Originally Posted by Camilo

The "you" I'm writing about is not the above poster, just a general you. I happen to agree with what is quoted.

To me, if you're on a MUP that has pedestrians on it, you should only be traveling at a speed similar to other pedestrians, the fastest of which are runners. In other words, same speed as the other users.

I don't bother hailing people I'm passing. For one thing, the MUPs I generally ride on are alongside pretty busy roads, so the road noise covers my voice, unless I yell at the top of my lungs. I don't like doing that. Even then, they can't hear if listening to their ear buds (which they have every right to do btw - for chrissakes, they're out for a walk, why shouldn't they?) Not to mention, pets on leashes and kids who are, well, kids. All have every right to be on the trail and all have the right to expect you to be safe.

Like the poster above, I've had people dart in front of me whether I call out or not. The safe thing is just pass at a speed that you can stop or swerve, just as if you were a runner on the path passing walkers.

That is very slow, by the way. Sometimes you actually have to slow to their speed and follow until you can get by safely (at that point you can probably talk to them in a conversational manner to get their attention if need-be).

So I just behave as if I'm just another user at the same speed - I SLOW THE F DOWN to a safe speed, and just pass safely at the speed to make the pass reasonably quickly, but as safe as need be. No need to call your pass in those circumstances, just be safe. If someone yells at you for not calling out, you could stop and explain why you didn't or just give a friendly wave and continue on.

MUPs are MULTI USE. Live with it. Be safe. If you don't like it, get on the street.

If I have a good sight line and see no other users, I go as fast as I want until I do, or until I lose the sight line.

Originally Posted by livedarklions

That's the point, though, they appear to be staying in a reliable line and then just dart out in front of you just as you close. This is not common, but I've had a couple of very close calls.

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.

Originally Posted by CAT7RDR

To the OP: Have you ever been hit by a vehicle? There is usually a couple of seconds once you hear the vehicle to move over closer to the roadside if one is available.

I use those few seconds for that purpose. Some of us do not have good hearing to begin with. I count on those few seconds for my safety. So what is most important in your life - music, or the possibility of avoid getting hit?

Originally Posted by eja_ bottecchia

...I use the Garmin Varia radar unit. I like the warnings that I get and I like seeing the alerts on my Garmin head unit.

BUT, I still use an eyeglass mounted mirror.

When I get an alert, I quickly check my mirror to see what’s coming my way.

Cars now have a similar system, there is an audible alert when cars are nearby, then you check the mirrors to confirm the location of nearby vehicles.

I like the peace of mind.

Originally Posted by livedarklions

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.

Originally Posted by livedarklions

Every MUP I've ever ridden on has posted rules requiring announcing so I don't agree with much of what you're saying. I announce, I don't pass unless the oncoming lane is clear, and I literally don't recall ever having an issue with a jogger in many thousands of miles of MUP riding. It is the voluntarily deaf non-announcing bicyclists that cause the problems. They can cross a path randomly and rapidly.

And no, I generally don't slow to a jogging speed when I pass. That's absurd, and is contrary to the practice on any MUP I've ever ridden on.

Originally Posted by adlai

well also a lot of riders are jerks while riding, taking up the entire center lane.

sure, you have the right, but if some guy messes up you’re screwed.

I always ride as far to the right as I can. So that even if the car isn’t paying attention perfectly, he won’t hit me.

So it makes no difference if I detect a car behind me because I am always as far to the right as I can be. Any further and I’ll be in grass.

Originally Posted by CAT7RDR

To the OP: Have you ever been hit by a vehicle? There is usually a couple of seconds once you hear the vehicle to move over closer to the roadside if one is available. I use those few seconds for that purpose. Some of us do not have good hearing to begin with. I count on those few seconds for my safety. So what is most important in your life - music, or the possibility of avoid getting hit?

