Emergency Preparedness

As we enjoy the cooler weather that comes with fall, it’s a great time to start preparing for what the next season will bring. This year, Sacramento County’s partners at the National Weather Services are expecting a strong El Nino year, which means the potential for heavy rain, flooding and the issues that come with the weather. Seasonal forecasts cannot predict exactly when or where the most significant storms will occur, which is why it’s important for everyone in the County to be ready for this winter. The best approach is to prepare now and stay informed as local conditions can quickly change.

Here is a list of what you can do now:

Sign up for emergency alerts. Emergency alerts provide emergency information, including severe weather, flooding and evacuation notifications. Residents can add phone numbers, email addresses and addresses to receive alerts relevant to their area.

Review your emergency plan and supplies. Make sure your household has an emergency kit with food, water, flashlights, batteries, first-aid supplies and other essentials. Consider your family’s needs, including medications, medical devices, pets and other items that may require special planning.

Check your property before the rain arrives. Clear leaves and debris from gutters, drainage areas and storm drains around your home. If you see a plugged storm drain or other drainage problem, call 311.

Consider flood insurance. New flood insurance policies typically have a 30-day waiting period before coverage begins, so don’t wait until a storm is approaching to purchase a policy.

Know your flood risk. Even properties outside mapped high-risk flood areas can experience flooding. Review your property’s flood risk and know where you would go if you needed to move to higher ground.

What we are doing ahead of the winter to keep all of us safe:

Sacramento County’s Office of Emergency Services (OES) works year-round to prepare for emergencies, including winter storms and flooding. This winter, OES is strengthening emergency operations through training and exercises, improving alert and warning systems, and preparing resources and staffing for potential shelter operations. The County also continues to coordinate with local jurisdictions and emergency response partners, update emergency plans and provide preparedness information to the public. We also regularly meet with and receive updates from NWS.

When we stay prepared, we can all remain calm and take needed steps during an emergency – weather it’s flooding, power outages or other disasters.

Check out additional resources on our Sac Ready page. 

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Sacramento County’s Department of Child, Family and Adult Services (DCFAS) is recognizing October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month. DCFAS supports survivors and families through programs and partnerships that protect children, older adults and dependent adults. Through partnerships with community organizations, law enforcement and service providers, DCFAS works to ensure that survivors have access to safety, resources and compassionate support.

Domestic Violence Awareness Month is an opportunity to raise awareness about domestic violence and take action to support survivors and help prevent family violence. In 2026, the national Domestic Violence Awareness Project is focusing on moving from awareness to action and standing with survivors.

Sacramento County partners with organizations that provide services and resources to people impacted by domestic violence, including WEAVE, the Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center and My Sister’s House.

Resources:

WEAVE: Provides support and resources for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.

Sacramento Regional Family Justice Center: Provides crisis intervention, legal support, youth services, and survivor advocacy.

My Sister’s House: Provides services for Asian and Pacific Islander and other underserved women and children impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault and human trafficking.

National Domestic Violence Hotline: (800) 799-7233 — Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Childhelp USA Hotline: (800) 422-4453 — A 24-hour crisis hotline offering support in 140 languages.

How to Report Abuse in Sacramento County

• To report child abuse: Call the 24-Hour Child Abuse Hotline at 916-875-KIDS (5437)
• To report elder or dependent adult abuse: Call the 24/7 Adult Protective Services hotline at (916) 874-9377. For emergencies, dial 911.

Sacramento County employees and community partners work throughout the year to raise awareness and support people impacted by domestic violence. We can all do our part by learning about domestic violence, supporting survivors and sharing information about resources that can help people find safety and support.

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Sacramento County is now home to what is being described as the first program in California to bring substance use treatment, behavioral health care, housing and other support services together in one place for pregnant and parenting women.

Sacramento County’s Healthy Beginnings Perinatal Program (HBPP) was created in partnership with Bridges Professional Treatment Services to address longstanding gaps in care identified by Sacramento County departments, managed care plans, hospitals, child welfare agencies and community-based organizations.

