Report a Comment

Trail: Slow down, Ring a bell
Sidewalk: Slow down, On your left

If I have a bell on the bike I'm using, I'll ring it. If I don't, I'll usually say something like, "passing on your left!" - I feel like the slightly longer phrase helps clarify things. However, I don't always say something if it seems like I have plenty of room and the pedestrian seems unlikely to move from their course. I also try to at least be prepared to slow or stop - especially around children and around intersections or popular turning points for runners.

I also feel like where I ride - the W&OD - a lot of pedestrians (and some bikers) wear headphones, and I also see pedestrians using the wrong side (walking as if they're walking against car traffic on a street), which can be confusing. I don't know that anything can totally fix the issue, but posting some signs on trail etiquette might help.

In terms of following trail etiquette - there are failures in all user groups, but I think bikers generally know it better since a lot of them use the trail regularly and at busier times of day, whereas many pedestrians use it less frequently and may not be familiar with what things like, "on your left!" mean.

by Matt on Jun 13, 2012 11:52 am • link • report

Does this comment violate Greater Greater Washington's comment policy? If so, you can report it using this form and an editor will take a look.

What is the major reason you believe the comment violates the policy?
Comment is spam.
Comment attacks other individuals personally.
Comment criticizes the level of knowledge of another commenter or contributor.
Comment discourages others from posting their ideas.
Commenter is impersonating someone else.
Comment uses profanity or abusive language.
Comment advocates violent acts or harm to another.
Comment was posted in multiple areas of the site.
Comment is arguing about the comment policy.
Other:

Your name:
Your email:

Administrator page • spam