Quote:
Originally Posted by Goldengirl22
Hi there, I am all about sharing the walking trails. But I was seriously startled this morning while walking my dog when a bike came up behind me. He blew past me, very close to me, and I couldn't help but think, what if I had moved over just a little bit, I would have walked right into his path, and we both would have been hurt.
Would it not be a good idea for a person coming up behind a walker to ring their bell? And if they don't have one on their bike, get one?
Just curious if other walkers have had this experience.
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Interpreting your post, by "walking trail" you mean "pathway". These are common south of 44 and prohibit golf carts. I see no formal rule for the "pathways" which allow bicyclist including e-bicycles which can travel at what seem like very high speeds. What I have been told by an avid bicyclist is to walk on right of these "pathways." The cyclists will be riding on the right and when they come around blind corners you do not want to be walking toward them. Apparently this is what is expected. That being said, people will do the opposite for whatever reason. Therefore walkers need to be alert and be able to step off into the grass if necessary. Bikers should always announce their approach from behind with either a bell or "on your left" audible announcement. Bikers should be considerate of walkers (especially clueless ones) and slow down while passing and be prepared for sudden stopping.
I am an avid walker and walk on the right on pathways. I often look behind me and keep aware and often step aside onto the grass for bikers. Often bikers will fly by me unannounced at a high rate of speed in the center of the path. Bikers understandably don't want to ride on the edge of the path much less the grass. There will always be these "entitled" people along with clueless walkers. The pathways are narrower than the MMPs. Everyone should be aware and considerate.
Once I was actually cut off by a runner while I was walking on a very open pathway. He wanted to take a fork in the path. He ran so close in front of me I had to abruptly stop. I was very visible and he could have easily slowed down or stopped but chose not to. Unbelievable! Talk about entitled! He mumbled he wanted to go that way and completely stopped just a few yard later. So expect anything! Utility vehicles and forbidden golf carts may appear on the pathways at times.
"MMP" is multi-modal path and allows golf carts and you definitely walk on the left facing oncoming golf carts. If you are walking in the street you obviously walk on the left as well so you can see oncoming traffic.
Be safe and considerate y'all!