Bikers passing pedestrians on paved trails

[AT_Hiker59]

I don’t live in the area but visit family who do frequently. Many times this spring I have been on the Sligo Trail. I have noticed only 7 bikers calling out their passes. Bikers who do not call out their passes whizzing close by me are too numerous. I am not used to bikers not calling out. Is this a DC area norm? Sligo Trail is too narrow to be speeding by. Is there any educating bikers to sensible courteous trail usage?

One biker gave me the finger when I called out “hey”. Boy did he change his tune when I and my daughter’s pit bull caught up to him at Colesville Rd. red light.

Topic

[Judd]

@huskerdont 162432 wrote:

I have seen comments from some people on places like GreaterGreaterWashington and ArlNow where they have said they think the bell means “get out of my way.”

I have experienced behavior that people think my bell or a voice call means “get out of my way” which I hate. I get the same thing when I’m hanging behind someone waiting for the opportunity to safely pass and they hear either my music speaker or the cassette clicking as I coast. I try the old “Keep walking. I’ll pass when it’s safe” but I still get a bunch of scared unpredictable behavior. It’s worse when I’m with Komorebi cause her cassette sounds like cicada porn.

[mstone]

@huskerdont 162432 wrote:

I have seen comments from some people on places like GreaterGreaterWashington and ArlNow where they have said they think the bell means “get out of my way.”

there’s really not much you can do about those people–given the possibility of annoying them by signaling, or annoying someone (who has a legitimate complaint) by not signaling, gotta go with the first one.

[komorebi]

@zsionakides 162435 wrote:

I would say it’s around a quarter to a third who give acknowledgement as well. Over half are listening to music and paying little attention.

My experience is that it depends on the time of day. In the early morning, when it’s mostly regulars on the trail, I get an acknowledgement from about a third of the people I pass. In the afternoon, the percentage drops noticeably.

@Judd 162436 wrote:

I try the old “Keep walking. I’ll pass when it’s safe” but I still get a bunch of scared unpredictable behavior. It’s worse when I’m with Komorebi cause her cassette sounds like cicada porn.

I love my loud hub, and it’s useful for things other making male cicadas jealous! On numerous occasions, people have heard my hub, looked behind them, and gestured for me to go around — all before I was able to call my pass. But yes, I do sometimes have to reassure people, “No, you’re fine, just keep on walking” if I’m coasting behind them for a while, waiting for the opposing lane to clear.

[ChampionTier]

@Drewdane 161447 wrote:

Failure of cyclists to call passes is a HUGE pet peeve of mine. I am embarrassed and ashamed on a daily basis by the behavior of “passholes” who don’t seem to understand (or care) how unnerving it can be to be passed without warning…..

…The way I see it, calling your pass – either verbally or with a bell – is just the right thing to do. Even if the worst-case scenario comes true, I’m at least able to establish (if only to my own conscience) that I did my part to avoid that scenario.

I’ve started to make this somewhat of a game, especially when it’s a group of folks and/or the MUP is crowded. I do what I call the “airline pilot” which goes something like: ” Mornin’ folks. Wanna let you know I’m on your wheel until this next group passes; then me and two others are gonna come up on your left nice & easy”. And then as I pass the lead rider it’s a sincere “G’day” with a nod. The trick is to maximize the cordiality while throwing in just a touch of cheesiness.

[AT_Hiker59]

@CaseyKane50 161852 wrote:

Saw some temporary signs today in Jones Point Park calling for cyclists to signal when passing among other reminders for trail users.

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All trails need that sign.

[Vicegrip]

@ChampionTier 162453 wrote:

I’ve started to make this somewhat of a game, especially when it’s a group of folks and/or the MUP is crowded. I do what I call the “airline pilot” which goes something like: ” Mornin’ folks. Wanna let you know I’m on your wheel until this next group passes; then me and two others are gonna come up on your left nice & easy”.

Add in “Please keep your hands where I can see them” for the win.

[Author]

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