Everyday Manners for the Bike Path
As
the weather warms, more people hit the bike paths, which is a wonderful
thing. Wonderful, unless these cyclists do not know or do not care
about common courtesy and basic bike-path etiquette.
Case
in point, just yesterday as I was riding my trusty red three-wheel cycle down
the bike path, a man whizzed past me without warning. Startled and
perturbed, but not injured, I just muttered to myself that at his age he should
know better. As I was muttering from that encounter, a woman
pulled onto the path from a side street nearly knocking me down. She
flashed me a smile and peddled away. I, on the other hand, was not
smiling. My heart pounded so loudly the squirrels were
alarmed.
These
two instances were minor infractions, but still frightening and could have
resulted in injury--mine. Therefore, before I or anyone else
requires a brand-new pink cast, it is best to review some bike-path etiquette
rules.
Yell it or bell it!
Given
the very simple solution, it is amazing that so many cyclists insist on
terrorizing others on the bike path. After all, it is frightening to
have someone flash by us when we do not expect it. This is especially true for
the elderly or infirm, as they often feel threatened by fast-moving
riders.
Thus, when passing anyone, whether it is another cyclist or pedestrian, we need to give that person some sort of warning. If not using a bell, yell out "Passing on your left!" If passing a large group, elderly, or those with small children, it is best to slow down before passing just in case they didn't hear the warning or they wander out in front of us.
More
often than I would like, I am forced off the path by a group of
chatters. Although it appears friendly enough, it is frustrating for
cyclists to have to stop and wait for conversationalists to scoot out of the
way. Most frustrating are those who refuse to
move! Unfortunately, this is often the case. Since my
trike is much heavier than the typical bicycle, riding it off the path onto the
grass is not possible. I am forced to stop and walk my trike around
the oblivious crowd, which makes my usual cheery "Good morning!" I
shout to everyone a bit difficult to deliver.
Chatty
pedestrians are not the only road blockers. Other cyclists are
equally guilty. Some will ride side-by-side using the entire width
of the bike path without regard to others who wish to share the public
space.
To
block a public path is viewed as dismissive, impolite behavior. So,
when the need to converse arises, step off the path.
Runners, you do not own the path.
Running,
especially running in organized groups, is extremely popular here in my
hometown of Davis, CA. It is refreshing to see scores of people of
all ages enjoying this healthful sport. What is not refreshing
is to be forced off the path by a pack of tights-wearing running
enthusiasts. Many of these groups are quite large and very
chatty. Consequently, when passing from behind, I must yell multiple
warnings of my slowly passing wide load (trikes are wide) for all to hear
me.
Therefore,
runners, mind your manners. Do not take up the entire width of the
path and designate one person to announce a passing cyclist.
Obey the leash laws.
I
love dogs, always have. Because of this love, it would break my
heart to hurt a wandering furry one with my heavy trike. It would
not make my day to be bitten by one either. Our town, like most, has
a leash law to help prevent situations like this. However, many do
not feel the law pertains to them. After all, his or her dog is
special and would never hurt anyone else: very well-mannered. Even
so, why take the chance? It is best to obey the law. It
is safer for your dog and all who encounter your dog. Use the
leash.
A
bike path is a shared space. It is a place of enjoyment for walkers,
runners, cyclists, birders...everyone. If we can all remember that a
smile is warmer than a frown, a kind word is softer than a critical remark, and
sharing is sweeter than hoarding, perhaps we can enjoy this shared space even
more. Treat all on the path as if they are your
friends. Who knows? Some just may be one day.
Please
Read
How Children
Are Teaching Their Parents Manners
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