Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 16:28     Subject: Re:Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Sorry man, this is a you thing. You do not get right of way because you're faster. If you are running on a trail or sidewalk or something, and you come up on someone moving slowly, walking a dog, taking up the whole sidewalk, and you can't get around them, then YOU need to slow down or fully stop and wait for them to proceed. They have just as much of a right to the sidewalk as you do and the solution is right there in front of you: Stop or slow down. It's not like they're blocking the whole trail taking a nap for 30 mins. Stop, say excuse me, and get around them as you're able. Then you can keep running. If your workout is too precious for that, then go run on a track somewhere.


So it’s ok for a pedestrian to take up the whole sidewalk? Other pedestrians have to slow down or stop so the slower pedestrian doesn’t have to move to one side of the sidewalk? Do slower people have the right to the whole sidewalk? Why?



I'm the PP (and for what it's worth, I don't have a dog and never had, contrary to other posters assumptions).

Sometimes, pedestrians take up the whole sidewalk, yes. There are lots of sidewalk spots near my house where it narrows down and two people walking closely together would take up the whole sidewalk. So, a person in a wheelchair would take all the space. A person with a dog, even on a short leash, would take up all the space. A person pushing a stroller or a person holding a slow moving toddler's hand (those last two, yes, are often me) will take up the whole space. But as I noted in my post - they're not taking a nap! No, it's not okay to sit there and not move, sidewalks are for traveling on. But if some people are moving more slowly, and the appropriate thing to do in a society is to slow down, say "excuse me," (of course the other folks should move to the side if there is room) get past if possible, and wait your turn if it's not.

Why? Because they, by definition, were there first. They have just as much right to use the sidewalk slowly as you do to use it quickly. You have to wait your turn. You both have a right to use the sidewalk, but you DON'T have a right to yell ON YOUR LEFT and send everyone scampering out of the way so you can run at full speed. As I mentioned, the words you're looking for are "excuse me."


What should one do when the slower person is wearing headphones as in the OP and cannot hear you saying excuse me? Wait till the song is over? Tap the person on the shoulder? That would go over so well. Wave?




OP is yelling on your left, and is upon them in 3 seconds.

Waving is a great option honestly.


Or the slower person could not wear headphones or turn down the volume so they can hear someone yelling at them. Or they could keep to one side of the sidewalk so their obliviousness doesn’t affect others also using the sidewalk. But, sure, only OP is required to even think about having to share the sidewalk.


I'm glad this person feels safe enough in their environment to put themselves at such a tremendous disadvantage. Being this unaware of your surroundings is a massive safety concern.

I completely agree with the utter selfishness of thinking you're not only safe enough, but entitled to the entire walkway without having to remain aware that others may want to use the shared public space.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 15:35     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:I'm with you on paying attention with your dogs but you're losing me with bikes on the sidewalk. Those people are a scourge. Unless it's a toddler on a tricycle they all deserve to fly over their handlebars.


I would much prefer people to bicycle on sidewalks than in the road.

If a bicyclist is on the sidewalk, they should, of course, be respectful of others, going around pedestrians or even stopping and waiting for them if necessary. However, if the worst comes to worst and there is an accident, bike vs. pedestrian will almost certainly have a better outcome than bike vs. car. While I obviously would prefer not to be involved in any bike accident, I would much rather be a pedestrian hit by a bike than to be a driver that hits a bike that I couldn’t avoid if it lost control.


They are not respectful. I live downtown, there are bike lanes EVERYWHERE. If you can't handle biking through a major metro area in a bike lane, then maybe city biking isn't for you. It's not for me, you won't see me renting a Citibike in Manhattan, but the solution is not to mow down pedestrians and take to the sidewalk.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 15:24     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:I'm with you on paying attention with your dogs but you're losing me with bikes on the sidewalk. Those people are a scourge. Unless it's a toddler on a tricycle they all deserve to fly over their handlebars.


I would much prefer people to bicycle on sidewalks than in the road.