Before HBPP, pregnant and parenting individuals seeking treatment could have to navigate multiple providers and systems as they moved between different levels of care. The new program brings those services together, ensuring families can move through treatment without interruption, confusion, or isolation. These levels of care include:

• Residential Treatment: A 24-hour therapeutic environment for pregnant and parenting individuals beginning their recovery journey.
• Intensive Outpatient Services: Multiple weekly therapy sessions designed to support continued progress as participants transition back into daily life.
• Outpatient Services: Flexible ongoing treatment options including therapy, support groups, and recovery resources.
• Sober Living: Substance-free housing where families can stabilize, build life skills, and strengthen their long-term recovery.

“This work is so important because it creates a space where stigma gives way to compassion, where recovery is supported by community rather than carried out alone, and where every child is met with the promise of a healthy beginning,” said Kimberly Grimes, Health Program Manager with Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services. “We are excited that through partnership, we can make services more accessible and give families an opportunity to thrive.”

HBPP’s residential program includes 8 units, with space for up to 16 mothers and their children. Meaning each unit can accommodate two mothers and children, with children up to age 5 eligible to stay with their mothers. The program serves individuals who are pregnant or up to 12 months postpartum.

Sacramento County is providing approximately $2.8 million annually in perinatal-specific funding to expand treatment capacity in the County. Additional Drug Medi-Cal funding supports eligible individuals receiving outpatient and residential treatment.

Pregnant or parenting individuals experiencing substance use or behavioral health challenges can learn more about available services and support through Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services.

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Sacramento County Regional Parks Rangers do much more than patrol local parks. They respond to emergencies, help visitors in distress, enforce applicable laws and ordinances, and work every day to keep patrons safe and our Sacramento County’s park welcoming.

On Aug. 19, Sacramento County Regional Parks held award ceremonies recognizing Rangers for their work in 2024 and 2025. Awards honored lifesaving efforts, outstanding service, safe driving, good conduct, military service and other contributions to the department.

Ready when seconds matter

The Rangers’ lifesaving work was especially evident during the summer of 2025, when the Park Rangers Marine Unit responded to 82 water rescues on the upper American River. That compares with 47 water rescues in 2024 and 29 in 2023.

Several rescues were highlighted during the awards ceremonies. On July 5, 2024, Sgt. Trevor Schnitzius, Sgt. Marc Piazza and Ranger Scott Jepsen were assigned to the Marine Patrol Unit near the Clay Banks when they saw a 5-year-old child and his father fall into the river. The child was wearing a life jacket, but his father was not. The strong current swept them downstream as the father struggled to stay afloat while holding onto his son.

The Rangers immediately responded, throwing a rescue line to the father. He was able to hold onto the line while the Rangers pulled both him and his son to safety. Their actions were recognized with a 2024 Lifesaving Award.

The 2025 Lifesaving Award recognized 11 Park Rangers for their actions responding to emergencies and water rescues throughout the year. Their quick response, teamwork and commitment to public safety helped protect visitors in some of the most challenging conditions Rangers encounter. The award recognized Sgt. Elmer Marzan, Sgt. Marc Piazza, Sgt. Roger Perez, Sgt. Trevor Schnitzius, Rangers Scott Jepsen, George Tzikis, Jared Houston, Noah Barron, Aaron Love and Vanessa Moreno, and Park Ranger Assistant Carlos Cueva.

Quick action helps save a life

Park Rangers are often the first to respond when someone needs help in a County Park. In May 2025, Park Ranger Assistant Carlos Cueva encountered a woman near the Sunrise boat launch who appeared to be experiencing a medical emergency. When she did not respond to attempts to wake her, Cueva called for assistance, and Rangers arrived on scene. Ranger Moor administered Narcan and continued to monitor her until additional help arrived. The woman was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation.

Service beyond the badge

Rangers also received recognition for work that extends beyond individual emergency responses.

