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• Trail: Slow down, Passing, On your left
• Sidewalk: Slow down, Passing, On your left

Tragic story. This is a tough issue - people are different and will react differently to signals. I have experience with multi-use trails since childhood so "on your left" is well known to me, but everyone everyone may not have that experience. And I've had such a wide variety of experiences on long walks on multi-use trails in the area that its hard to say what the answer is.

On the W&OD Trail the speed and volume of biking was so intense that I haven't been back since, trail etiquette notwithstanding. Most signaled, but a significant number of serious cyclists were hauling butt and not signaling. (Incidentally, I was hit by an out of control 6 year old kid on a bike and the resulting faceplant was bad enough. Can't imagine an adult cyclist at speed hitting a pedestrian.)

Just this week I was walking on Sligo Creek Trail and was stunned by how few cyclists audibly signaled. I ended up shouting thanks to those who did. One lady cruised downhill merrily talking on her bluetooth! My sense is lack of signaling is a problem with more casual cyclists but that could be wrong.

I'd love to see park rangers or friendly volunteers hanging out along the trail flagging people down and sharing proper trail etiquette. Or maybe trail signage regarding sharing the path and proper signaling? Pedestrians obviously need to be aware as well, particularly of what part of the trail they're using, dog leashes, etc. I know the Anacostia trails pretty well and I've never seen any such signage. I think education would be a good start.

by Brent Bolin on Jun 12, 2012 8:52 am • link • report