Other Path Users
#1
For The Fun of It
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,852
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2135 Post(s)
Liked 1,647 Times
in
829 Posts
Other Path Users
Lately I have encountered a lot of skaters on the path. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, but they do that Apolo Ohno back and forth thing, eating up the entire path in the process. I am not a skater, but apparently the swerving thing is necessary to maintain a 3 MPH pace. I am not sure that the skaters are aware that their necks allow them to look over their shoulders.
Today was a first. There are several horse stables adjacent to the MS River levee path in the NOLA area. I encounter horses from time to time. The riders are normally good about keeping to one side and monitoring their surroundings. As I came up behind one today, it was moving erratically back and forth across the path. While well behind the horse, and at a volume that I hoped wouldn't startle the horse or rider, I announced my presence. No response. I announced again. No response. When they horse drifted off to the right side, I accelerated past. I looked at the rider as I did. The rider was texting and riding.
I know it's called PAYING attention, but it's actually free. And remarkably easy as an added bonus. That is all.
Today was a first. There are several horse stables adjacent to the MS River levee path in the NOLA area. I encounter horses from time to time. The riders are normally good about keeping to one side and monitoring their surroundings. As I came up behind one today, it was moving erratically back and forth across the path. While well behind the horse, and at a volume that I hoped wouldn't startle the horse or rider, I announced my presence. No response. I announced again. No response. When they horse drifted off to the right side, I accelerated past. I looked at the rider as I did. The rider was texting and riding.
I know it's called PAYING attention, but it's actually free. And remarkably easy as an added bonus. That is all.
Last edited by Paul Barnard; 02-15-22 at 06:27 AM.
Likes For Paul Barnard:
#2
Junior Member
Hi from Baton rouge. All multi use paths have the issue. I found walkers with earbuds to be the worst when I'm comes to being unaware of their surroundings and easily startled. Rarely encounter horses. But when I do I'm uber cautious as a spooked horse is dangerous for everyone.
Likes For Russ5415:
#3
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Eastern VA
Posts: 1,724
Bikes: 2022 Fuel EX 8, 2021 Domane SL6, Black Beta (Nashbar frame), 2004 Trek 1000C for the trainer
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 270 Post(s)
Liked 447 Times
in
266 Posts
Talk when approaching horse(s). They are normally smarter than their riders. Watch the horses ears. They will point your way to listen. Also watch the riders hands and heals. They will startle and spook their own horse then blame you. Then tell them to take dressage lessons and learn how to really control a horse.
Likes For biker128pedal:
#4
For The Fun of It
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,852
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2135 Post(s)
Liked 1,647 Times
in
829 Posts
Hi from Baton rouge. All multi use paths have the issue. I found walkers with earbuds to be the worst when I'm comes to being unaware of their surroundings and easily startled. Rarely encounter horses. But when I do I'm uber cautious as a spooked horse is dangerous for everyone.
#5
For The Fun of It
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Louisissippi Coast
Posts: 5,852
Bikes: Lynskey GR300, Lynskey Backroad, Litespeed T6, Lynskey MT29, Burley Duet
Mentioned: 12 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2135 Post(s)
Liked 1,647 Times
in
829 Posts
Talk when approaching horse(s). They are normally smarter than their riders. Watch the horses ears. They will point your way to listen. Also watch the riders hands and heals. They will startle and spook their own horse then blame you. Then tell them to take dressage lessons and learn how to really control a horse.
#6
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
Likes For Rolla:
#7
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
Lately I have encountered a lot of skaters on the path. It wouldn't be that big of a deal, but they do that Apolo Ohno back and forth thing, eating up the entire path in the process. I am not a skater, but apparently the swerving thing is necessary to maintain a 3 MPH pace.
But regardless, this is what bells are for. People need to be willing to pull things in to occupying only their directional half of the path, regardless if that's their personal movement pattern, their family biking group, their walk with a friend, or their family or dog walk.
And then people who want to pass need to be willing to wait until the oncoming lane is clear.
Expecting to be able to pass someone while using only the half of the path for your direction is more than a bit like a driver who insists they have an inalienable right to pass a cyclist without waiting for an opening in the oncoming lane...
And yes, I'm spoiled, because the overwhelming majority of users of all modes around here actually get it. Things like the day last week when someone continued walking spaced enough from her friend that she remained well over in the opposing lane after the first bell, the second, and as I passed on its far edge ringing continuously are really the exception.
Saturday was the kind of warm preview-of-spring day that had absolutely everyone out on the path, and for a minute I was concerned but people really just got it - only shouting I did was to the under-10 riders in our own group, and that was more precautionary than actually needed, as it's the environment in which they've learned to bike.
Last edited by UniChris; 02-14-22 at 08:07 PM.
#9
Guest
Join Date: Sep 2020
Posts: 2,888
Mentioned: 13 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1346 Post(s)
Liked 3,270 Times
in
1,439 Posts
#10
SE Wis
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Milwaukee, WI
Posts: 10,515
Bikes: '68 Raleigh Sprite, '02 Raleigh C500, '84 Raleigh Gran Prix, '91 Trek 400, 2013 Novara Randonee, 1990 Trek 970
Mentioned: 40 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2747 Post(s)
Liked 3,397 Times
in
2,056 Posts
Quite apart from the legalities I think it's a total discourtesy to the horse to use a phone while riding. I know others don't see it the same way and there are such things as emergencies, but it's something I hate to see either out and about or in the school.