Rangers David Lunar and Taylor Watson received 2025 Chief’s Commendations for their work investigating a suspected crime in a County park. During the incident, the Rangers conducted a records check and discovered the suspect was on probation and was a registered sex offender. Their investigation uncovered evidence of child exploitation on the suspect’s phone, and they worked with the suspect’s probation officer to establish a probation violation. After a thorough investigation by the Park Rangers, the suspect was ultimately sentenced to eight years in prison for the probation violation and child exploitation charges.

Sgt. Roger Perez also received a 2025 Chief’s Commendation for his work supporting training and recruiting, including assisting with efforts that resulted in seven new Rangers being hired.

From responding to emergencies on the river to investigating crimes, helping visitors and supporting their fellow Rangers, the awards provided an opportunity to recognize the dedication and service of the people behind the badge.

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September is Suicide Prevention Month, a time for Sacramento County Behavioral Health Services to remind our community that suicide can affect people of every age, background and circumstance. A person may be a child, teenager, adult or older adult; a friend, relative, co-worker, neighbor, student or veteran. No one needs to face a crisis alone, and each of us can help someone connect with support.

Suicide is rarely caused by one event. Health concerns, painful losses, relationship or financial stress, discrimination, trauma, substance use, isolation and barriers to care can combine in different ways. A past attempt and a sense of hopelessness are important risk factors, but risk factors do not predict with certainty who will attempt suicide. Connection, accessible care, coping skills and reasons for living can help protect people.

Hope is part of prevention

A suicidal crisis can make pain feel permanent and options seem out of reach. That feeling can change. With time, effective care, practical help and sustained connection, many people move through suicidal thoughts and build lives they value. Offer realistic hope: avoid promises or quick fixes, acknowledge the pain, and focus on the next safe step together.

• Recognize possible warning signs
• Pay particular attention when a behavior is new, increasing or connected to a painful event, loss or major change. Warning signs may include:
• Talking or writing about wanting to die, feeling hopeless, being trapped, having no reason to live or being a burden
• Looking for a way to die or making a plan
• Giving away valued belongings, saying goodbye or putting affairs in order
• Withdrawing from people or activities, or losing interest in usual routines
• Extreme mood changes, agitation, rage, anxiety, shame or unusual calm after severe distress
• Sleeping much more or less, or increasing alcohol or drug use
• Taking dangerous risks or behaving recklessly

One sign does not always mean a person is suicidal, and some people show few visible signs. If something feels different or concerning, check in. Any talk of suicide should be taken seriously.

What Can you do

The National Institute of Mental Health recommends five actions that anyone can use:

• Ask directly. Say, “Are you thinking about suicide?” Asking clearly does not put the idea in someone’s mind or increase suicidal behavior. It can open an honest conversation.
• Be there. Stay calm, listen without judgment and take the person seriously. Do not lecture, debate, minimize their pain or promise secrecy.
• Help keep them safe. Ask whether they have a plan and access to lethal means. If risk is immediate, stay with them and, when it can be done safely, reduce access to firearms, medications or other lethal means. Do not put yourself in danger.
• Help them connect. Call or text 988 together, contact a health or behavioral health professional, and involve a trusted person. Help with practical steps such as making an appointment or arranging transportation.
• Follow up. Reach out after the immediate crisis and after care begins. Specific, ongoing contact can reduce isolation and reinforce that the person matters.

Make the conversation age appropriate

Children

Use calm, concrete words: “Sometimes people feel so bad they think about dying. Have you had thoughts like that?” Ask about changes at home, school, with friends and online. A child who says they want to die or hurt themselves needs an immediate adult response. Stay with the child, secure potentially dangerous items, and contact a parent or caregiver and a health professional or 988. Do not ask a child to keep suicidal thoughts secret.

Teens and young adults

Be direct and respectful of privacy without promising confidentiality when safety is at risk. Ask about bullying, relationship loss, identity-based stress, school or work pressure, substance use and upsetting online content. Listen more than you speak, involve a trusted adult or professional, and collaborate on a safety plan. Do not dismiss comments as attention-seeking or assume social media posts are only jokes.

