Finding a ride, or angels providing a ride for hikers can be frustrating and difficult for both the angel providing the ride and the hiker trying to find the ride. While getting a longer ride from a well seasoned trail angel, we had a good discussion that I can start to share here. Hopefully we can continue to refine a set of rules and processes by which trail angels and hikers agree to that provides for better outcomes for all.
Much of the recommended steps below stems from making sure that both the hiker and angel is well respected from all perspectives.
Hikers Practices –
Hikers should be very clear on their request when posting on Facebook or other methods – indicating location, times, needs, number of persons etc.
Once a hiker has confirmed a ride or service with an angel, they should go back and delete that Facebook request or at least note that they have found a ride, etc so other angels don’t attempt to go and solve the same issue.
Hikers should not continue to try and find a better or cheaper option once they have committed to an angel or make it clear to the angel you are still searching. It is not respectful to angels who are driving to pick you only to find you are not there anymore.
Fuel to drive hikers around is not cheap and some donations should be offered for any ride.
Angel Best Practices
As an angel, you should be transparent about your donation or fee request during your initial discussions or posting your services in Facebook posts.
Angels may want to ask hikers at a pick up to delete their post. It removes a lot of extra Facebook requests that have to be scrolled thru by hikers and angels if it is deleted.
It is helpful if Angels can get phone numbers of other local angels so they can best coordinate requests if they can’t help. Angels can also act as “dispatchers”.
Coordination among local angels is key for efficient serving of hikers. One example might be that some angels handle rides from Trail Heads to town. Other angels offers hiker stays and hosting. If the ride angels know and coordinate with the hosting angels, the hiker can get both a ride to town and place to stay and benefits from your coordination or knowledge of other angel services.
As an angel, a good starter line with a hiker is – How can I help you? Hikers may need more than a ride.
Trail Angel Central 