Massachusetts Bicycle Law: Park Trails

304 CMR 15.00: Trail Categories

Section 15.01: Definitions

A forest road is any paved corridor intended for use by wheeled vehicles.

A forest trail is any track or path less than 50 inches wide.

A forest way is any gravel or dirt road, including logging roads and abandoned rail beds, that will accommodate wheeled vehicles wider than 50 inches.

A paved bicycle path is any paved way designed and constructed specifically for bicycle use.

Section 15.03: Trail Signage

Blue triangle: Forest ways or trails restricted to non-motorized uses only. Mountain bikes allowed unless a specific prohibition applies to the area.

Orange triangle: Forest ways and trails open to motorized and non-motorized uses.

Orange diamond: Snowmobile route.

White blaze: The Appalachian Trail. Bicycles are not allowed on the Appalachian Trail.

Section 15.04: General Prohibitions

Bicycles and all other vehicles are prohibited where there is no clear evidence of a forest road, way, or trail. The only exceptions are marked fields, gravel banks, and similar open areas.

Bicycles may not be ridden through wetlands, ponds, or streams.

Cyclists must observe all area closings because of very dry, wet, or other adverse conditions. Closings will be posted at trail heads.

No cyclist may ride in a manner so reckless or heedless as to cause injury to any person, wildlife, or plants.

Cyclists must slow down when approaching horses or hikers and give them the right of way. Bikes should keep to the right of trail whenever possible; passing must not be attempted unless it can be done safely.

Other:

No mopeds or other motorized vehicles are allowed on paved bicycle paths or forest trails.

You may not hunt or shoot any wildlife within 150 feet of any paved bicycle path.

Cyclists may not exceed 15 m.p.h. on bicycle paths, nor 5 m.p.h. on pedestrian walkways. Pedestrians have the right of way at all times.