Adults

Check in after job or financial problems, relationship changes, legal trouble, serious illness, pain, caregiving strain, trauma or increased substance use. Use plain language, offer concrete help and follow through. A co-worker, friend or family member may need support connecting with care, taking time away from immediate stressors or making the environment safer.

Older adults

Do not treat hopelessness, withdrawal or talk of death as a normal part of aging. Ask about grief, loneliness, pain, disability, changes in independence, caregiving, sleep, medications and access to lethal means. Include the person in decisions, address hearing or communication needs, and connect them with medical care, behavioral health support and trusted community or family contacts.

Know when to get immediate help

If a person says they intend to act soon, has a plan and access to lethal means, has made an attempt, or cannot stay safe, do not leave them alone. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department. If it is safe to do so, remove access to lethal means while help is on the way.

For emotional distress, suicidal thoughts or concern about someone else, call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is free, confidential and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Veterans may call 988 and press 1 or text 838255.

You do not need perfect words or all the answers. A direct question, a calm presence and help connecting to care can create time, safety and hope.

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The last big summer holiday weekend is right around the corner and Sacramento County’s Department of Regional Parks​ is encouraging visitors to stay safe while having fun in its parks and on the river.

Being familiar with the Regional Parks’ rules and regulations that promote safety helps preserve the parks and ensure that everyone has a fun holiday weekend.

Be Safe in the Water:

• Life Looks Good On You—and so does a life vest! Before you dive in, put on a life vest. Borrowing stations are available along Sacramento’s waterways and at local fire stations. Remember, even the strongest swimmer can be pulled under by the strong river currents, even when water flows are low.
• Kids Don’t Float —but life vests do. Make sure your child wears a life vest. Sacramento County ordinance requires any child under 13 to wear a life vest before accessing any public waters (Sacramento County Ordinance 13.08.301). Bring a life vest for each of your children to the river.
• Jumping and diving from the Clay Banks at El Manto is prohibited. 

Prevent Wildfires:

• Smoking is only allowed in developed picnic areas, asphalt surfaces, golf courses and on levee tops in the American River Parkway.
• Open flame fires are not allowed, and barbequing is only permitted in designated picnic areas.

Alcohol Prohibited for the Holiday Weekend:

Beginning Saturday, Sept. 5 through Monday, Sept. 7, possession of alcohol is prohibited on the shore and river of the American River within Sacramento County Regional Parks’ jurisdiction and at Sherman Island. The prohibition includes open or closed alcoholic beverages. 

Parking Fee Increase:

The number of visits to Regional Parks increases dramatically during holiday weekends, which increases the cost to staff and maintain the parks. In order to offset these costs and provide maximum staffing and enforcement, the vehicle entrance fee will increase to $11 for single vehicles and $17 for oversized vehicles and vehicles towing watercraft. These increases will not affect annual pass holders. Visitors who regularly enjoy County Parks are encouraged to purchase an Annual Parks Pass, not only to save money but to help keep our parks safe and clean.

Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Free.

Heading out on two wheels this holiday weekend? Whether you’re riding a traditional bicycle or an e-bike, take a few minutes to know your ride and the rules before you hit the trail.

• Know your e-bike: California recognizes three classes of e-bikes. Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes provide assistance up to 20 mph, while Class 3 e-bikes can assist up to 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted on Sacramento County Regional Parks trails and facilities. E-motorcycles, sometimes called e-Motos, are different from e-bikes altogether. They are electric motorcycles with two wheels, handlebars, a straddle seats and no pedals, and are prohibited in our parks and on our trails.
• Wear a helmet: California law requires riders under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened helmet on public roads, bikeways and bicycle paths and trails. Helmets are recommended for riders of all ages.
• Slow down and stay alert: On the American River Parkway’s Jedediah Smith Memorial Multi-use Trail, the speed limit is 15 mph. Ride single file, pass on the left and give other trail users plenty of space.
• Know where you can ride: Bicycle and e-bike rules vary by trail. Stay on designated routes and check the rules before you ride.

