or “passing on your left.”
  • Bicyclists should always wear a helmet (15 years of age and under) and ride at speeds suitable for the trail conditions. 
  • If you use the trail at night, make sure you have the appropriate lights and reflective clothes. 

Swimming safety tips

Ice skating/fishing criteria for designated City lakes

When conditions allow, Stephens Lake will be opened for ice skating and Cosmo-Bethel Lake will be open for ice fishing.  Stephens Lake Park is located on the corner of Broadway and Old 63 and Cosmo- Bethel Park is located at 4500 Bethel Street.  

(For updates on ice conditions, watch for announcements on the Parks and Recreation home page.)

Before the City allows skating or ice fishing, there must be a minimum of four inches of solid ice before any public announcement is made. Ice depth is checked by drilling holes through the ice at several locations beginning from the shoreline and working toward the center. The ice is not checked on the weekends, holidays or evenings, so users should be aware that ice that was determined safe one day, may not be safe the next. Please refer to signs at the lake to find out when it is open for skating.

Many factors affect ice quality. Ice is subject to variable freezing temperatures from above, and yet subject to constant thawing temperatures from below due to water temperatures in the 40-degree Fahrenheit range. Wind-whipped water, areas where there is any water movement due to either overland runoff or underground springs, and shaded or sunny areas, all lead to freezing and thawing conditions. Snow is another contributing problem, as snow cover acts as an insulator and ice may actually begin to melt despite freezing temperatures.

Remember that even when Stephens or Cosmo-Bethel Lake is determined to meet the criteria for skating or fishing, never do these activities alone and do not gather in large groups on one spot. Do not be on the ice after dark, and please warn other users of dangerous conditions. It is a good idea to have a rope, ladder, or pole available, which could be extended to a victim in an emergency. Hypothermia, the rapid cooling of a person’s body, can result in death. When it comes to ice, please remember one rule….there is no such thing as safe ice!

When Stephens or Cosmo-Bethel Lake is determined to meet the criteria for skating or fishing, the following signs will be posted at each lake  – “Ice Skating Tips – Stephens Lake Park “ and “Ice Fishing Tips – Cosmo-Bethel Park “

Ice skating safety tips

Location: Stephens Lake, Stephens Lake Park, 2001 E Broadway

Below is the sign posted when Stephens Lake is determined to meet the criteria for ice skating.

Ice Safety Tips Sign

The ice has been checked and when inspected was at least 4 inches thick. However, please be aware that conditions may change. Please follow these safety tips.

Skate at your own risk. Remember, you take a risk anytime you go onto the ice.
  • Ice thickness is not consistent. Water currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets, are always suspect for thin ice.
  • NEVER skate alone. Always have at least two people present.
  • Children should NEVER be allowed to skate on a pond unsupervised.
  • Beware of ice around partially submerged objects, such as trees, logs, brush, embankments or dam structures.
  • Skating not allowed after dark.
  • Do not congregate in one area.
  • Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
  • Ice fishing is not allowed.

See also Winter Sports at Stephens Lake Park

Ice fishing safety tips

Location: Cosmo-Bethel Lake, Bethel Park, 4500 Bethel St.

A sign with the text below will be posted on site when Cosmo-Bethel Lake is determined to meet the criteria for fishing:

The ice has been checked and when inspected was at least 4 inches thick. However, please be aware that conditions may change. Please follow these safety tips.

    • Fish at your own risk.
    • Ice thickness is not consistent. Water currents, particularly around narrow spots, bridges, inlets and outlets, are always suspect for thin ice.
    • New ice is usually stronger than old ice. As the ice ages, the bond between the crystals decays, making it weaker, even if melting has not occurred.
    • Beware of ice covered with snow. Snow can insulate ice and keep it strong, but can also insulate it to keep it from freezing. Snow can also hide cracks, weaken and open ice.
    • Slush is a danger sign, indicating that ice is no longer freezing from the bottom and can be weak or deteriorating. NEVER fish alone. Always have at least two people present.
    • Children should NEVER be allowed to ice fish on a pond unsupervised.
    • Beware of ice around partially submerged objects, such as trees, logs, brush, embankments or dam structures.
    • Fish only during daylight hours. Fishing is prohibited after dusk.
    • Do not congregate in one area.
    • Stay away from cracks, seams, pressure ridges, slushy areas and darker areas that signify thinner ice.
    • Skating is not allowed.

Cosmo-Bethel Winter Trout Fishing Program

Sledding safety tips

Columbia’s sled hill is located at Stephens Lake Park, 2001 East Broadway. The sled hill is open when there is a minimum of 4-6″ of snow cover.

  • Inspect the sledding course for hazards. Trees, fences, rocks and telephone poles may cause injuries. Hay or straw bales might not always protect you from injuries.
  • Make sure that the bottom of the hill is long enough for the sled to stop safely.
  • Select age-appropriate sized hills, avoiding steep inclines for small children.
  • Never sled near traffic, roads, parking lots, rivers or bodies of water.
  • Never sled alone. Small children should always be accompanied by an adult.
  • Insist that children wear bicycle helmets when sledding.
  • Use the proper equipment. Do not use sheets of metal, pieces of wood, etc., for sleds.
  • Use the equipment properly. Don’t stand or put more people on the sled than what it was designed for.
  • If an adult rides on a sled with a child, the adult should sit with the child seated snugly in front, between the adult’s legs.
  • Avoid sledding over snow bumps or anything that may cause the sled to become airborne.
  • Only sled during daylight hours.
  • Do not sled on icy hills. Sledding hills should be only snow covered.
  • Stay alert, keep your eyes open and use common sense.
  • When going back up the hill, walk to the side of it, away from oncoming sleds.
  • Dress appropriately.