If a bicyclist is on the sidewalk, they should, of course, be respectful of others, going around pedestrians or even stopping and waiting for them if necessary. However, if the worst comes to worst and there is an accident, bike vs. pedestrian will almost certainly have a better outcome than bike vs. car. While I obviously would prefer not to be involved in any bike accident, I would much rather be a pedestrian hit by a bike than to be a driver that hits a bike that I couldn’t avoid if it lost control.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 15:12     Subject: Re:Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Sorry man, this is a you thing. You do not get right of way because you're faster. If you are running on a trail or sidewalk or something, and you come up on someone moving slowly, walking a dog, taking up the whole sidewalk, and you can't get around them, then YOU need to slow down or fully stop and wait for them to proceed. They have just as much of a right to the sidewalk as you do and the solution is right there in front of you: Stop or slow down. It's not like they're blocking the whole trail taking a nap for 30 mins. Stop, say excuse me, and get around them as you're able. Then you can keep running. If your workout is too precious for that, then go run on a track somewhere.


So it’s ok for a pedestrian to take up the whole sidewalk? Other pedestrians have to slow down or stop so the slower pedestrian doesn’t have to move to one side of the sidewalk? Do slower people have the right to the whole sidewalk? Why?



I'm the PP (and for what it's worth, I don't have a dog and never had, contrary to other posters assumptions).

Sometimes, pedestrians take up the whole sidewalk, yes. There are lots of sidewalk spots near my house where it narrows down and two people walking closely together would take up the whole sidewalk. So, a person in a wheelchair would take all the space. A person with a dog, even on a short leash, would take up all the space. A person pushing a stroller or a person holding a slow moving toddler's hand (those last two, yes, are often me) will take up the whole space. But as I noted in my post - they're not taking a nap! No, it's not okay to sit there and not move, sidewalks are for traveling on. But if some people are moving more slowly, and the appropriate thing to do in a society is to slow down, say "excuse me," (of course the other folks should move to the side if there is room) get past if possible, and wait your turn if it's not.

Why? Because they, by definition, were there first. They have just as much right to use the sidewalk slowly as you do to use it quickly. You have to wait your turn. You both have a right to use the sidewalk, but you DON'T have a right to yell ON YOUR LEFT and send everyone scampering out of the way so you can run at full speed. As I mentioned, the words you're looking for are "excuse me."


What should one do when the slower person is wearing headphones as in the OP and cannot hear you saying excuse me? Wait till the song is over? Tap the person on the shoulder? That would go over so well. Wave?




OP is yelling on your left, and is upon them in 3 seconds.

Waving is a great option honestly.


Or the slower person could not wear headphones or turn down the volume so they can hear someone yelling at them. Or they could keep to one side of the sidewalk so their obliviousness doesn’t affect others also using the sidewalk. But, sure, only OP is required to even think about having to share the sidewalk.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 14:34     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are going faster so it is on you to go around them. Or slow down. Running up and startling a dog is a good way to get bitten.


There was no place to go around them. It was a bridge. It's on me to yell out that I'm approaching, which I did, multiple times. It's on the walker to pay attention and not take up the whole sidewalk.

This was on a trail used by walkers, runners and bikers. Think Capital Crescent Trail or GW Trail. - OP.


So screw the deaf is your philosophy?


The walker wasn't deaf, she was distracted with her headphones and phone. People who are on their phones and not paying attention to the world around them are the worst.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 11:17     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are going faster so it is on you to go around them. Or slow down. Running up and startling a dog is a good way to get bitten.


There was no place to go around them. It was a bridge. It's on me to yell out that I'm approaching, which I did, multiple times. It's on the walker to pay attention and not take up the whole sidewalk.

This was on a trail used by walkers, runners and bikers. Think Capital Crescent Trail or GW Trail. - OP.


It’s on you to slow down until they are out of the way. Fing jog in place marathon man. You can wait until they cross the bridge


Are you really like this in real life? Truly? This is okay with you?

It's on everyone to share public space. Runners run, walkers walk, some have dogs, some don't... surely you're intelligent enough to realize that everyone has to compromise and coexist, right? Joggers can slow down, people with dogs can tighten their leashes and quit hogging space.

Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 11:16     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are going faster so it is on you to go around them. Or slow down. Running up and startling a dog is a good way to get bitten.


There was no place to go around them. It was a bridge. It's on me to yell out that I'm approaching, which I did, multiple times. It's on the walker to pay attention and not take up the whole sidewalk.

This was on a trail used by walkers, runners and bikers. Think Capital Crescent Trail or GW Trail. - OP.


So screw the deaf is your philosophy?


Dog walker wasn't deaf, and the deaf community is usually perfectly capable of sharing space with people with hearing. Deaf people, as a defensive strategy, tend to mind their business MORE so they're less-likely to get bumped.

