Strava segments on multi-use paths

So you flagged every segment on your ride, even those that clearly aren’t hazardous. So you lied. And you’ve made the labeling of certain segments as hazardous to be pointless. Thanks.

Do you really care what other folks think or did you just start this thread to let us know your opinion?

I am 89.4% FOR them.

When I was commuting on the CCT, there were days in the winter I could ride literally from Bethesda to Chain Bridge and encounter perhaps 2-3 cyclists coming the other way (on at least 2 occasions I was the only trail user at all). No peds; zero. Disclosure: I regularly broke the 15mph limit in MoCo when the trail was empty. However, 15 is even too fast on summer eves in June when the entire community is out on the trail.

I’ve also reverse commuted on the W&OD, and winter mornings can be pretty lonely–not even opportunities for conflict. If I feel like flying along and seeing how I might stack up, that seems like fun.

Flagging segments will not stop the crazies from riding fast. Responsible riders (the majority) will use judgment about when it is appropriate to blast (yes, I’ve blasted the Falls->Falls segment a couple times, but have aborted many more times as courtesy to other trail users) and when not.

How do you know, RayMo, that these riders are even using Strava? Did you ask them as the whizzed by? Do you think flagging the segments will cause them to ride differently? Or will it just irk them so that they start buzzing every ped who looks like his name might be Ray?
Also, there are other similar apps out there, and they may even have their own on-board devices tracking speed and cadence, etc.

Sorry, I disagree with your actions.

@DismalScientist 72877 wrote:

Flagging segments makes it impossible to compare times over time even if one is not seeking a KOM.

Make a private segment if you want to track your own times. One benefit is that you always get the KOM.

@Raymo853 72845 wrote:

What do folks think about Strava segments being created on the multi-use paths like the WO&D, C&O and Mt Vernon trail?

I am 100% against them. Each time I ride on the paths, my opinion is reinforced. There is such a wide range of user types and speeds, the last thing needed is any additional mechanism encouraging reckless behavior. My opinion on this really started after I got hit by another rider on the Capital Crescent and ended up with a dislocated shoulder. He never stopped by the way. He was trying to pass a slower rider while drafting another rider who barely cleared me.

Just yesterday I got in an argument with a guy defending his reckless blast between baby carriages. He said he expects others users to follow single-file and other protocols as to not hinder his attempt to set a best time. It encouraged me to go home and flag all the segments between Hunter Mill Rd and the end in Arlington. I found many already flagged, including ones titled !Please don’t flag! and !Only petty people flag segments!

I have flagged a lot of segments, especially those on the 14th street bridge multi-use path. I flagged so many that Strava contacted me and asked me to justify my actions. I did and their final statement was one of support of what I did. I know getting rid of segments will not stop the problems on these paths, but it cannot hurt.

@ShawnoftheDread 72863 wrote:

So you flagged every segment on your ride, even those that clearly aren’t hazardous. So you lied. And you’ve made the labeling of certain segments as hazardous to be pointless. Thanks.

@Raymo853 72868 wrote:

There is no such thing as a non-hazardous segment on a multi-use path.

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Why post the first post if you so strongly believe your second one?

Strava does not create bad cyclists. They exist all on their own and for the most part exist from a lack of knowledge or understanding than desire to bag KOMs. I have to say in the year or so I have been riding the MUPs and roads I see more worrisome things from “people on bikes”, ninja joggers, dog walkers not maintaining control of their dogs and 100 other things. 99.9% of their actions likely come from lack of understanding of MUP rules and customary manners. Out of every 100 “Oh $%#!” moments I see on the MUPs perhaps one is by a kitted up cyclist hauling it at full watts. Considering the standard jerk to OK guy or gal ratio in the world, 1 of 100 is almost nun like.

Yesterday I took a ride down the W&OD to MVT down to MV and back. Turons walking the wrong way or standing looking the wrong way, 3 moms with 2 prams standing in the path right next to a paved non path area and my fave of the day, the leash less dog which had me do a flat-spot grade low speed to no speed skid to a stop when he did a sharp 90 deg left right into my path just as I was passing him and his owner. Had I not been heads up I would have T boned Fido and likely gone down.

Flag away if it makes you feel better but understand that it does nothing but tick folks off. Groups like the ones at the top of this page are the ones that are doing the real good. They are getting the word out on how we all are to use the MUPs safely. I would ask them what you can do to improve the safety on the MUPs.

@dbb 72866 wrote:

… what the forum sponsors and members have been encouraging from all riders is to ride responsibly… All that seems to be part of the PAL (Predictable, Alert and Lawful) program. We have all experienced those ELITE riders that seem to be only concerned about themselves. Short of something rash, we can only provide a good example and encourage others to do so.

Leading by example may be the best way to change things for the better.