The Katy Trail and Rock Island Trail

switch to Rock Island map

Reply to Safety on the Trail

Scroll down to see the discussion

All submissions are reviewed for appropriateness. We reserve the right to remove or edit any comment that we consider incorrect, misleading, or inappropriate, at our sole discretion. Please remember that this is a family-friendly website.

Subject:

Reply to Safety on the Trail

Your Name:

This does not have to be your real name. It could be a "screen name", your initials, or just leave blank.

Your Hometown:

Optional - it's just interesting to know where people are from

Comment:

So we know you are a human, please answer this easy math quiz:

4 + 2 =

Crystal from Illinois on 2/2/2015 2:55:51 PM:

My children are all in college and have different spring breaks than I do this year so I am planning to ride the Trail by myself. I am just curious if it is safe enough for me to ride and camp alone? Thanks for any input!

ArkyKenny on 2/2/2015 3:59:23 PM:

As a rule, the Katy is very safe. But as you know, there are bad people everywhere. I ride alone more than I ride with someone. But I am a 50 year old male experienced rider. As the weather warms, there are quite a few people out on the Eastern part of the trail (St. Charles to Marthasville area) and the trail usually has traffic on it from the Booneville to Hermann stretch too. So you should never be too far away from people on the trail. If you go alone, make sure your bike is working well, that you can do basic repairs (change tires), have a cell phone, food/water, and have a back up plan if you crash/cramp/whatever. Camping at a campground--no problems there. I wouldn't worry a lot about riding alone if you have a moderate level of experience and find a few friends to be near along the way.

Ron on 2/2/2015 7:16:34 PM:

I agree with everything ArkyKenny wrote. Personally my biggest fear when riding the Katy is dogs. Whenever I've had run ins I didn't have much time to react. For protection I always keep a 3 inch folding knife and mace very close, either in my jersey pocket or in the handlebar bag. With dogs I've either tried to out run them or charge at them yelling, with the mace ready. This has worked so far. Never had any issues with people, but when you're riding by yourself anything can happen.

Ron on 2/2/2015 7:36:37 PM:

I should also mention that not every dog you encounter on the Katy wants to attack you. Most of them are pretty laid back, but it's best to be prepared. I always bring along some dog treats or a bag of Cheerios for the nice ones.

Crystal on 2/2/2015 8:53:24 PM:

Thank you for the comments... Very helpful.

RD from ozarks on 2/3/2015 10:07:10 PM:

During spring break? I am guessing that you are talking mid-March. Beware that weather and trail conditions along the Katy can be unpredictable in March. Some of the businesses are closed or on limited schedules during that time. Also some of the restrooms at trailheads may be closed due to the fact that water is turned off during winter.

Billy from Mokane on 2/4/2015 6:34:33 AM:

If financially possible treat yourself to any of the many B&B's along the trail. Safety becomes a non issue and you can leave the camping equipment at home.

Anonoh on 2/5/2015 12:32:18 PM:

Mid-march is not real crowded except for weekends and good weather. If you ride the whole trail solo as I (older male) did in 2011 in late March during the week, I saw very few people and the weather was pretty cool 40's-60's and windy with light rain. I would have a ride plan to camp, hotel, B&B with conservative riding distances.

Awf Hand from Chippewa Falls, WI on 2/18/2015 1:34:17 PM:

I rode the trail in September on a tandem unit with my 9yr old daughter. The biggest threat we faced was an unhappy dog or two on the detour around some bridge work. First line of defense, yell "NO" at the dog. Almost every dog I've encountered will respond to this and turn. 2nd, loud whistle. I bought a 99 cent whistle from a hardware store. It is LOUD. 3rd, can of Halt. Buy two cans if you've never used it and try out one to get a feel for distance and deflection. I've used this in my job (surveyor) and it works well, basically giving the dog a face-full-of-bees feeling.
The Halt will work well on bipeds if needed.
2nd what ArkyKenny says on bike repair capabilities and tools. I also recommend having a way to check the local weather, even if it is just a phone-a-friend who can look at a radar for you.

ArkyKenny on 2/18/2015 5:54:55 PM:

You guys have a lot more trouble with dogs than I do. Once, only once, did I have .trouble near Pilot Grove. A squirt of water from my water otter to the face, and that was that.

More likely: A. lost or abandoned dog followed me. I would have liked to have that collie in Hartsburg......

ArkyKenny on 2/18/2015 5:56:54 PM:

Or, from my water bottle....although my daughter would love it if we had a water otter.

Gary from Near Tebbetts on 2/19/2015 10:16:31 AM:

Wew, thanks for clarifying that ArkyKenny. I was a little concerned about how you trained an otter to squirt at dogs on command. :-)

Allen from Shawnee, KS on 2/26/2015 3:48:57 PM:

I have ridden this trail probable 8 times all the way and countless trips of several days to a week. Never have I ever had a concern for my safety. Many times I have started the trip alone but have almost always meet people along they way and camped in the same places or rode together.
Dogs have never been a problem I have never encountered an aggressive dog on the trail, although there may be some. I am a dog person and can recognize when a dog means business and when hey are just saying "hey, just wanted you to know this is my territory, have a nice day". Don't have any concerns at all there are many people doing this all the time. Have a great trip

Allen

Crystal from Illinois on 3/4/2015 9:32:43 AM:

I am reconsidering the ride time given the wet winter we are experiencing. I recently rode Tunnel Hill with a similar trail of crushed rock and the wet soft ground made it quite difficult to ride. I may have to postpone this ride until my summer break in June.

BikerBoy from Edwardsville, IL on 3/4/2015 12:58:06 PM:

Crystal, thanks for the update on Tunnel Hill. I was thinking of doing that one again in a few weeks. The freeze/thaw cycle is really tough on limestone trails. But you know how the weather is around here -- we may get a few weeks without rain and everything will be fine.

FEEDBACK! - Please let us know if you have suggestions, corrections, complaints, or ideas. Your input is valued and appreciated - thanks in advance!

More info: KT Home Katy Trail Map Trip Planner Travel Timeline Forum Towns & Services Mileage Chart Events Trail Merchandise Search Advertise Contact Us

By using this website, you agree to the Terms and Conditions.
how this website uses cookies
This information may not be copied or reproduced in any way.
© Copyright 2024 BikeKatyTrail. All rights reserved.
BikeKatyTrail and BikeKatyTrail.com are registered trademarks.