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-   -   New MUP Trail Stuff (https://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=1184119)

MNebiker 09-21-19 01:26 PM

New MUP Trail Stuff
 
As a trail rider, I really enjoy the weekly MUP trail frustration threads. They are more fun than reading Dunesburry and Dilbert combined!

But - guys and gals, we are in a rut. The same old stuff gets repeated over and over. In the past weeks there have been numerous threads covering:

Cyclists - fast & slow, riding no hands, riding in packs, cutting blind corners, in wrong lane, on phones, weaving all over the trail
Dogs - off leash, on long leashes, multiple groups of dogs, dogs that try to bite
Joggers & Walkers - in wrong lanes, wearing earbuds, talking to each other, moving wrong way when warned of passing
Cell phone addicts - on foot or on 2 wheels
Family groups - walking or on bikes, with little kids on first bikes, stopped in the middle of the trail
Moms - pushing strollers side by side or stopped on the trail to tend to the kids
Generalized rudeness or unconcious behaviour by any of the above
Crosswalks - cars don't stop,cyclists cross without lookiing
Bells vs. "On the left"
Flashing headlights
Electric bikes - ban or allow, speed issues

So - let's see if we can come up with something new and different. What is the strange NEW thing you have encountered on the trails.

Here's my nomination to open the list: Two weeks ago I encountered a young lady who had spread out her beach towel and was sunbathing on the trail.

Ghazmh 09-21-19 01:41 PM

Boycott MUP’s.

wolfchild 09-21-19 02:46 PM

I don't have any complaints about MUPS here in my suburbs where I live and ride...MUPS make my daily commutes a lot easier, and I get to avoid some of the busy arterial roads with speeding cars and distracted drivers plus I get to enjoy some nature along the way. Seeing coywolves early in the morning or evening makes me feel happy...I just don't get it why so many bikeforums cyclists demonize MUPS and other people who use MUPS...I never had problems with walkers, strollers, joggers... and dogs which are on the leash most of the time.

badger1 09-21-19 03:17 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 21132278)
i don't have any complaints about mups here in my suburbs where i live and ride...mups make my daily commutes a lot easier, and i get to avoid some of the busy arterial roads with speeding cars and distracted drivers plus i get to enjoy some nature along the way. Seeing coywolves early in the morning or evening makes me feel happy...i just don't get it why so many bikeforums cyclists demonize mups and other people who use mups...i never had problems with walkers, strollers, joggers... And dogs which are on the leash most of the time.

+1000

Gconan 09-21-19 03:44 PM

Multiple use paths and Greenway are cool!

Miele Man 09-21-19 03:49 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 21132278)
I don't have any complaints about MUPS here in my suburbs where I live and ride...MUPS make my daily commutes a lot easier, and I get to avoid some of the busy arterial roads with speeding cars and distracted drivers plus I get to enjoy some nature along the way. Seeing coywolves early in the morning or evening makes me feel happy...I just don't get it why so many bikeforums cyclists demonize MUPS and other people who use MUPS...I never had problems with walkers, strollers, joggers... and dogs which are on the leash most of the time.

You have been incredibly lucky. I avoid MUPs because far too many people walk their dogs on very long retractable leashes that act as a take-down device for bicyclists when the dog is on one side of the path and the owner/walker is on the other side and the thin leash is across the path and is darn near invisible until you're right on top if it. This is not to mention the ultra-fast riding bicylcists and e-bikers who buzz you as they pass.

Cheers

Ross520 09-21-19 03:53 PM


Originally Posted by wolfchild (Post 21132278)
I don't have any complaints about MUPS here in my suburbs where I live and ride...MUPS make my daily commutes a lot easier, and I get to avoid some of the busy arterial roads with speeding cars and distracted drivers plus I get to enjoy some nature along the way. Seeing coywolves early in the morning or evening makes me feel happy...I just don't get it why so many bikeforums cyclists demonize MUPS and other people who use MUPS...I never had problems with walkers, strollers, joggers... and dogs which are on the leash most of the time.

Agreed.

Every once-in-a-while I'll have an issue, but usually I have an enjoyable, safe, ride.

How many MUP deaths do you hear about every year? I can't think of any.

And for me personally, I can't stand riding in traffic. It's not just the inherit danger of being struck, but the exhaust fumes as well. Everytime a car passes by you're breathing in harmful carcinogens.

We should be grateful of MUPs. It's a safe way to ride in the fresh air and observe nature.

cyclist2000 09-21-19 03:56 PM


Originally Posted by Miele Man (Post 21132355)
You have been incredibly lucky. I avoid MUPs because far too many people walk their dogs on very long retractable leashes that act as a take-down device for bicyclists when the dog is on one side of the path and the owner/walker is on the other side and the thin leash is across the path and is darn near invisible until you're right on top if it. This is not to mention the ultra-fast riding bicylcists and e-bikers who buzz you as they pass.

Cheers

Where I get on the MUP near the house, heading north goes right through the city that has lots of people walking, skate boarding and other stuff. I ride to the south where there long stretches of farms or open areas. There are a lot less walkers or activity, except cyclists that direction.

