Bike paths don’t exist.
Sure, you’ll find “bike paths” in lots of towns. But they’re not really for bikes. Instead they’re “multi-use recreational trails” or some such moniker.
This means you’ll find any mode of non-motorized conveyance imaginable. Riders share the narrow blacktop strip with dogs (hopefully on leashes), runners and walkers who are often so intently staring at their phones that you wonder why they went outside in the first place.
Here are four tips for fast recreational cyclists for riding on paths:
—Avoid highly trafficked bike paths if you can. Athletic road cycling is meant for roads. It’s hard to get a good workout on a bike path. In fact, speed limits are often imposed. So if there’s a safe alternative on the road, use it.
—Never outride your line of sight. Bike paths often curve and twist. If you fly around a blind corner you may be right on top of a pedestrian or slower rider. Temper your speed and be ready for anything.
—Be considerate. Other path users have every right to be there. Slow down before passing them. A fast paceline has no place on a bike path.
—Warn before overtaking. Walkers and runners should stay to the right of the path but it’s still dangerous to pass. Your presence may startle them. So calmly announce “On your left” before going around. When people are wearing headphones they won’t hear you, so be ready for anything.
Tip! Install a bell if you ride much on bike paths. It’s a gentle but recognizable sound that lets people know you’re coming. It’s more noticeable from a distance than a voice warning.
A bell also works well in mass-start rides when you might be overtaking numerous slower riders. Twitching your thumb is easier than barking “On your left” all morning.
“Bike Paths”:
I’ve been unwillingly riding bike paths for decades. With a couple of exceptions, I find that bike paths typically present the most dangerous part of my rides, in terms of incident potential (highways are more lethal). A number of years ago, I experimented with various bells, even modifying a bell for my specific needs – it still works well. However, in my opinion, bells are modestly helpful, at best, although, to be fair a bell can still be handy. In my opinion, the best warning system is still a loud, clearly articulated, and authoritative voice (the tenor of which, in my case, varies with the situation). I typically use terms, such as: “passing left’; “heads up” (which is surprisingly effective with children); “hold your line” (which is even effective with non-cyclists), and a few other civil terms, as appropriate. I try to be sure and offer a pleasant “thank you” or “good morning” as I pass. Furthermore, even when someone acts irresponsibly and creates a dangerous situation, it is important to be tolerant, pleasant, and respectful. I’ve found that it is important to remember that we all share the “bike path” together; I’ve also found that anger and impatience are almost always counter-productive, and have no place in a cyclist’s repertoire, reflecting poorly on all cyclists.
You mentioned dogs on leashes. Indeed, dogs need to be on leashes. However, it is common encounter a dog owner on one side of the bike path, the dog merrily exploring the other side, the dog’s, sometimes substantial leash stretched tight across the path, and the owner oblivious to the danger this poses to everyone, even walkers. Coming to a stop and patiently waiting with a smile, usually gets the owner and dog back together on one side or the other – and perhaps helps prevent it from happening in the future.
I’ve found that it is important to “read the path” well in advance of the current position. Often a potential problem can be identified before becoming a problem, and while time is available to take proactive measures – for everyone’s safety.
All my best.
I agree with RAH. As I have gotten older (& Slower) I find I ride on the trail more often. Just like every other venue there are people (& animals) who are oblivious to their surroundings. I go out of my way to slow down and not try to speed by someone when there is a jogger coming the other direction. Sometimes the person in my direction of travel will notice and move off of the path but most of the time I wait for that whole second or two until it is safe for all. I then always say thanks or good morning/afternoon.
I don’t and won’t use them. Geezer here, but I am not going to use them. They are too narrow and typically too crowded. I would rather ride in the street or road.
Like RAH, I use them only when necessary, and only when traffic is minimal, because too many other users just don’t, won’t, or can’t pay attention to what is going on around them, stay on the appropriate side, or keep their little ones (children or pets) close to their side. The unpredictability of the other traffic on the trail makes it akin to riding through a pen of giant squirrels.
Another issue I have experienced is power assisted bike riders who’s speed exceeds their skills.
Simon Cowell is a case in point 😉
We have a nice multi-use trail close to home that I usually ride on once a week for my “recovery “ ride. As the article points out, it’s twisty, relatively narrow and used by runners and all manner of pedestrians and cyclists. For me, safety is paramount for me and those around me so my pace on this trail is slow – generally in the 12-13 mph range, or even less when riding the parts where sight lines are limited. I have seen on almost every occasion, riders down in their drops or on their aero bars, riding as if they were in a TdF time trial. Not cool and very dangerous!
