Michael Lemberger wrote:
[Arthur wrote] For myself, I would prefer everyone going the same
direction on the same side. I've already encountered situations where
a combination of couple of counterflow pedestrians and oncoming bike
traffic have actually caused me to come to a complete stop to wait for
an opportunity to pass. If the peds had going in my direction, I could
have just slowed to walking speed while waiting for the opportunity to
pass.
Ditto for me. I have seen runners (do they get lumped with pedestrians?)
pass slow bicyclists. It is way easier to slow down to ped speed and
wait to pass than to have to weave around the various users, going
various directions, on the two sides of the path. Everyone on the right,
please, and go left when passing.
Alternatively, it would have been good for the path to be a consistent
10-foot width continuing past Commonwealth (the point at which I think
it goes from 10 feet down to 8 feet.) It's a noticeable difference.
I think the path narrows from 15 feet to 12 feet. You'd be surprised how
narrow 8 feet it. For comparison, the average residential sidewalk in
Madison is 5 feet.
My guess on the cause of the collision was one of the following:
1. Bicyclist doesn't warn pedestrian he is passing. Pedestrian verves a
bit into his path at the last minute because she didn't realize anyone
was there.
2. Bicyclist warns pedestrian he is going to pass, but not clearly or
too late. Pedestrian steps the wrong way because she is startled by
sudden noise behind her.
Both of these scenarios would be "bicyclist error" or rudeness in my
opinion. My technique, which seems to both work well, and be appreciated
by other path users, is to
a. slow down,
b. give a verbal warning well in advance of approaching other users,
c. wait for the people in front to acknowledge my warning (looking over
shoulder, moving right, nodding, etc.)
d. pass at a reasonable speed when I am sure they know I'm there.
e. SAY THANK YOU.
-- Robbie
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