I am a slow rider, have heavy bikes, and on both of my bikes I have rear view mirrors. I tend to get passed by about 2/3rds of the bikers in the spring/summer/fall, and most in the winter. Most of the people that I can tell are commuters (tell tale signs are backups or panniers) usually announce they are passing. Today, with the nice weather, there was an upsurge of road bikers and in the short stretch when I was on the MVT (after 14st Bridge) and Custis (until Veitch Rd), I got passed about 5 roadbikers, none of them gave a passing signal. Each time I said “Say you are passing next time” and never heard anything. I think it is a good idea to announce passing to fellow bikers because with the poor quality of the trail, many riders veer into the other lane at places to avoid rutted areas (especially true on the eastbound Custis just before the Lee Hwy overpass behind the Italian Store). Even with a mirror, I cannot always tell when a biker is approaching and making the move to pass. So just say you are passing, each and every time. It’s like driving behind a person who never gives a turn signal, it can be annoying, so just do it.
I always announce passing to peds. I appreciate the ones who stick far right and give a hand jesture that they hear me so I know they won’t do anything stupid like turn around without looking. On the odd occasion when I walk the trails, I try to stick as far right as possible. I have a dog and would never take him walking on the trail, nor would I ever take my 6 year old there for a bike ride, both are bad ideas.
Today was a great day for the Custis Trail alternate route.
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