Alleytom 09-21-19 04:12 PM


Originally Posted by Ross520 (Post 21132364)
Agreed.

Every once-in-a-while I'll have an issue, but usually I have an enjoyable, safe, ride.

How many MUP deaths do you hear about every year? I can't think of any.

And for me personally, I can't stand riding in traffic. It's not just the inherit danger of being struck, but the exhaust fumes as well. Everytime a car passes by you're breathing in harmful carcinogens.

We should be grateful of MUPs. It's a safe way to ride in the fresh air and observe nature.

You are exactly right, I've made some observations about the other people on the Canal trails I ride here, but any issues really are few and far between. This morning three cyclists were struck by a hit and run driver in Chandler on Riggs Road, that is exactly why I stick to the trails... Luckily their injuries are not life threatening.

Witterings 09-21-19 05:28 PM


Originally Posted by MNebiker (Post 21132208)

Here's my nomination to open the list: Two weeks ago I encountered a young lady who had spread out her beach towel and was sunbathing on the trail.

If you just cycled on by you may have missed an opportunity ... If it was on an MUP regularly frequented by cyclists she may have been waiting for someone in Lycra to stop and say "Hello" ********** :foo: :p

sumgy 09-21-19 05:59 PM

Boycott whiney posts by people who struggle to fit in with normal society.

Slightspeed 09-21-19 08:40 PM

Anybody else ever see this guy? This was north of Ventura on the path that parallels 101. He is a South African guy towing a fullsize fiberglas rhino the down entire west coast to bring attention to "Save the Rhinos". I gave him $5 and had my picture taken. A friend in Seattle also saw him on the Gillman Trail.
https://cimg4.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...6e9a985853.jpg
It does get your attention.
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/bikefor...ea2f218e56.jpg

dayco 09-21-19 11:08 PM

I almost exclusively ride the bike trails. I can't enjoy riding a bicycle with motor vehicles buzzing around me. It's just blatantly unsafe and nerve racking. What ever problems I've experienced with riding on bike trails, they pale in comparison to the dangers of a road.

Up until recently, people were generally very friendly and sociable. It seems since all these mass shootings of late, people on the trail seldom say "Good morning" or even want to make eye contact. Most don't even say "On your left" when passing. I ride mostly low density suburban and rural trails.

Still, I'm not alone in loving bike trails. For every cyclist I see anywhere, there are at least ten on a trail to every one I see on a road. Most people apparently prefer not to ride with motor vehicles unless they have to.

Another thing I've noticed lately is an increase number of factory made E-bikes on the trails. I'm not sure how legal they are on trails since most trails are posted "No motor vehicles allowed". They are technically motor powered. They haven't bothered me so far since most of the E-bike riders try to blend in and yield to pedestrians and pedal powered vehicles. They pedal as they go by and then a few hundred feet ahead they quit pedaling. They at least try to put on good 'non-motor-vehicle' show.

sumgy 09-21-19 11:50 PM


Originally Posted by dayco (Post 21132720)
I almost exclusively ride the bike trails. I can't enjoy riding a bicycle with motor vehicles buzzing around me. It's just blatantly unsafe and nerve racking. What ever problems I've experienced with riding on bike trails, they pale in comparison to the dangers of a road.

Up until recently, people were generally very friendly and sociable. It seems since all these mass shootings of late, people on the trail seldom say "Good morning" or even want to make eye contact. Most don't even say "On your left" when passing. I ride mostly low density suburban and rural trails.

Still, I'm not alone in loving bike trails. For every cyclist I see anywhere, there are at least ten on a trail to every one I see on a road. Most people apparently prefer not to ride with motor vehicles unless they have to.

Another thing I've noticed lately is an increase number of factory made E-bikes on the trails. I'm not sure how legal they are on trails since most trails are posted "No motor vehicles allowed". They are technically motor powered. They haven't bothered me so far since most of the E-bike riders try to blend in and yield to pedestrians and pedal powered vehicles. They pedal as they go by and then a few hundred feet ahead they quit pedaling. They at least try to put on good 'non-motor-vehicle' show.

Illinois defines e-bikes as a:


Originally Posted by illinoisduilawyerblawg
“low speed electric bicycle” and refers to two- or three-wheeled vehicle with fully operable pedals, a top speed when powered solely by the motor under 20 mph (32 km/h), and an electric motor that produces less than 750 W (1.01 hp).


Originally Posted by illinoisduilawyerblawg
The Illinois law makes clear that the same rules that apply to other bicycles in Illinois also apply to electric bikes. The law also permits a person to operate an electric bike “upon any bicycle path unless the municipality, county, or local authority with jurisdiction prohibits” them on that path. Municipalities in Illinois have the power to create their own separate rules regarding access to streets and highways under their jurisdiction.



https://www.illinoisduilawyerblawg.c...tive-illinois/

Just call out Good Morning or Good Afternoon etc as you pass everyone.

bargo68 09-22-19 12:38 AM


Originally Posted by Ross520 (Post 21132364)
How many MUP deaths do you hear about every year? I can't think of any.

