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An important element here is also trail design. Multi-use trails are fine, but some are getting to crowded. The Mount Vernon trail can get very busy during rush hour. I imagine other trails have the same problem. We should urge the responsible authorities more to widen or separate trails in heavily used areas.

@ Tina Jones:Bicyclists should announce when they are overtaking another bicyclist.

No, they should not. They should just pass safely. An audible sounds makes nothing safer. It only creates a false sense of fulfillment for the sound-maker. "I've yelled/rung/whispered at someone, now I can flash by".

Once it almost caused a collision b/c as I approached a pedestrian I rang my bell a couple times (pedestrian had headphones on) and then had to cross over into the left lane to go around just at the moment a biker was overtaking me. Yes i should have looked over my shoulder and now I always do.

Two points: You ringing your bell and the pedestrian not hearing shows why making any noise is useless. Many people are to self-absorbed to hear your sound because they have headphones on, are on the phone, or are just sunken in thought.

Two, the biker behind you should have anticipated you passing the pedestrian. He came from behind, and should have slowed down.

by Jasper on Jun 12, 2012 12:31 pm • link • report