zipline

A zipline is a device and activity that uses a suspended cable and gravity to move a rider from one point to another. The setup typically consists of a steel cable anchored at a higher point and a lower point, with a trolley or pulley that slides along the line. The rider wears a harness attached to the trolley, often with a helmet for safety, and travels from the start to the end under controlled speed.

Key components include the cable, anchor towers or trees, a trolley or pulley, a harness or sit harness, and braking mechanisms. Braking may involve a dedicated brake system on the trolley, friction in the line, or other safety features to slow and stop the rider. Many zipline systems also use backup safety lines or redundant controls. Typical commercial lines are designed to manage a range of rider weights and speeds, with safety checks and operator oversight.

Zipline installations are common in adventure parks, eco-tourism sites, canopy tours, and team-building programs. They vary in length, height, and slope, from short introductory rides to long, high courses that span canyons or forests. In addition to recreation, zipline activities can serve educational or research purposes, such as studying canopy ecosystems or providing access to difficult terrain.

Safety and regulation are central to operation. Licensed operators perform equipment inspections, harness fitting, and safety briefings; weather conditions and site maintenance influence daily use. Regular inspections, proper maintenance, staff training, and adherence to local standards are expected to minimize risk.

Note: the term zipline may also refer to other uses or entities, but this article covers the suspended cable ride and its common applications.