Comments on: Trail safety campaign reminds users to share and be aware

By: Michelle

Michelle — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 16:37:19 +0000

Oh my gosh, do I have to sound like the gormless country dweller when I express surprise that people use their phones while riding their bikes on the BGT? That’s…wow. Just wow.

By: M.J. Kelly

M.J. Kelly — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 14:54:01 +0000

When I’m walking, sometimes with the kids on the trail, the biggest thing I want is slower speed around us and behavior that acknowledges kids are somewhat unpredictable. They don’t want to collide with bikes, and you don’t want to collide with them. Bells from a distance give me a chance to remind them (again) to stay on the right.

As a runner, I loath the close pass. I often wonder if people are trying to make a point, like “I can pass you with inches to spare then zoom away and you can’t catch me.” It’s plain rude. If you’re close enough that I could reach my arm out and touch you, you’re too close to me. Then there are the stealthy riders who suddenly say “On your left” right in my ear. That’s very startling and unpleasant.

By: Don Brubeck

Don Brubeck — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 06:14:42 +0000

a bell ring or an “on your left” or “passing left”, and slowing to my pace if it is not yet safe to pass with a couple feet to spare. If I am less than 10 years old, how about slowing to my pace even if it looks safe to pass, because I might suddenly change direction and dart out in front of you for absolutely no reason that you might think of.

By: Diane

Diane — Thu, 20 Sep 2012 02:17:13 +0000

I try to remember to thank people as I pass them, and sometomes I hear them thank me. It’s not a safety requirement, but helps as all remember we’re human.

By: Al Hasse

Al Hasse — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 23:04:10 +0000

As an early morning bicycle commuter once or twice a week, I’m on the trail well before sunup. I am surpprized at the number of pedestrians wearing dark clothing without a sinlge refective item. Even with a headlight. I can’t see them until I’m on top of them.

Other cyclists wit super bright lights in the darkness, when oncoming, I can’t see a thing until they’re past. I find the lowest setting on my light is sufficient in the pre-dawn darkness.

By: Travis Hartnett

Travis Hartnett — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 22:50:25 +0000

All Traffic Keep Right Except When Passing
Signal IN ADVANCE When Passing: At Least Three Spaced Bell Rings
Speed Limit: 15MPH
Two-Way Traffic: Don’t Walk Three Abreast
Short Leash All Dogs
Don’t Use Your Phone While Cycling

By: lamar

lamar — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 20:41:02 +0000

Verbal warning (voice or bell) AND a minimum of 3′ (not inches) separation.

Slowing to <15mph is also desirable. (10mph even better). 22mph silent passes definitely have a "startle" effect (read, "heart attack" potential).

By: Chuck In Seattle

Chuck In Seattle — Wed, 19 Sep 2012 18:47:50 +0000

Hi, I’d like to know what you feel would be actual courtesy from a bicycle passing a pedestrian. When you are walking on the trail, what do you need from a bicyclist to feel safe when the bicycle is overtaking and passing you? (Honest question, feed back will be thoughtfully considered. )

By: Fed Up Walker

Fed Up Walker — Thu, 02 Aug 2012 05:27:00 +0000

Bicyclists are so oblivious! You don’t even realize that, because of its high frequency pitch, a bicycle bell conveys little or no spatial information. Ringing your bell and shouting “on your left!” two seconds before whizzing by someone at 20 miles an hour with two feet to spare might satisfy your twisted view of trail etiquette, but it doesn’t even come close to actual courtesy.

By: Mr. Rusty

Mr. Rusty — Fri, 27 Jul 2012 21:22:00 +0000

“Buy a Bell!”