Hiker, Biker, Horse
A simple game to reinforce the concept of trail etiquette. Play this game after having presented the concept of giving up the trail when groups meet, including groups of hikers, horses, and bicyclists.
Goal
Participants will know who should give way on the trail when hikers, bikers, and horses meet.
Time
7 minutes - 2 minutes to introduce game, 2 minutes to play and completely memorize which choice wins, 3 minutes to discuss.
Objectives
Participants will be able to:
- Understand that horses always have the right-of-way on trails.
- Understand that bicyclists never have the right-of-way on trails.
- Understand that hikers may have the right-of-way, but a smart, safe, and considerate hiker is always willing to step aside.
Materials
Required items for the activity
- none
Motivator When hiking, you will cross paths with others on the trail. You'll be much more confident and leave a better impact by knowing proper etiquette.
Presentation
This game is a play on the well-known children's game of Rock, Paper, Scissors.
Opponents face each other with their left hand open with the palm up. The right fist is dropped into the left hand as a fist twice and then on the third hit is changed to a meaningful shape:
- Horse - 4 fingers out to symbolize the 4 feet
- Hiker - 2 fingers out to symbolize the 2 feet
- Biker - 0 fingers out to symbolize no feet on the ground
- Horse - hands up to head to make ears
- Hiker - wave one hand to say HI
- Biker - both hands out in front holding onto handlebars
Reflection
It should only take a couple rounds to quickly see that a Horse always wins and a Biker never wins.
- If two hikers meet 8 bicyclists, does it still make sense for the bikes to give way? (may be simple and do less damage for the 2 people to step aside)
- What if two groups of hikers meet? (group heading uphill has right of way. If one group is much larger, then it might be better for the smaller group to give way.)
- If I see a bike barreling down the trail at me as I'm walking up a steep grade, I'm not going to debate the concept of trail etiquette - I'm going to quickly step aside. Use sense to stay safe - don't expect that everyone is considerate of others.