Lol what? My horse has never turned round whilst I've been snapchatting him to my friends and flashed a look of disgust at me
Likes For dedhed:
#11
Full Member
Join Date: Aug 2009
Posts: 313
Mentioned: 0 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 421 Post(s)
Liked 379 Times
in
279 Posts
Maybe if he was riding while drunk?
#12
Senior Member
Join Date: May 2017
Location: Northampton, MA
Posts: 1,909
Bikes: 36" Unicycle, winter knock-around hybrid bike
Mentioned: 15 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 930 Post(s)
Liked 393 Times
in
282 Posts
Each of the few times I've been on a horse, I had to face the reality that the horse knew what it was doing, and I... did not.
It's not quite riding in the back seat of the self-driving car, but closer to that than most other modes.
I remember once riding the East River Greenway and ringing my bell which prompted a little dog who clearly knew a few things about sharing a path to smartly move in behind his oblivious human.
It's not quite riding in the back seat of the self-driving car, but closer to that than most other modes.
I remember once riding the East River Greenway and ringing my bell which prompted a little dog who clearly knew a few things about sharing a path to smartly move in behind his oblivious human.
#13
Over the hill
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Posts: 24,376
Bikes: Giant Defy, Giant Revolt
Mentioned: 1 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 998 Post(s)
Liked 1,206 Times
in
692 Posts
I'm not too fond of paths. Motor vehicle drivers tend to act more predictably, even if they aren't following the laws to a T.
__________________
It's like riding a bicycle
It's like riding a bicycle
Last edited by urbanknight; 02-15-22 at 01:37 AM.
Likes For urbanknight:
#14
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 3,449
Mentioned: 33 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 874 Post(s)
Liked 2,288 Times
in
1,278 Posts
I quit multi use paths a few years ago, before the whole COVID thing hit. In concept , the MUP is a great idea. In reality it is far more frustrating than it is worth. Here, in my area , even the bike lanes are not used correctly , but at least there is room to go around . I gave up trying to expect folks to do the right thing , I just go around .
#15
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: SW Ohio
Posts: 2,397
Mentioned: 93 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 1104 Post(s)
Liked 1,825 Times
in
878 Posts
Riding an MUP path is a lot like going to the drive thru with a big order during rush hour. If you think you're EVER gonna get what you want, you're just frustrating yourself for no good reason.
__________________
Likes For nomadmax:
#16
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,242
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18416 Post(s)
Liked 15,556 Times
in
7,331 Posts
There’s an A&S forum precisely for threads like this. But you already know that.
Likes For indyfabz:
#19
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Likes For livedarklions:
#20
Cheerfully low end
Join Date: Jun 2020
Posts: 1,978
Mentioned: 5 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 646 Post(s)
Liked 1,044 Times
in
667 Posts
I gave up dedicated road riding thirty years ago because our trails are more enjoyable and a safer place to ride. I ride thousands of miles each year on our trails and by far the biggest nuisance is ice left after a big snow.
Otto
Likes For ofajen:
#21
Senior Member
Yeah, people move and stay here for our trails. People visit from all over the world to use the larger route across the state.
I gave up dedicated road riding thirty years ago because our trails are more enjoyable and a safer place to ride. I ride thousands of miles each year on our trails and by far the biggest nuisance is ice left after a big snow.
I gave up dedicated road riding thirty years ago because our trails are more enjoyable and a safer place to ride. I ride thousands of miles each year on our trails and by far the biggest nuisance is ice left after a big snow.
#22
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
Yeah, people move and stay here for our trails. People visit from all over the world to use the larger route across the state.
I gave up dedicated road riding thirty years ago because our trails are more enjoyable and a safer place to ride. I ride thousands of miles each year on our trails and by far the biggest nuisance is ice left after a big snow.
Otto
I gave up dedicated road riding thirty years ago because our trails are more enjoyable and a safer place to ride. I ride thousands of miles each year on our trails and by far the biggest nuisance is ice left after a big snow.
Otto
I find in these discussions people just assume that all MUPs are alike. There's MUPs where I can ride fast for miles without encountering anyone else. There's other ones I won't ride on because they're really pedestrian paths with bikes "allowed".
Likes For livedarklions:
#23
Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2010
Posts: 39,242
Mentioned: 211 Post(s)
Tagged: 1 Thread(s)
Quoted: 18416 Post(s)
Liked 15,556 Times
in
7,331 Posts
Yeah. Riding conditions can even vary greatly based on the day of the week and time of day.
#24
Tragically Ignorant
Join Date: Jun 2018
Location: New England
Posts: 15,613
Bikes: Serotta Atlanta; 1994 Specialized Allez Pro; Giant OCR A1; SOMA Double Cross Disc; 2022 Allez Elite mit der SRAM
Mentioned: 62 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 8186 Post(s)
Liked 9,098 Times
in
5,054 Posts
#25
Senior Member
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: northern Deep South
Posts: 8,904
Bikes: Fuji Touring, Novara Randonee
Mentioned: 36 Post(s)
Tagged: 0 Thread(s)
Quoted: 2604 Post(s)
Liked 1,933 Times
in
1,213 Posts
Today was a first. There are several horse stables adjacent to the MS River levee path in the NOLA area. I encounter horses from time to time. The riders are normally good about keeping to one side and monitoring their surroundings. As I came up behind one today, it was moving erratically back and forth across the path. While well behind the horse, and at a volume that I hoped wouldn't startle the horse or rider, I announced my presence. No response. I announced again. No response. When they horse drifted off to the right side, I accelerated past. I looked at the rider as I did. The rider was texting and riding.