To wit:
Albany California, Ohlone greenway. I ride this stretch twice a day, five times a week. Jus' sayin.

Albany's 1st homicide since 2015: Man dies of gunshot wound at popular Ohlone Greenway - Story | KTVU

02Giant 09-22-19 01:16 AM


Originally Posted by bargo68 (Post 21132749)
To wit:
Albany California, Ohlone greenway. I ride this stretch twice a day, five times a week. Jus' sayin.

Albany's 1st homicide since 2015: Man dies of gunshot wound at popular Ohlone Greenway - Story | KTVU

I may have missed the part where this was cycling related.

livedarklions 09-22-19 05:08 AM

Most of the MUP complaining I've seen on BF boils down to "omg, I had to slow down or talk to someone.". This isn't rocket science, if you see a dog on or next to the path, slow way down until you can tell whether there's a leash. This stuff is only frustrating if your intention is to ride the entire path like a time trial. I don't know of a single other type of route that will provide you with miles of intersection -free riding in an urban or suburban setting. Having to slow down or stop occasionally is a rather small price to pay for that.

Best interruption I've experienced on a mup was when I had to ride through the sprint practice of a high school track team. The coach basically just worked me into the routine and it was actually quite amusing. He jokingly offered me points for hitting a runner so they'd have incentive to run faster. Way more fun than getting close-passed by a semi.

livedarklions 09-22-19 05:15 AM

Just for accuracy, there was a recent cycle-related fatality on the Minuteman Commuter Path when two cyclists collided, but that is extremely rare. One of the riders was killed by the collision.

Retro Grouch 09-22-19 05:54 AM

That's the nice thing about the internet. You can interact with other people without having to put up with other people's actions.

Champlaincycler 09-22-19 06:09 AM

Not many MUP's around me and I try to avoid them when away, but I accept that a Mup usually means riding a lot slower.

That being said, all the gripes about MUP's reminds me of the old Yogi Berra saying " No one goes there anymore, its too crowded".

livedarklions 09-22-19 06:30 AM


Originally Posted by Champlaincycler (Post 21132846)
Not many MUP's around me and I try to avoid them when away, but I accept that a Mup usually means riding a lot slower.

That being said, all the gripes about MUP's reminds me of the old Yogi Berra saying " No one goes there anymore, its too crowded".

MUPs vary a lot in terms of speed, sometimes by a lot on the same path. There's a stretch at the northern end of the Minuteman, for example, where you can ride at 25 mph for a few miles without any undue risk.

Cyclist753 09-22-19 07:32 AM

Yesterday, an oncoming older male jogger crossed over into the lane I was riding. I ride on the right side just like as if I was in an automobile. There is painted wording and arrows on the trail giving such instruction. I had seen him a few seconds earlier in 'his' lane so I put my eyes onto the scenery or something. We were the only ones at this location. Next thing I'm getting 'warned' and had to get on the 'wrong' side of the trail. As I went by I just said 'stay on the right' and left it at that. (Pun intended!) To me, that was weird and didn't make any sense. FWIW- I slow way down to pass when an individual group is on the path. I use it as a reason to sprint away! Because of the prevalence of ear buds and portable radios that even I can hear I'm less inclined to say 'I'm gonna pass'. I just creep by and let the FW talk.

Miele Man 09-22-19 09:40 AM


Originally Posted by cyclist2000 (Post 21132371)
Where I get on the MUP near the house, heading north goes right through the city that has lots of people walking, skate boarding and other stuff. I ride to the south where there long stretches of farms or open areas. There are a lot less walkers or activity, except cyclists that direction.

There's a r ail-trail near me that's quite busy from the access parking lots to about 3 kilometers on either side of those access parking lots. Other than there it's not too bad except on t he weekends when the local loco wannabe racers decide to use it for their own private train route and then it's, "Every one look out because we ain't slowing down for you or stopping". I simply avoid that rail-trail one the weekends and especially summer weekends. Seems to me that far too many bicyclists and e-bikers don't understand or maybe just don't care that there are others using that same MUP.

Cheers

bargo68 09-22-19 09:44 AM


Originally Posted by 02Giant (Post 21132755)
I may have missed the part where this was cycling related.

It's not. Just a random act of violence that took place on a MUP. It could have been a cyclist. It is sad that it had to be anybody.

On a positive note, on my way to work on Tuesday I saw a whole preschool being herded down the trail. They were participating in the climate strike and they all had hand painted posters and signs. I gave em all a big thumbs up and there's nothing that puts you in a better mood than a hundred kids screaming and cheering!

unterhausen 09-22-19 09:53 AM

there have been plans for a long rural mup near here that keep getting put off because people don't want the trail across their property fearing that people from State College will come out and cause problems. OTOH, at the other end of the valley there is a rail trail that is widely loved. And I have been on other rural rail trails that are major recreation areas in the communities nearby. It's really sad that people feel this way when the main beneficiary of this kind of trails are the people that live along it. And anyway, the flow of crime is actually the other way around, rural folks come to State College to commit crimes, because it's more of a target rich area. What is going to happen, someone might steal a hay bale?


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