Nighttime Hiking/Biking in San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo is known for its mild climate, picturesque landscape, and many desirable locations for outdoor enthusiasts. SLO is close to beaches, open biking, and numerous hiking trails. The opportunities for SLO residents and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors are endless.

It is important to practice caution during any outdoor activities, including hiking and biking, especially at night. Failure to do so could result in catastrophic injuries, including broken bones, slips and falls, and even fatalities.

SLO City Council Allows Hiking and Biking After Dark

The Cerro San Luis Night Hiking Program that began as a pilot program in 2018 is now permanent. This program allows residents to hike and bike after hours on the Cerro San Luis during the winter months.

This decision has created much debate because the likelihood of severe and fatal biking and hiking accidents significantly increases at nighttime. The opposition also believes that this decision could pose dangers to the environment and local wildlife.

The program allows 65 individuals to enjoy hiking and biking nightly. Those in favor of the program report that they want to have time to enjoy the outdoor areas after work.

Dangerous Animals

There are many dangerous animals in San Luis Obispo that have the potential to cause serious injuries and fatal encounters. SLO is known for wildlife, including bears, coyotes, and mountain lions.

Hikers and bicyclists are at a higher risk of encountering one of these wild animals at night because of their decreased visibility.

Tips for Biking at Night

Biking at night has the potential to be significantly more dangerous than during daylight hours. Bicyclists could suffer from injuries from tree branches, collisions with other cyclists, or major falls. There are a few things you should do to prepare your bike for a safer nighttime biking experience.

First, check the operating condition of your bike to ensure everything is working properly. Examine the tread on the tires to be sure they are reliable and in good performance condition.

You should also prepare yourself by becoming familiar with the trail that you intend to travel at night during daylight hours.

Pack a backpack with items that you may need, including a charged cell phone, flashlights, and other essential biking equipment.

Essential Night Biking Equipment Includes:

• Reflective Tape for Several Places on Bike (Wheels, Tubes, Etc.)
• Install High-Quality Headlight on Bike Handlebars
• Install Additional Light onto Your Helmet
• Taillight
• Spare Batteries
• Reflective Clothing

It is also wise to protect your hands and eyes with mountain biking eyewear ad riding gloves. Wear extra layers because of the potential for colder weather at night.

Be sure to practice caution when biking at night and do not perform risky behaviors, including driving too fast, performing tricks, or making irresponsible jumps.

Hiking at Night

Hiking in the dark further increases the risks normally associated with hiking, including an increased risk of animal attacks, slips and falls, and other dangerous occurrences. Hikers are more likely to get lost in the dark and less likely to get help if an accident or emergency occurs.

Hikers should prepare by wearing the same reflective clothing suggested for bikers. You will need to practice extreme caution at night because of the increased danger that traveling by foot poses.

Wildlife

Bears are more active at night and with decreased visibility, there is a significant increase in the potential for an animal encounter.

Never run away from a bear. Be sure to make a lot of noise and slowly back away during an encounter. Do not turn your back to a bear.

If you encounter a mountain lion it is critical that you wave your arms and yell in an attempt to appear larger.

Additional Hiking Safety Tips:

• Wear Proper Hiking Boots
• Bring Water and Snacks
• Bring a Buddy
• Stay on Marked Trails

It is also a good idea to check the weather before venturing out on a hike. Heavy rain can cause rocks to be slick and become significantly more dangerous in the dark.

Notable Biking and Hiking Injuries in California

There are numerous individuals who have experienced serious injuries while hiking and/or biking on trails in California.

Intentional Sabotage

A bike rider in Simi Valley, California was injured when an unknown assailant intentionally sabotaged a local biking trail. The individual placed large rocks, branches, and hang lines around blind turns.

Hiker Falls Off Cliff

A hiker in Palos Verdes Estates, California fell off a cliff and suffered injuries while trial hiking. The individual had to be rescued and flown to a hospital via helicopter.

James McKiernan Personal Injury Lawyers

Hiking and biking are great ways to enjoy the outdoors and remain physically active. Just be sure before venturing out to take the necessary precautions required to stay safe. James McKiernan Personal Injury Lawyers care about the community and want everyone to have fun and protect themselves from potential dangers.

Contact James McKiernan today if you have suffered an injury that was no fault of your own. Consultations are free and a team of experienced legal experts is happy to provide you with an honest assessment of your case.

Call 800-200-HURT (4878) or visit us on our website.