rumrunn6

it's Springtime & there are more these out & about. here's hoping their kids don't get too far ahead, stay away from the street & stop at crossroads

Iride01 

We have a lot of parents that don't ride a bike at all, but are walking around the neighborhood with their small kids on bikes ahead of them on the same left side of the road. Since the parents are walking on the correct side but the children are on the wrong side. And that will be the side they think is normal for them when on a bike.

I just wonder it that is setting up a few of them to become a statistic later on when they begin to ride in the road without their parents.


I'd actually be more comfortable whether driving, walking, running or cycling if everyone traveled the same direction on the same side of the road. When you get walkers coming toward you in your lane and cars, bikes or other in the opposing lane all at the same time, there isn't much you can do except stop when the roads aren't that wide.

Troul 

from what I can gather, yea... Far too many ride on the opposing traffic side when the other side has more than one option for use.

roadcrankr

Pedestrians properly travel towards oncoming traffic for a reason, not for your personal convenience.
The scenario you describe occurs, what, once per ride? Whereas the pedestrian encounters vehicles many times over.
I walk my dog daily and can easily advise people not to walk with their back to traffic, unless maybe on sidewalks.

Iride01 

This sort of requires a duh!

I'm quite aware that there is a reason for that. However I'm not so certain that the reason really is valid any more with all other things considered. I also walk quite a bit with my wife. And of course when on the same roads as motor vehicle traffic, we walk into the oncoming traffic. However I'm comfortable walking with my back to the traffic too. Just like when I'm on a bicycle, the traffic behind me is required to respect my privilege over them and remain safely behind until they can safely pass me.

So why not do the same thing that is done on MUPs and other trails? At least here and other places I've been, it is recommended that all traffic keep right and pass on the left when on MUPs and trails. When on the road, the car that is going to hit you will hit you whether you see it coming or not. I know we all want to believe that we'll recognize when we are about to be hit. However I'd bet that most don't know that till it happens, or if they did it was still too late.

work4bike

That's why I play in the roads with the cars

13ollocks

Pretty sure if I see a car approaching with its tires on the fog line, I'm not going to stand there thinking "oh well, nothing I can do about it...." and not at least attempt to move out of the way You might be comfortable walking with your back to traffic, but that flies in the face of every recommendation wrt walking on the roadside.