Stupid argument, and since you're probably not even deaf, ableist.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 10:57     Subject: Re:Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:Sorry man, this is a you thing. You do not get right of way because you're faster. If you are running on a trail or sidewalk or something, and you come up on someone moving slowly, walking a dog, taking up the whole sidewalk, and you can't get around them, then YOU need to slow down or fully stop and wait for them to proceed. They have just as much of a right to the sidewalk as you do and the solution is right there in front of you: Stop or slow down. It's not like they're blocking the whole trail taking a nap for 30 mins. Stop, say excuse me, and get around them as you're able. Then you can keep running. If your workout is too precious for that, then go run on a track somewhere.


So it’s ok for a pedestrian to take up the whole sidewalk? Other pedestrians have to slow down or stop so the slower pedestrian doesn’t have to move to one side of the sidewalk? Do slower people have the right to the whole sidewalk? Why?



I'm the PP (and for what it's worth, I don't have a dog and never had, contrary to other posters assumptions).

Sometimes, pedestrians take up the whole sidewalk, yes. There are lots of sidewalk spots near my house where it narrows down and two people walking closely together would take up the whole sidewalk. So, a person in a wheelchair would take all the space. A person with a dog, even on a short leash, would take up all the space. A person pushing a stroller or a person holding a slow moving toddler's hand (those last two, yes, are often me) will take up the whole space. But as I noted in my post - they're not taking a nap! No, it's not okay to sit there and not move, sidewalks are for traveling on. But if some people are moving more slowly, and the appropriate thing to do in a society is to slow down, say "excuse me," (of course the other folks should move to the side if there is room) get past if possible, and wait your turn if it's not.

Why? Because they, by definition, were there first. They have just as much right to use the sidewalk slowly as you do to use it quickly. You have to wait your turn. You both have a right to use the sidewalk, but you DON'T have a right to yell ON YOUR LEFT and send everyone scampering out of the way so you can run at full speed. As I mentioned, the words you're looking for are "excuse me."


What should one do when the slower person is wearing headphones as in the OP and cannot hear you saying excuse me? Wait till the song is over? Tap the person on the shoulder? That would go over so well. Wave?




OP is yelling on your left, and is upon them in 3 seconds.

Waving is a great option honestly.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 10:53     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are going faster so it is on you to go around them. Or slow down. Running up and startling a dog is a good way to get bitten.


There was no place to go around them. It was a bridge. It's on me to yell out that I'm approaching, which I did, multiple times. It's on the walker to pay attention and not take up the whole sidewalk.

This was on a trail used by walkers, runners and bikers. Think Capital Crescent Trail or GW Trail. - OP.


So screw the deaf is your philosophy?
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 10:53     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:You are going faster so it is on you to go around them. Or slow down. Running up and startling a dog is a good way to get bitten.


There was no place to go around them. It was a bridge. It's on me to yell out that I'm approaching, which I did, multiple times. It's on the walker to pay attention and not take up the whole sidewalk.

This was on a trail used by walkers, runners and bikers. Think Capital Crescent Trail or GW Trail. - OP.


It’s on you to slow down until they are out of the way. Fing jog in place marathon man. You can wait until they cross the bridge
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 10:46     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote:OP maybe you should look into running on a treadmill if you have such issues.


DP. No the OP should not have to. The sidewalks are not that wide. Take your four legged elsewhere.


This was a bridge/trail, I assume it's 6 feet wide. The dog was on the very left and the person was on the very right, with the leash creating a barrier over the other 4 feet.
Anonymous
Post 02/28/2025 10:45     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:
Anonymous wrote: I yell (if I'm not too out of breath) "ON YOUR LEFT!" and they don't move.


I heard someone say that once years ago, and I looked left thinking something like a dog was running up about to attack. What does it supposed to mean? That you are passing on the left, or that runners think pedestrians should have to move left for them? Sounds like a good way to get in a fight or worse.


It means I'm passing you ON YOUR LEFT. You should move to the right.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2025 22:31     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote: I yell (if I'm not too out of breath) "ON YOUR LEFT!" and they don't move.


I heard someone say that once years ago, and I looked left thinking something like a dog was running up about to attack. What does it supposed to mean? That you are passing on the left, or that runners think pedestrians should have to move left for them? Sounds like a good way to get in a fight or worse.
Anonymous
Post 02/27/2025 22:27     Subject: Pay attention on public sidewalks!

Anonymous wrote:OP maybe you should look into running on a treadmill if you have such issues.


DP. No the OP should not have to. The sidewalks are not that wide. Take your four legged elsewhere.