Originally Posted by
mstateglfr
Well sure, that's a possibility.
Situation awareness is important. Slowing down even if the jogger seems to be going straight is important. Giving plenty of space is important.
as you said though, its uncommon. At some point, we all have to decide how much we will alter our activities for uncommon possible results. This applies to cycling in the road, passing people on MUPS, etc etc.
Like I said above, the joggers just haven't been a problem for me. I give them enough room that they'd really have to try to get in my "lane". Most of them tend to keep to the far right side of the path anyway. I slow when it's a two abreast situation, but most other times it really isn't necessary. If anything, passing slower might even be more dangerous as it gives them more time to get in front of me. Bicyclists and dogs have a much greater ability to do unpredictable things that are really hard to avoid.
Absolutely, situational awareness is vital as you keep pointing out. I'll come to a dead stop if I think I really can't pass safely. But I don't understand how someone can emphasize situational awareness on the one hand and then say they don't understand how cutting off one of the senses people use to comprehend situations is a problem.