For more information on e-bikes, check out this recent SacCounty News story.

Keep Our Parks Clean

Helping out is easy. Some easy ways you can help keep our parks clean and beautiful:

• Please do not litter. 
• Minimize your own trash. Reduce the amount of waste you bring into our parks by using re-usable containers that you can bring home afterward.
• Use the garbage cans located throughout our parks. 
• Practice pack it in, pack it out. If you bring something with you, take it with you when you leave. That includes food scraps and beverage containers.

Visit the Sacramento County Regional Parks for more information. For emergencies, call 9-1-1.

Call 3-1-1 to report non-emergency or maintenance issues.

The post Sacramento Park Safety Tips and General Reminders For Labor Day Weekend first appeared on SacramentoHelp.info.

“We are here today because public safety and behavioral health need to work hand in hand,” District Attorney Thien Ho said during the launch of the District Attorney’s Chronic Offender Rehabilitation Effort, known as CORE.

Individuals experiencing substance use disorders or mental health challenges may cycle in and out of jail when they have not been able to access or find a sustainable pathway to treatment, recovery and stability. This cycle can include an arrest or citation, a court appearance, release and subsequent involvement with the justice system.

To help create a new pathway forward, the Sacramento County Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Services Division has established Peer-Led Integrated Recovery and Housing, a new behavioral health program serving individuals referred through the District Attorney’s CORE population. The program is delivered in partnership with the District Attorney’s Office, the Public Defender’s Office and community provider Monarch Recovery Center.

Peer-Led Integrated Recovery and Housing connects eligible individuals with treatment, peer support, housing and recovery services while promoting accountability and community safety. The program recognizes that lasting change requires more than a temporary intervention, it requires coordinated services and sustained support that respond to each person’s needs.

“This is a partnership,” said Supervisor Pat Hume. “I’m glad to hear that it’s the first of its kind in the state because it’s a model for how we braid together different disciplines toward a solution for people who are struggling.”

Through this partnership, the Sacramento County Department of Health Services, Behavioral Health Services Division provides behavioral health assessments and funding to support treatment and recovery capacity at Monarch Recovery Center. Participants may receive substance use disorder treatment, mental health services, case management, care coordination, counseling, peer support and other recovery services.

Monarch Recovery Center is also providing 25 sober living beds and support for participants for up to one year. The combination of peer-led services, integrated treatment and stable housing is intended to help participants establish a sustainable foundation for recovery.

The program balances treatment and recovery with accountability. Participants are expected to remain engaged in treatment, attend required court appearances and remain crime-free. Individuals who successfully complete the program may avoid jail time, while those who do not complete the program may face consequences through the criminal justice system.

“This isn’t an absence of accountability. This is an opportunity with standards,” Ho said. “What we are trying to do here is to replace repetition with rehabilitation. To replace the revolving door with recovery.”

The need for accessible treatment and a new pathway forward can be significant. During the program launch, Ho shared the story of an individual who came to Sacramento to play sports, experienced an injury and later developed a substance use disorder. After becoming unhoused and cycling through the justice system, the individual was connected to treatment, achieved sobriety and reunited with family.

The story demonstrates what can happen when people are connected to appropriate treatment, housing and support at the right time.

“That’s an example of success,” Ho said. “But what we have been lacking over and over again is a consistent place where they can get treatment.”

Through Peer-Led Integrated Recovery and Housing, Sacramento County is helping individuals served through the District Attorney’s CORE initiative move beyond repeated justice-system involvement and toward recovery, housing stability and a healthier future.

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An unsuspecting room is filled with anything but unsuspecting power players. Healthcare systems and hospital CEO’s, key mental health providers, doctors, key directors and leaders from every social services department in Sacramento County, County CEO, in addition to representatives from the City of Sacramento’s housing and homeless team – with the meeting lead by District Two County Supervisor Patrick Kennedy, who convened this special meeting.