I like to call out “good morning or good afternoon ” to oncoming or overtaking traffic with a big smile and see and hear what response I get. I usually get a positive one. Better than the intimating ” on your left” that I think most people interpret as ” get the heck out of my way”
But sometimes when there’s a multiuse path (complete with blue circle sign showing people and bikes which does imply its obligatory) but I use the road because I want to go at 25km/h then cars shout at you to get on the bike path 😬. Multiuse paths should NOT be obligatory.
Here in California, they are not obligatory and not legally required unless so posted.
True about Bike Paths. In California Bike Lanes are obligatory unless you have good reason to swerve into the motor vehicle lane. In my area there is a stretch of Bike Lane that is almost as bad as the Bike Paths that are at each end. The main problems are wrong way cyclists and runners and walkers (there is room on the shoulder for these people).
Warn before overtaking……I try to give a warning with enough time to see how the person will react and to allow myself to counter-react. And I try to follow up with a Thank You.
I have found that “Coming around” is a much better warning than “On your left,” since most pedestrians don’t know which left.
Sounds silly but I let out a ” beep beep” like the road runner early enough that I can adjust to which way the others are going to go. Then a “thank you” as I pass. Seems to always get a good respinse. We have an 80 mile trail along the river that is just too beautiful not to use.
When I am riding with my wife behind on her bike, and I am passing walkers, I usually let them know she’s trailing me.
Otherwise, the walkers just go right back to their “usual” positions (aka random)
I used to say “on your left” when passing walkers/runners on the multiuse trails where I live, but I found that sometimes they would then move left in response! So I started saying “I’m passing on your left” and that seems to work a lot better, at least with those people who aren’t blasting music via ear buds.
I agree with almost all of the above comments. There are way to many folks, especially since the advent of COVID-19, who seem to act like they are the Center of the Universe, and its their personal trail. Too many ear buds and external loud music blaring, so “On Your Left” is not heard or acknowledged. Dogs also not kept under complete leash and voice control is anther problem, at least for me. I am a Senior with extensive cycling experience., so, if everyone would stay to the right and pass on the left, many of the problems and irritants would go away. Now , having said all of that I am truly thankful for the trails in community. No vehicular traffic to deal with and most folks adapt very welll.
We had a guy here (Spokane) who would call out “pizza man” just before passing someone, until a woman turned around to try and figure out what was up. The result was an unfortunate collision. I use a mini cowbell attached to my handlebar with a tiny bungee cord. It is always putting out little dings-dings as I ride along and gives people 20-30 feet of warning that I am approaching. Functions as a normal bell with a few finger taps. I leave it at home for road rides.
So many excellent replies! I wish you people were where I’m riding. With the virus and the huge number of wannabees on the road/path, its so essential that those of us with a few miles under us show courtesy. I never pass another person, pedestrian or cyclist, without letting them know and then typically thank them or wish em a good day. The number of rude cyclists is astounding, passing me close and with no warning. To those of you that don’t or won’t show some manners, I wish you God speed and a safe ride. Those of you that pass with manners (or I pass with a greeting returned), you make my ride so much nicer on these hot, hot days. I, too, avoid the path/trail at all cost. But Dallas has some amazing “trails” that are quite ample for everyone to share. The one exception that I don’t quite understand is The Katy Trail. Its a lovely route with both cycling and pedestrian levels. The number of pedestrians who walk the bike paving is shocking…as they have a perfectly wonderful road parallel and aside the bike road.
Stay safe, folks, and share the road with humor and courtesy!
Here in Portland OR, bike paths often have tree roots growing under the pavement causing a SEVERE bump even if it looks small. I crashed as a result and although going less than 5 mph, totaled my helmet, knocked myself out and had a minor concussion.
Here in Denver paths are useful for connecting routes that can’t be done otherwise. Also, during the winter the paths are plowed, and most of the side streets are not. As with all else, making the necessary adjustments is always helpful.
As bike paths become more and more populated in our are here in Tulsa, OK it becomes an increasingly more dangerous area for cyclists. As you have mentioned in your article about those on cell phones either talking or texting, there is also the distraction of them listening to their tunes as they walk, jog or ride bikes. To forewarn someone that you are approaching and are about to past them is wasted on the fact that they cannot hear you. We all need to unplug and enjoy nature, there are far better sounds than those coming from an iPhone, iPod, etc. And what makes things worse anymore is no one cares or is considerate of others.