Safety On The Tucson Loop: How safe is The Tucson Loop?
So just how safe is The Tucson Loop? The Tucson Loop is 131 (and counting) miles of of paved path that is vital to the transportation and recreational needs of many. The Loop is overall a very, very safe place to enjoy. During daylight hours The Loop is used by tourists and commuters. Tucson, Marana and Oro Valley police patrol The Tucson Loop. There are very few reported incidents.
Like any large trail system in a booming city of over one million people, one should act with caution and avoid danger. We recommend tourists and citizens to use the trail during daylight. As a good size metro, Tucson has better sections than others. We recommend people to avoid the downtown and South Tucson area after dark. (This would include the Santa Cruz trail section going south towards downtown.
Central Rillito River all the way to Julian Wash is very safe and is used by commuters all throughout the day. The very affluent Oro Valley and Marana sections are lauded for safety. It is very common to see cyclists biking late at night in Oro Valley, Marana, Rillito River and all the way to The Julian Wash.
Practicing normal caution will ensure you have a safe Tucson Loop experience.
Tucson Loop General Safety Guidelines
- Two people walking on The Loop Always carry enough water and exercise before 9 am and after 5 pm in summer.
- Be sure to carry a cell phone and let a friend no where you are going.
- Do not wear earbuds. You have to be able to hear everything in your surroundings.
- Yes, we live in a desert and wildlife get the right of way! Give them respect! Give wildlife a wide berth. Watch out for javelina, coyotes, bats and rattlesnakes, particularly around sunrise and sunset, and never approach a wild animal. Wildlife enjoy social distancing.
- Be sure to keep your pet on a leash and be extra cautious with cyclists approaching as dogs have the instinct to chase.
- Bicyclists need to do a check-through of their bikes before going out. Never ride without carrying a full saddle repair kit. Always keep an eye on your bike as theft is indeed a problem. Thieves are always looking for an opportunity.
- The Tucson Loop is not your personal racetrack! Cyclists and those using electric/ebikes need to keep their speeds under control. Please stay safely away from pedestrians. Everyone can enjoy The Tucson Loop!
- Everyone needs to be especially aware of people with disabilities. Let’s give them extra room.
- If you encounter a horse and rider, slow down or come to a full stop, and ask the rider if it’s safe to pass. Horses are easily spooked and they can toss the rider.
For more about The Tucson Loop, go to BikeArizona.org.