Kennedy delivers an impassioned introduction about the devastating impact of H.R. 1 on the most vulnerable populations in Sacramento County and how the people in the room have the influence to lessen the impacts of such a cruel piece of legislation. Getting all these heavy hitters in the same room is just the first hard fought battle – identifying the gaps in the system where people will fall through, the weaknesses in communication that are currently being lost in translation, the confusion of a system that was never designed to be navigated by a single individual – these are the problems to solve.

This meeting is just another example of the County leading change and the conversation into regional collaboration, systemwide changes and improvements and the importance of open dialogue toward meaningful and lasting service provision to the residents of Sacramento County. Not surprisingly, the air is filled with compassion and determination to protect our most vulnerable residents.

The crisis of how H.R.1 impacts residents of Sacramento County is bigger than just Cash and Food assistance. It’s bigger than homeless response or mental health response or Medi-Cal. It is each of these, but it is also all these programs and services and how they work together, and independently to improve the lives of people who utilize them to get them through very difficult personal times.

When people have the most basic of needs cared for, it allows them to focus on more complex needs such as building income, job training, childcare, reliable transportation – stabilizing the elements of their life that they can build on. What happens when people lose government support that keeps them fed, housed or covered by medical and dental care? Higher rates of homelessness, deep generational poverty, illness, childhood hunger, greater socioeconomic disparity widening the gap generation over generation.

The complexity of the system, of the people that need the most help, is not lost on anyone. But the determination to create a safety net as legislation out of local control leaves people in a free fall is fueled by the compassion of a social service heart – braced by the collaboration of County, City, health and private sector partners working to better our communities. 

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Emergency Preparedness

The Sacramento County Office of Emergency Services is proud to recognize National Emergency Management Awareness Month throughout August. The campaign is designed to increase public awareness of the emergency management profession and recognize the dedicated professionals who work every day to help communities, businesses, schools, healthcare organizations and government agencies across Sacramento County prepare for emergencies and disasters.

“Emergency management is often misunderstood as a profession that only responds to disasters,” said Mary Jo Flynn-Nevins, Sacramento County Chief of Emergency Services. “Emergency management isn’t just about reacting; it’s also about planning in advance, coordinating under pressure, and developing lasting resilience.”

Emergency management is the backbone of Sacramento County’s readiness and resilience. Response is only one part of our work, and our role continues long after a crisis ends. We create strong plans that perform under pressure, develop trainings and exercises that reveal gaps, coordinate efforts across agencies, and lead after-action reviews so lessons become improvements. Before, during and after emergencies, we guide recovery, restore essential functions and strengthen preparedness to help Sacramento County grow safer, stronger and more resilient.

Much of this work happens behind the scenes, but it plays an important role in helping Sacramento County prepare for the emergencies that can affect our region — from extreme heat and wildfires to flooding, severe storms and other hazards.

The public is encouraged to learn more about emergency management and the professionals working year-round to keep Sacramento County communities safe.

To learn more about Sacramento County’s Office of Emergency Services, visit their website.

To learn more about disaster preparedness steps you and your family can take, visit SacramentoReady.saccounty.gov.

Make sure to listen to County Conversations, which features Mary Jo as she discusses the role of the County Office of Emergency Services, how the team prepares for disasters and how they coordinate with state, local and federal partners. You can check out the podcast here. 

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Parks and Recreation

As students gear up for back-to-school season, Sacramento County expects to see an increase in kids and teens riding bicycles and e-bikes. Whether they’re commuting to school, meeting up with friends or enjoying the American River Parkway, now is a great time for young riders and their parents to review the rules of the road and the trails.

The message is simple: Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Free. Know your ride, know your classification, know the rules, and make smart choices that help you enjoy the freedom of riding.

First, know what you’re riding

Not every electric two-wheeler is an e-bike. California recognizes three classes of electric bicycles, and knowing the difference is especially important when riding on trails.

Class 1 e-bikes provide electric assistance only when the rider is pedaling, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

Class 2 e-bikes have a throttle that can propel the bike without pedaling, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph.

