More and more people are taking to the sidewalks and the trails to get healthy, walk dogs, and enjoy time with loved ones in nature. Pedestrians and runners are often out in the early morning hours, and after work as the sun goes down, to beat the heat. Others find time on lunch breaks to take a stroll. Goodyear has plenty of beautiful areas to hike, walk, and run. Many are accessible via parks or a trailhead. These include areas around the Salt River and Estrella Mountains.
Goodyear Pedestrian Trails
There is a long trail near Goodyear in the Estrella Mountains that attracts bikers, runners, and even horseback riders. Pedestrians can enjoythis 9.9-mile loop or go out and back for a shorter version. There are plentiful wildflowers along the trail. Because there is a slight elevation gain, it is considered a “moderate” trail. There is a $6 entry fee per car.
The Litchfield Road Path is a concrete path that runs about three miles in length. Biking, skating, and walking are allowed on the path and it is wheelchair accessible. It connects Litchfield Park with Goodyear, and helps locals walk and bike to work and local businesses. It does run along a busier road, so use caution while enjoying the path.
The Goodyear Community Park offers some green space to walk and recreate. There is a splash pad and BBQ pits with picnic tables. There is also a skate park. It’s located off Litchfield Road near the Palm Valley Marketplace.
The Loma Linda Park offers a lot of green space to walk and play. It does have tennis and basketball courts as well as a playground.
Safety Tips for Pedestrians in Goodyear
All of these locations are near busy streets or need to be accessed via car. It’s important to follow safety rules if you are a pedestrian. Here are some basic rules:
Use caution in parking lots. Watch for cars that are backing out. Sometimes, drivers drive too quickly through parking areas and don’t see pedestrians. Watch for anyone who is speeding and stand near parked cars instead of in the middle of the lot.
Wear brightly colored clothing to make yourself more visible. If it’s dusk or early morning, use a headlamp or flashlight to help drivers see you.
Pack for the elements. Make sure to cover yourself from the sun and rain and wear comfortable clothes for longer walks. Your shoes should be supportive and have decent tread for traction. Wear a hat for shade and make sure to pack water and a snack.
Obey all traffic laws. Yield when crossing the road and wait for the appropriate signal, and make sure to look both ways for cars that may not see you.
Let someone know where you are going and when you’ll be back. Pack a working cellphone and an extra battery if you’ll be gone more than a few hours. Consider writing down emergency numbers on a piece of paper in case your phone dies.
Pedestrian Accidents in Goodyear
Sometimes, a pedestrian is the victim of an accident. This can happen because a driver fails to yield or doesn’t see the pedestrian. The victim can experience injuries or even be killed. Pedestrian accidents can be very serious and require costly medical expenses and years of rehabilitation.
Drivers often have insurance companies working hard on their side to keep settlement costs down, so it’s important that victims have someone working hard for them too. If you or a loved one was hurt in a pedestrian accident, contact The Husband and Wife Team at Breyer Law Offices, P.C., for a complimentary consultation.