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MCT Trail Rules

MCT Trails Rules

Availability

The Madison County Transit (MCT) Trails shall be operated and utilized in such a manner as to maximize the intended benefits to and for the general public. The MCT Trails shall be maintained in a manner as to promote the safe and enjoyable use of the facilities by the public. The MCT Trails shall be open to the public for use and enjoyment without regard to race, color, disability, creed, or national origin. The MCT Trails are open to the public from Sunrise (Dawn) to Sunset (Dusk). Portions of the MCT Trails may be closed from time to time for maintenance.

Permitted Uses

  • Walking, running, rollerblading, skating, skateboarding, bicycling, including pedal assist electric bicycles, and bicycle trailers.
  • Electric scooters, segways, hover boards, and “one wheel” devices are permitted, so long as the 15 mph speed limit is observed.
  • The MCT Trails are accessible to persons using walkers and wheelchairs, including motorized wheelchairs.
  • Leashed pets are permitted but must be controlled on leashes six feet long or less and must remain within their caretakers designated lane. Caretakers are responsible for cleaning up after their pet and properly disposing of pet waste.
  • Authorized Events are subject to an approved application:
    1. An Application for Use of MCT Trails must be submitted to the Madison County Mass Transit District at least sixty days prior to the event by the Lead Event Host. The Lead Event Host is defined as an Illinois unit of local government or a tax-exempt organization under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, and must be organized and operated exclusively for exempt purposes as set forth in section 501(c)(3). The Lead Event Host must have an approved application if it intends to use any portion of the MCT Trails and/or a MCT Park & Ride Lot for a publicized organized event (run, walk, bike ride, trail cleanup event, or similar event). The Lead Event Host must be openly advertised as such at the event.
    2. Due to safety concerns, all events held on MCT Trails are only allowed under the following conditions:
      • Event start line and finish line cannot be on MCT Trails. Participants must travel an adequate distance before entering MCT Trails to prevent congestion on MCT Trails.
      • Event must have a rolling start or wave start and must allow sufficient time and distance between participants entering the event course. Mass starts are not allowed.
    3. The MCT Trails must remain open to the public during organized events. No area of MCT Trails/MCT Park & Ride Lots may be fenced, blocked, or otherwise made inaccessible to the public.
    4. If event is approved, Lead Event Host shall provide a Certificate of General Liability Insurance that names Madison County Mass Transit District as an additional insured for no less than $1,000,000 per occurrence. The required insurance shall be submitted to MCT no later than 10 days prior to the event. The event will not be held on MCT property without an acceptable certificate of insurance.
    5. Lead Event Hosts must review and sign an MCT Trails Use Terms & Conditions document prior to the event to indicate that they are aware of MCT’s rules and guidelines.

Prohibited Uses and Activities

  • No unauthorized motor vehicles, gasoline powered bicycles, internal combustion engine powered vehicles of any kind, or all-terrain vehicles (ATVs) are allowed on the MCT Trails at any time.
  • No horses or horseback riding allowed.
  • No hunting allowed.
  • No alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, fireworks of any kind, or firearms, except as provided by the Firearm Concealed Carry Act (430 ILCS 66), are allowed.
  • No dumping of any kind, including grass clippings, branches or yard waste.
  • No unauthorized marking or signage permitted on MCT Trails for any reason.
  • Commercial use of MCT property is not allowed, except as provided in Permitted Uses and Authorized Events sections above.
  • Bicycle races and/or peloton bicycle riding are never allowed on MCT Trails.

Speed Limit

Maximum speed is 15 mph. Please travel at a reasonable speed, in a consistent and predictable manner. Always slow down when approaching maintenance crews.