Officials with the City of Santa Clarita are urging residents who utilize city-run trails, bike paths and paseos to practice social distancing during the coronavirus pandemic.

City officials issued a statement Friday morning in which they urged residents to stay safe when using trails, bike paths, and paseos in order to help curb the spread of COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.

“If you intend to utilize City of Santa Clarita operated trails, bike paths and paseos for walking and biking during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, please remember to follow proper social distancing guidelines established by the County Health Department by maintaining a minimum of 6 feet between yourself and other users,” the statement reads. “This includes entering or exiting a trail and when passing other users.”

Before the past week’s series of rainstorms, local trails saw a 30% increase in bicycle and pedestrian traffic. With schools, facilities and many businesses being closed, officials say that much of the increased use has come from parents with their children, individuals walking their dogs and telecommuters taking a break from their work.

“The City realizes the value of its trails and paseos during the Coronavirus Emergency,” said Mayor Cameron Smyth. “I have received many positive comments about the importance of the trails and paseos and the impact on our quality of life. Never has this been more true than during this era of social distancing.”

While City officials say that it is “necessary” to stay home and practice social distancing to slow the spread of COVID-19, they also understand the “significant mental and physical health benefit trails provide to our community during this time.”

“For the City to keep trails and paseos open during the COVID-19 pandemic, residents are greatly encouraged to make social distancing a priority and a normal practice,” the statement reads.

If on a bike, ride to the right of the lane marked for bicycles and yield to pedestrians and avoid riding in the lane marked for pedestrian use.

Pedestrians keep to the right and use the marked pedestrian lane where provided. Use extra caution when using bridges under crossings, reducing your speed when necessary.

Always be alert and watch out for other users that might be entering or exiting the trail. The City of Santa Clarita’s trail system is designed for all ages and all biking and hiking skill levels.

More information on the trail system, including safety tips, maps, hours of operation and comment or request forms, can be found on their site.

KHTS FM 98.1 and AM 1220 is Santa Clarita’s only local radio station. KHTS mixes in a combination of news, traffic, sports, and features along with your favorite adult contemporary hits. Santa Clarita news and features are delivered throughout the day over our airwaves, on our website and through a variety of social media platforms. Our KHTS national award-winning daily news briefs are now read daily by 34,000+ residents. A vibrant member of the Santa Clarita community, the KHTS broadcast signal reaches all of the Santa Clarita Valley and parts of the high desert communities located in the Antelope Valley. The station streams its talk shows over the web, reaching a potentially worldwide audience. Follow @KHTSRadio on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.