Announcing your passes – a walker’s observation

[dbb]

While we have heard both sides of this, a reminder may be of some value. This was received on the Arlington County website and was provided to the Arlington Bike Advisory Committee. I think it is worthy of consideration.

It seems that the author of the email is asking us to be predictable, alert and lawful (PAL). I understand that some have encountered peds that take issue when we call/announce our passes. We have all likely observed cyclists making passes that cause us to wince because of the conditions clearly don’t permit a safe pass. Safe means more than the absence of a collision.

Note that the author offers many of the same complaints we make about peds.

Preamble over, here is the email. I think there is something for us all to consider.

“Subject : WEBSITE COMMENT: bicyclists announcing passing on your left

Comments : I walk along the Bluemont and Glencarlyn trails almost every day. Only about 1 in 15 bicyclists that pass me bother to announce that they are passing, by announcing “passing on your left” or dinging a bell. They don’t notice the signs that, inter alia, tell bicyclists to announce themselves. Perhaps that is because the instruction is only part of the messages on these signs. Or, perhaps they don’t care to announce themselves. I have tried blowing a whistle when these bicyclists pass, but they are wearing earphones, and perhaps cannot hear me.

I request that a sign devoted to bicyclists, saying something like “ALWAYS ANNOUNCE YOURSELF” might make at least some of them announce themselves.”

Topic

[KLizotte]

I would argue that the peds have a responsibility to not wear earphones while walking on the MUPs. It’s usually impossible to determine whether they have heard us or not. Also, peds should acknowledge that they have heard the pass. That way everyone is on the same page. Communication cannot be a one way conversation.

[dbb]

I agree completely. Alas I’ve seen alarming numbers of both peds and cyclists wearing earphones. I certainly appreciate some indication that the runner acknowledges my call.

[5555624]

Are you even allowed to run without earphones anymore. I can’t recall the last runner I’ve seen without them. Anyway, when in doubt. slow down and speak up. It doesn’t always work, but slowing down will cause less of a delay than hitting them.

[mstone]

the only question these days is whether they have the music turned up enough so that I can listen along

edit to add: yes, lady this morning on the W&OD, just the thought of having something that loud in my ears makes them bleed.

[pfunkallstar]

What we are getting at is shared responsibility and the need to educate people. More frequent users, i.e. anyone reading this, know not only to call their passes but also when to slow, how to pass, and generally how to watch out for one’s own behind. I call my passes, headphones or not, it doesn’t take much energy and I know that, if push came to shove (crash), I could at least say “I tried.”

[txgoonie]

That’s why I’m a happy convert to the bell. Seems to be more successful in cutting through the music than a spoken pass call. I also seem to get more waves of confirmation of having heard it from both people with earbuds and those without.

[baiskeli]

“inter alia”? Only a lawyer.

[ronwalf]

I find this all odd. Maryland’s SHA puts out a fairly good introduction to safe cycling, and their recommendation is to always announce for cyclists and joggers, but to only announce for walkers if you think there might be an issue. But, given Virginia’s apparent rules on the subject, there are technical solutions.

[dasgeh]

I agree, signs that clearly state “Call your passes” would be an improvement for our trails.

Similarly, signs that clearly state “Stay to the right, allower faster moving people to pass and stay alert” would also be an improvement. Peds have a responsibility here too, and I’ve gotten serious attitude from some who think jogging three abreast, without breaking up when someone wants to pass, is normal trail behavior. Honestly, I don’t care about confirmation.

Oh, I do care about dogs on leashes. Dogs should be on the right, and the leash should be shortened to control the dog when others are around. [/RANT]

@txgoonie 53964 wrote:

That’s why I’m a happy convert to the bell. Seems to be more successful in cutting through the music than a spoken pass call. I also seem to get more waves of confirmation of having heard it from both people with earbuds and those without.

If there are more people with earbuds, getting confirmation from more people with earbuds isn’t conclusive of anything.

[Tim Kelley]

Before PAL, there was Sharing The Way.

It’s all great information.

[KLizotte]

@Tim Kelley 53986 wrote:

Before PAL, there was Sharing The Way.

It’s all great information.

This should be posted widely. ArlNow, Citizen newspaper (or whatever it’s called)? I’m glad to see some focus on ped’s responsibilities.

[JeffC]

If only we had first world infrastructure, the path would be wider and clearly divided. We can always dream.

[jnva]

I’ve seen a lady on the custis several times with a large sign on her back that says “bicyclists please announce your pass”. I thought that was cool. She got an extra loud bell ding from me.

[mstone]

@ronwalf 53980 wrote:

I find this all odd. Maryland’s SHA puts out a fairly good introduction to safe cycling, and their recommendation is to always announce for cyclists and joggers, but to only announce for walkers if you think there might be an issue. But, given Virginia’s apparent rules on the subject, there are technical solutions.

Eew, that seems like a terrible idea. If you’re moving above a walking pace, you should always announce that you’re going to pass someone. (Note that I’m not limiting that to bikes–joggers running past a little old lady walking should also say something or slow down a bit.)

[NicDiesel]

@JeffC 53988 wrote:

If only we had first world infrastructure, the path would be wider and clearly divided. We can always dream.

Just making the paths wider would make things that much safer for all involved.

[Author]

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