Mixed use trail/path etiquette for everyone

[Anonymous]

I stole this from Reddit, but I feel like it needs posting here as the weather gets nicer and more people are doing things outside.

Cyclists:
- Slow down. Slow down even more. Mixed use trails are not for getting your best times.
- Don't "thread the needle" or try and go in between people in the lanes. Sorry you have to slow down and wait, but it's not all about you and your ride.
- Give plenty of space when passing people. The entire other lane should be completely free if you are about to pass, and thus there should be plenty of space.

Pedestrians:
- If passing someone (as runner passing a walker, for example), LOOK BEHIND YOU first, to make sure someone isn't coming up behind you.

Dog Walkers
- Walk your dog on the right, so you are always a buffer. If you have two dogs, they should both be on your right - NOT a leash in each hand on either side of you.
- Don't use retractable leashes. They are pointless. Use as short, fixed, firm leash.

Everyone
- Stay in the right lane. Don't go on the left because it's more shady, or you're avoiding a sprinkler, walking 6 feet apart, or whatever. You should only enter the left 50% of the path if you are passing someone (and it is clear to do so)
- If you're biking/walking with others, your entire body should be completely inside the right lane the entire time. Not just your feet or wheel - but your arms, elbows, equipment, etc.
- Pick up your shit. Dog shit, masks, pouches, granola wrappers, etc. Stop dropping shit.
- Think of trail navigation like driving. But I suppose those of you who are clueless/dangerous/rude on paths, are also similarly clueless/dangerous/rude on roadways.

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I'd add:
-don't walk/run/bike like a wall. I've seen some groups do this and it's annoying (and unsafe). Don't take up more than half of the path!
-don't just stop in the middle of the path! If your dogs want to "say hello," PULL OVER. If you need to write something on your phone, stop and step off to the side!

[Anonymous]

Ohhh forgot to add one more. If passing someone and you're with a buddy, pass single file. You don't need to continue being next to people when passing them, unless you're: 1) a buddy runner for a blind runner, or 2) severely codependent. Same for cyclists riding with a buddy.

[Anonymous]

Like

[Anonymous]

I'd add,

For everyone:
-Use situational awareness, especially on your left and behind you. Look over your shoulder every so often.
-Keep your music on low so you can hear folks coming up behind you.
-Never assume people have 100% control of their dogs or small children, they can break loose and run out in front of you at any time.

People on wheels or moving fast:
-Always call out before passing someone.

[Anonymous]

I agree. Good rules. Sometimes a biker will pass so closely and rapidly when I'm walking or running that if I lifted my arm up over my head to adjust my hat or something they would crack my elbow in two. That's too close.

I would also add, give a little more grace to young kids, but parents do constantly remind your kids about the rules.

[Anonymous]

Also: A mix use path means that you’re expected to share with others, regardless of what use they are making of it. You don’t get to refuse to share nicely just because you don’t like dogs or cyclists or whatever.

And for the love of god if you hear a bell ringing that means pay attention and make way towards the right if you can. It does not mean scatter all over the path so that everyone coming up behind you needs to break or stop to figure out how to get around you without running into anyone else. And if you can’t manage even this then just stick to a treadmill.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also: A mix use path means that you’re expected to share with others, regardless of what use they are making of it. You don’t get to refuse to share nicely just because you don’t like dogs or cyclists or whatever.

And for the love of god if you hear a bell ringing that means pay attention and make way towards the right if you can. It does not mean scatter all over the path so that everyone coming up behind you needs to break or stop to figure out how to get around you without running into anyone else. And if you can’t manage even this then just stick to a treadmill.

A ringing of the bell is a notice, not a request. As long as one is in the right lane, they are under zero obligation to move more to the right. Personally, I "take the lane" as a pedestrian, as I feel it's WAY safer, and discourages cyclists from going in between the lanes.

And yes, a mixed use path means sharing the path. People can and should have their dogs with them, but they should be on the right of their handler, and not wandering all over the path. Treating path-use like driving is the most sensible. Stay in your lane, look when you're passing or moving, and we can all share it fine.

[Anonymous]

One earbud max. For everyone. You should never wear both earbuds in a mixed use situation, sidewalks, trails, whatever. It’s makes you oblivious to everything going on around you. And for goodness sakes, stop staring at your phone.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:One earbud max. For everyone. You should never wear both earbuds in a mixed use situation, sidewalks, trails, whatever. It’s makes you oblivious to everything going on around you. And for goodness sakes, stop staring at your phone.

And it's not just about being run over by bicyclists... muggers and perverts look for people who are unaware of their environment because they are listening to music / looking at their phones.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Also: A mix use path means that you’re expected to share with others, regardless of what use they are making of it. You don’t get to refuse to share nicely just because you don’t like dogs or cyclists or whatever.

And for the love of god if you hear a bell ringing that means pay attention and make way towards the right if you can. It does not mean scatter all over the path so that everyone coming up behind you needs to break or stop to figure out how to get around you without running into anyone else. And if you can’t manage even this then just stick to a treadmill.

You just need to slow down and brake when you pass someone.

This is why you can’t safely bring kids on the path because of entitled bikers.

[Anonymous]

Pathletes ruin multi-use paths. I don’t think bikes should even be allowed and I’m a cyclist. There is no realistic way to use the paths without it being unsafe on a bike so it’s not even worth bothering. At least for me.

[Anonymous]

I have a beautiful wooded trail near my house that my little kids can't use their bikes on because some idiots think they are doing the Tour de France. Zooming through and yelling "ON YOUR LEFT". PLEASE keep it at a leisurely pace.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Pathletes ruin multi-use paths. I don’t think bikes should even be allowed and I’m a cyclist. There is no realistic way to use the paths without it being unsafe on a bike so it’s not even worth bothering. At least for me.

As a cyclist, I accept that the Capital Crescent Trail will be super crowded on weekends ... and never count on going fast, esp close to downtown Bethesda. Just wait til the coast is clear before passing people.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I have a beautiful wooded trail near my house that my little kids can't use their bikes on because some idiots think they are doing the Tour de France. Zooming through and yelling "ON YOUR LEFT". PLEASE keep it at a leisurely pace.

I agree with this. And I am one of those middle aged dorks in tight fitting loud colors purchased on clearance. If you want to exceed 15 mph on a bike, you get to tangle with cars or endlessly loop around Haines point. That’s just the way it should be.

I am fine tangling with cars and taking risks. I have a radar and the intelligence to be situationally aware

[Anonymous]

I'd add:

Cyclist, stop using your high beams and blinking lights!!! They do NOT help your visibility on trails.

If you're riding on the road, and an oncoming vehicle has on high beams or blinking bright lights, does it help you?

Dim, steady lights are way better for visibility, at least on paved paths and trails.