Safety Information
Safety is our #1 priority of the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50! It is imperative that you read the safety notices below and make sure to abide by proper trail etiquette while participating in the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50. We want everyone to have an enjoyable time on August 11, 2024, including our riders, volunteers, partners, and other trail users.
- The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 is a ride, not a race. Take your time and ride at a comfortable, safe pace. There are no prizes for finishing first.
- If you or someone else has an emergency during the ride, such as severe injury or illness, please call 911 immediately. After calling 911, please call an OECC staff member. You will receive our phone numbers prior to the event. Please program these numbers into your phone for the day of the ride. There will be a First Aid kit available at every stop along the ride.
- If at any point you feel like you cannot finish the ride, make it to the nearest water stop or trailhead if possible and call Lauren Anderson. You will receive her phone number prior to the ride. Do not try to continue if it feels unsafe to do so.
- Always wear a helmet while bicycling.
- Always give audible signal while passing another trail user and always pass on the left. Ring your bicycle bell if you have one or yell "On your left!".
- Slow down in populated areas, such as trailheads. There may be other trail users enjoying the resource such as hikers, runners, bicyclists, bird watchers, dog walkers, families, and children.
- Please do not ride side-by-side with other riders across the entire width of the trail. Leave space for trail users travelling in the opposite direction to pass by without difficulty and for others behind you to pass you if necessary.
- Stay in front of the sweepers. Sweepers are volunteers who bicycle behind everyone during the ride. Their job is to stay in the back of the group and ensure that no one gets left behind. They will be wearing a staff/volunteer shirt with the Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 logo.
- If you have a light on your bicycle, please set it to solid light only. Some trail users may be sensitive to strobe lights.
- There will be water stops stationed throughout the ride. Take advantage of these stops to rehydrate, refuel, and rest your muscles briefly.
- Weather conditions are unpredictable and uncontrollable. The Cleveland Clinic Akron General Towpath 50 happens rain or shine.
- If it rains, watch out for slick spots on the trail, such as slippery bridges and boardwalks. We ask that you stop, get off your bicycle, and walk across these slick spots so you do not fall.
- Dress appropriately. If it is cold and rainy, wear necessary layers to stay dry and warm.
- If the sun is blazing, wear SPF to prevent uncomfortable and harmful sunburn and make sure you stay hydrated.
If you have any questions about the safety notices above, please email Lauren Anderson at landerson@ohioeriecanal.org or call 330-374-5657.