Class 3 e-bikes provide electric assistance only while the rider is pedaling and can assist up to 28 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are not permitted in Regional Parks facilities, including the American River Parkway and Dry Creek Parkway trails. Riders must be at least 16 years old to operate a Class 3 e-bike.

State law requires anyone under 18 to wear a properly fitted and fastened bicycle helmet when riding on public roads, bikeways or public bicycle paths and trails.

E-motorcycles, sometimes called e-Motos, are different from e-bikes altogether. A qualifying e-Moto is an electric motorcycle, with two wheels, handlebars, a straddle seat and no pedals. These vehicles are subject to additional licensing and registration requirements and are not permitted on the Parkway trail.

A simple rule of thumb: If it doesn’t have fully operable pedals, it’s not an e-bike.

Parents can help by looking at their child’s bike before they head out and making sure they know what type of e-bike they are riding, how fast it can go and where it can legally be ridden.

Ride Smart: Know your ride. Know the rules.

The Jedediah Smith Memorial Multi-use Trail along the American River Parkway is a popular destination for cyclists, pedestrians, runners, skaters and equestrians. With many different types of users sharing the trail, knowing and following the rules helps keep everyone safe.

For cyclists riding on the Parkway:

• Follow the 15 mph speed limit. The trail is designed to accommodate many types of users, so riders should slow down and be prepared for changing conditions and other trail users.
• Pass on the left. Give a verbal warning, such as “On your left,” before passing another cyclist or trail user.
• Ride single file. Leave space between riders and allow others to pass safely.
• Stay alert. Keep your eyes on the trail and watch for pedestrians, other cyclists, animals and vehicles crossing the trail.
• Pull completely off the trail when stopping. Stopping in the middle of the trail can create a hazard for others.
• Stay on permitted trails. Outside of the designated off-paved cycling areas, bicycles are not permitted on non-paved trails on the Parkway.
• Wear a helmet. California law requires riders under 18 to wear a properly fitted helmet when riding on public roads, bikeways and public bicycle paths and trails. Helmets are recommended for riders of all ages.
• Use lights when riding after dark. Riders should make sure their bicycles are properly equipped and visible to others.

The Parkway’s 15 mph speed limit applies to all riders, regardless of how quickly their bike is capable of traveling. For example, a Class 1 or Class 2 e-bike may be capable of reaching 20 mph, but riders must not exceed the Parkway’s 15 mph trail speed limit – the same goes for traditional bicycles.

Class 3 e-bikes and other motorized vehicles, including e-motorcycles, are prohibited in all Sacramento County Regional Parks trails and park facilities.

Ride Safe: Wear a helmet. Stay alert. Ride the speed limit.

A safe ride starts before you ever get on the bike. Riders should wear a properly fitted helmet, stay aware of their surroundings and follow the posted speed limit. On a busy multi-use trail, a few extra seconds of caution can make a big difference.

Parents can help by taking a few minutes before the school year begins to review their child’s bike, make sure it is properly equipped and talk about where and how they can safely ride.

“E-bikes can be a great way for young people to get around and enjoy the outdoors, but with that freedom comes responsibility,” said Liz Bellas, Sacramento County Regional Parks Director. “We want young riders and their families to enjoy our trails while making smart choices that keep themselves and everyone around them safe.”

Ride Free: Enjoy the ride.

For many young people, riding a bike or e-bike is about more than getting from one place to another. It’s a way to spend time with friends, get outside, explore the Parkway and enjoy a little independence.

Smart and safe riding helps make that freedom possible. When riders know their bikes, understand where they can ride and follow the rules, they can ride with confidence and enjoy the freedom to keep exploring.

So before you head out this school year, remember: Ride Smart. Ride Safe. Ride Free. Know your ride, know the rules, make safe choices and have fun.

For more information about multi-use trail rules and regulations, visit Sacramento County Regional Parks’ Multi-use Trail Rules and Regulations. For tips on safely riding bicycles on roads, bike lanes and sidewalks, visit Sacramento County’s Active Transportation webpage.

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