The low standard of lockdown pedestrianism
#51
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Here the same MUPs are markedly different depending upon location. In some places, they are packed with other users. Two miles further, you have them almost to yourself. Much like riding on the road, it helps to stay on high guard and to try to be respectful of other users.
Right, I don't think there's anywhere in the US where MUPs are uniformly bike friendly. I've pretty much decided to avoid any path in MA that's labeled as a "Greenway" as those are basically walking paths that "allow" bicycling. Other MUPs in MA can be great, and much faster than roads. I think there are, however, places in the US where the MUPs universally suck for bike riding.
#52
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I learned pedestrians on the streets are even more obnoxious than pedestrians on the MUP. At least on the MUP, pedestrians won't make me late for a green light or get into an argument with a motorist.
#53
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I have not encountered any issues with pedestrians on the streets, but there are a few joggers who jog in the bike lane against the direction of traffic, and when they encounter a cyclist, they expect the cyclist to veer left toward potential traffic in the rightmost motor vehicle lane, rather than simply hop onto the curb for a couple of steps.
#54
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I have not encountered any issues with pedestrians on the streets, but there are a few joggers who jog in the bike lane against the direction of traffic, and when they encounter a cyclist, they expect the cyclist to veer left toward potential traffic in the rightmost motor vehicle lane, rather than simply hop onto the curb for a couple of steps.
Though it sounds like this is a bike lane sandwiched between road and sidewalk. I've no idea for that.
Although at one time I thought that only walkers were supposed to walk against traffic on the open roads with motor vehicles. I thought that runners, roller skaters, cyclists and most anyone or thing that wasn't walking was supposed to travel with the traffic.
#55
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Cycling on screen: why the Spandex-clad man-child still rules movies and TV. (slate.com)
On most local MUPs, cyclists are supposed to yield to pedestrians and both are supposed to yield to horses. Thankfully, I have not encountered any horses yet; I suppose that if one has sufficient means to keep a horse in Orange County, one would also be very concerned about the potential liability should there be any mishaps. This guideline pretty much gives pedestrians a free reign to move around unpredictably. I only know of one MUP with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, and it is less chaotic than the others.
From left to right: road, clearly marked bike lane, curb, grass area, sidewalk. When my son was young and I cycled slowly with him on the sidewalk, we always slow or stop and yield to pedestrians, and most are courteous and accommodating. My issue is only with joggers who prefer to jog in the smoother bike lane but refuse to yield to cyclists.
Last edited by SoSmellyAir; 07-22-21 at 12:59 PM.
#56
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On most local MUPs, cyclists are supposed to yield to pedestrians and both are supposed to yield to horses. Thankfully, I have not encountered any horses yet; I suppose that if one has sufficient means to keep a horse in Orange County, one would also be very concerned about the potential liability should there be any mishaps. This guideline pretty much gives pedestrian a free reign to move around unpredictably. I only know of one MUP with separate lanes for cyclists and pedestrians, and it is less chaotic than the others.
Many times when I encounter a person on the wrong side of things, it's along with a bunch of others that are not in the same group. So simply moving out of the runners way that I mentioned would have put me square on a collision course with others that were in their correct lane. So this is one reason why stopping was the better option. Since the runner was inquisitive, he found out something he didn't realize and ever since he's run on the correct side.
I wouldn't have said anything to him if he hadn't ask.
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I'm also a rower and during the pandemic there has been a huge increase in the number of SUPs on the local river.
I get it. SUPs are fun, easy to learn, and enable you to exercise on the wonderful waterways.
BUT for the love of God don't wear earbuds!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I'm toe-steering a quadruple scull at speed while facing backwards and I can only do so much thinking for you!