Code of Massachusetts Regulations
302 CMR - DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND RECREATION
Title 302 CMR 12.00 - Parks And Recreation Rules
Section 12.12 - Rules of Conduct on DCR Properties - Trails

(1) All non-motorized trail uses shall be permitted on any DCR trail, including a forest trail, forest way, trail or rail trail unless posted closed with appropriate signage, or otherwise prohibited by regulation or law.

(2) The use of bicycles, electric bicycles and other means of transportation, including in-line skates, scooters, skateboards and similar equipment, may be prohibited in specific areas and at specific times at particular DCR properties, and may be communicated through postings, signs, or markings.

(3) Motorized conveyances are prohibited on improved or natural surface DCR trails unless such trails are designated for such conveyances by the Department or allowed by a duly authorized DCR permit.

(4) The use of electric bicycles is prohibited on sidewalks and on improved or natural surface trails, regardless of trail width or other conditions, except that Class 1 electric bicycles are permitted as follows:

(5) The use of Class 2 and Class 3 electric bicycles is permitted as follows:

(6) When passing others on a trail, trail users shall alert others with audible signals such as by voice, bell or horn.

(7) Trail users shall stop at all intersections and obey all regulatory signs and pavement markings on DCR property.

(8) A cyclist lawfully using DCR property after dark must equip his or her bicycle or other wheeled vehicle with a white light on the front of the vehicle and a red light to the rear of the vehicle that project illumination visible from 500 feet or more from the vehicle.

(9) Children younger than 17 years old must wear a helmet when riding or operating a bicycle or other wheeled vehicle on DCR property as prescribed by M.G.L. c.85, § 11B1/2.

(10) No person shall operate any bicycle, electric bicycle, in-line skates, scooters, skateboards or similar equipment in a reckless manner, or at a speed which may be considered unreasonable or improper for existing conditions.

(11) Trail users shall keep to the right. When stopping, no trail user may block the trail to other users.

(12) DCR may temporarily close or prohibit the use of any forest road, forest way, trail or area to any or all trail uses when the Department determines that such continued use would be detrimental to the environment due to extremely wet or dry conditions or for any other appropriate reason.

(13) No person may pass or create an access or egress between DCR property and abutting property in order to avoid an established regulation governing DCR property.

(14) No person may construct or clear any new trail or maintain, mark or change the use or treadway of an existing trail on DCR property, without written authorization by the Division Director.

(15) No person may operate any motor vehicle, electric bicycle, or motorized conveyance upon or over any trail that is not designated for such operation, except to cross over such trail where such crossing is designated by the Department or allowed by duly authorized DCR permit.