On 7/7/05, Arthur Ross <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
>>> "Michael Rewey" wrote: It's the same problem with bikes.
Pedestrians step out of me quite often because they didn't hear me
coming. Except when I am on my winter rust bucket.<<<
Thanks, Mike, for bringing this up. I had a call this morning on this
very topic from someone who walks the paths and is concerned about
bicyclists (and skaters) coming up on her and other pedestrians too fast
and quietly. She is not only concerned for her own safety, but also for
the safety of bicyclists and skaters because, as Mike pointed out, she
could move or even just swing her arm and knock a bicyclist down.
Here's my pitch/plea - - everyone, please be aware that when you use
the paths that these are shared use facilities, not high speed bicycle
highways. Slow down when approaching pedestrians or other slower moving
path users. Give an audible warning well before passing (vocal 'on your
left' or simply 'passing' or whatever you prefer or a bell or horn) and
wait for the pedestrian/other user to react before passing. Please be
good role models on the paths and pass the word on to other bicyclsts
you know who are not on the list.
Thanks,
Arthur Ross
Pedestrian-Bicycle Coordinator
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I wholeheartedly agree that we (as cyclists) should treat the multi-user paths as such and act accordingly (riding at slower speeds, etc.). It's our responsibility, as the fastest moving users of the paths, to keep things as safe as we can.
However....whether I announce my presence as I approach from behind is a matter of judgement -- depending largely on my 20 years of commuting experience and how I read the body language of the person I'm approaching. There are plenty of walkers, skaters, stroller-pushers, and dog-walkers that are moving along the path wrapped up in their own little world, even though they're not wearing headphones and certainly not paying attention to what's going on around them. Saying "on your left", "bike back", or "passing" simply startles these people and increases the chances that they'll do something unpredictable. Using my bell (and I dearly love my brass bell) seems to only confuse them -- many people in the
U.S. don't seem to understand that a bell ringing from behind equals bicycle about to pass. Combining the bell (first) and voice (second) seems to only compound the confusion.
Because of this phenomena, it's often safer for everyone (in my judgement) if I stay quiet, give them a wide berth, slow down a bit, and be prepared to take evasive action.
And then there's the fact that way too many people are plugged in and wearing headphones -- thereby making any good-faith attempt to let them know that I'm overtaking them completely pointless.
Perhaps the new maps that have been erected at various points around town could be used to also inform path users (and I mean everyone here, including cyclists) of the finer points of path etiquette. I would much rather that everyone know what my bell means -- we'd all be better off.
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