S A F E T Y -- Gulf Shores Trails

S A F E T Y — we all want it. But what if safety isn’t just something we hope for…what if it’s something we practice? If we took the time to be intentional and actually learn how to be safe, would we spend less time worrying about it?

Lately, safety has become a hot topic on the Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trail and Fort Morgan Trails in Gulf Shores, Alabama—especially with new restrictions aimed at eBikes. While those changes may come from good intentions, they raise an important question: are we looking at the full picture?

We have personally ridden over 3,000 miles on these trails over the past four years, and one thing has become abundantly clear—safety concerns can’t be pinned on a single group. It’s not just about eBikes.

In our experience, the biggest issue comes down to one word: ignorance.

YES, that sounds harsh, let’s clarify. The way we use trails today is very different from the past. There are more people, more rules, and more variations in how those rules are applied. It’s busier than ever, and many people simply aren’t aware of the expectations that come with shared spaces.

Take cycling, for example. There are generally two broad groups on the trail today. One includes more seasoned riders—those who grew up biking before helmets were standard, who instinctively understand balance, awareness, and the unwritten rules of the road. The other includes newer or younger riders, often equipped with more protective gear but sometimes less experience or familiarity with traditional riding dynamics.

Each group learned under different conditions. Different norms. Different rules.

Some guidelines have stayed the same—but many have evolved.

That’s why the responsibility falls on all of us. Regardless of age, experience, or the type of bike we ride, safety starts with awareness.

Learn the rules as they exist today. Stay alert. Respect others on the trail.

Because safety isn’t just something we expect—it’s something we create.

Here are a few links to help you get started:

1. Alabama Bicycle Laws

2. Drive Safe Alabama -- Great Accident Statistics

3. Hugh S. Branyon Backcountry Trails

4. Gulf Shores eBike Safety

Let’s take a minute to talk about something we see all the time on the trails—and honestly, it’s one of the most dangerous habits out there: not stopping at crossings.

Whether you’re walking or biking, you’re required to stop at trail crossings. Those stop signs you see? They’re facing you, not the cars, for a reason.

But way too often, people roll or walk right through intersections without even slowing down or looking. And over time, drivers have started to expect that kind of behavior. Many will slow down or stop early and wave trail users across—even when no one has actually entered the crosswalk yet. Meanwhile, traffic starts stacking up behind them, and it can lead to confusion or even near rear-end collisions because that’s not how crossings are supposed to work.

Here’s how it should work: trail users stop first. Look both ways. Look again. Wait for a safe gap in traffic. Then, once you begin crossing, drivers yield and let you safely finish.

It’s really about being predictable. When everyone follows the same basic rules, things move more smoothly—and most importantly, everyone stays safe.

So next time you’re on the trail, remember: let traffic flow, and wait to go!