Originally Posted by mstateglfr

Valid concern for sure.
I have experienced that hearing, while beneficial in some situations, isnt a necessity for safety.
When cycling without ear buds and music, I hear wind. Thats almost all I hear- wind.
Its probably because I am so strong and fast.***

- on gravel roads, I hear wind and tires rolling over stone.
- on paved roads I hear wind and some car noise from their engines and tires.
- when no cars are around in paved roads I hear wind noise.
- on mups I hear wind noise.

My hearing is compromised when riding due to wind's white noise, so listening to music in the background just doesn't make me feel safer or dull my usable senses.

Head on a swivel. I look ahead and behind before passing on maps or changing lanes on roads. Otherwise, its straight ahead in a consistent line so I am predictable to others on the MUP or road.
see and be seen these two things are what I view as necessary for safety/situational awareness.

Originally Posted by Hypno Toad

One earbud (right ear only) is my preferred for solo rides. I use Skullcandy Method for a long list of reasons: durable in the worst conditions, good mic to take calls and send & receive text, easy to keep the unused earbud secure, not heavy; neck loop design keeps weight off your ear, easy to use buttons - even with winter gloves, ...

My general thoughts on biking with music is the same as driving with music, it's only dangerous when it's too loud. I keep the volume low enough I can easily talk with people while riding.

I have never had a conflict with another trail/road user because of my music ... but I've encountered far too many people that are a problem because their music is too loud and they can't hear a bell or verbal alerts or anything.

Originally Posted by velopig

iPod Pro with transparency mode on. Also have Varia radar to point out when vehicle approaches.

Originally Posted by _ForceD_

If you're on the road...unsafe. Yet, I see lots of people doing it. On a MUP...maybe OK.

But my personal preference is to go au naturel. I like hearing all the things that are going on around me whether they pertain to my safety or not.

Dan

Originally Posted by Tophy_Dee

Safe or unsafe? I’ve seen some other cyclists with air pods and other headphones on and though what a great idea to listen to some tunes while riding. But then I realized maybe it’s not such a good idea? Can’t hear if cyclists are coming up behind or if there’s cars or sirens. Basically can’t hear anything at all!

What are your thoughts on this and if you do listen to music, any tips to be able listen and keep safe at the same time?

Originally Posted by caloso

I don't see why this is so difficult. I call out whenever I am passing. But I also don't assume they have heard me so I give them as much space as is safe. When I move to pass, I check over my shoulder in case of traffic or someone else, faster than both of us, is also passing me. Then pass. It's also nice to give a little wave and say hi when you go by.

Originally Posted by Tophy_Dee

Safe or unsafe? I’ve seen some other cyclists with air pods and other headphones on and though what a great idea to listen to some tunes while riding. But then I realized maybe it’s not such a good idea? Can’t hear if cyclists are coming up behind or if there’s cars or sirens. Basically can’t hear anything at all!

What are your thoughts on this and if you do listen to music, any tips to be able listen and keep safe at the same time?

Originally Posted by Tophy_Dee

Safe or unsafe? I’ve seen some other cyclists with air pods and other headphones on and though what a great idea to listen to some tunes while riding. But then I realized maybe it’s not such a good idea? Can’t hear if cyclists are coming up behind or if there’s cars or sirens. Basically can’t hear anything at all!

What are your thoughts on this and if you do listen to music, any tips to be able listen and keep safe at the same time?

Originally Posted by Ironfish653

If it’s a solo road ride, like a commute, or just getting some miles in, I’ll often have music. Picking songs with the right tempos can also help you hold a particular pace or cadence.
When I do, it’s only one ear, usually the curb side, depending if I’m riding or running.

If its any any kind of group (2 or more) or a high traffic situation, like downtown, then I’ll ditch the headphones.

The pair i use for cycling has has an over-the-ear hook, so it doesn’t need to seal tightly, and the volume/pause controls are right on the pod, so I don’t need to fumble around for a cord or the phone to turn it down or off. (Or louder )

Originally Posted by Ironfish653

...... The pair i use for cycling has has an over-the-ear hook, so it doesn’t need to seal tightly, and the volume/pause controls are right on the pod, so I don’t need to fumble around for a cord or the phone to turn it down or off. (Or louder )