On your left...on your left

[sixone]

Most cyclists will be going 15-25mph on those trails, and slowing down is a complete PITA considering how many pedestrians they are passing.

When common courtesy becomes a PITA, someone needs to stop leaving the house. Just like in cars, it's the responsibility of the driver to slow down or stop for pedestrians or any other hazards on the road.

If there are that many pedestrians on a trail, pick a different trail, or a different time, or get off the bike and walk.

That said, I appreciate hearing "on the left" as a warning that someone is coming up behind and going around - especially if I didn't hear them coming.

 

[leftyman]

On my mountain bike when I go riding I have a "rule" that I go over bridges at 20mph. My speedometer is clocked correctly and has been tested.

I'm not saying 40mph is correct as they are probably a lot closer to 25mph when they pass the OP but it feels pretty damn fast when you fly by someone.


That being said: OP, stay to the right like you are doing. When a cyclist says "on your left" keep knowing you are correct when it is a warning they are about to fly by. Realize this is an OK thing they are doing and you're just upset for nothing. I will gladly buzz your tower at 25mph if I was to ever see you on a recreational trail and wouldn't think anything of it unless your dumb ass tried to hit me with that "walking stick." In which case you'd look pretty funny trying to walk home with it sticking up your ass.

This is my point, yelling out on the left doesnt allow for a right of way, it is also not a sufficient method to avoid a collision.

Say the walker doesnt hear you OR you yell out your warning but dont allow yourself enought time to brake, and the person inadvertantly walks in your path and there is a collision.
Was the yelling out of "on your left" adequate to prevent a collision, or is the speed at which the biker is travelling also a cause?

 

[axium]

I'm blown away that you think people looking out for their and your safety are an annoyance. What's scary to me as a cyclist is that I'm sure you're far from the only person like this.

Do you behave the same way when you're a driver and a motorcyclist tries to make you aware of his position on the road?

 

[dougp]

When common courtesy becomes a PITA, someone needs to stop leaving the house. Just like in cars, it's the responsibility of the driver to slow down or stop for pedestrians or any other hazards on the road.

If there are that many pedestrians on a trail, pick a different trail, or a different time, or get off the bike and walk.

That said, I appreciate hearing "on the left" as a warning that someone is coming up behind and going around - especially if I didn't hear them coming.

Oh look, 61 has shown up.

 

[LucJoe]

This is my point, yelling out on the left doesnt allow for a right of way, it is also not a sufficient method to avoid a collision.

Say the walker doesnt hear you OR you yell out your warning but dont allow yourself enought time to brake, and the person inadvertantly walks in your path and there is a collision.
Was the yelling out of "on your left" adequate to prevent a collision, or is the speed at which the biker is travelling also a cause?

What is the posted speed limit on your trail?

 

[JulesMaximus]

Pro peloton speeds are around 30 MPH on paved roads, LMAO at this guy thinking some dude on the towpath is going 40 MPH.

He probably thinks his 4 MPH jog speed is 12 to 15 MPH.

When I used to commute by bike there was a long stretch of slightly downhill straight road, it was like this for a good mile or so and I could maintain 35mph pretty easily on it. I've hit 48+ mph on a steeper descent on my roadbike. On flat roads I could maintain 17-18mph for quite a distance or even 20-21mph with a slight tailwind. Hell, I've ridden with guys who could maintain 21-22mph riding into a headwind.

 

[leftyman]

What is the posted speed limit on your trail?

Not sure if there is one, There are no signs stating a limit.

 

[Humpy]

The rules of the trail require cyclists to give clear warning to pedestrians before passing. It seems like you are complaining that the rules shouldn't apply around you because you are a badass.

 

[Druidx]

yelling out "on your left" while riding full out isnt trying to avoid an accident, its placing the responsibility of avoiding an accident on the walker.

No. It's the same as someone using a turn signal in a car. This is a very weak rant. I'm walked, jogged, run & biked on multi use trails, I always appreciated the warning when someone is going to pass me.

 

[JEDIYoda]

no you cyclists are too lazy to get off your $800 rides and go run competitively with the op.
__________________

Hahahahaa now the OP is a "competitive runner"....hahahaaaaaa...yeah right.....

 

[leftyman]

The rules of the trail require cyclists to give clear warning to pedestrians before passing. It seems like you are complaining that the rules shouldn't apply around you because you are a badass.

I just guessing but dont the rules also require the cyclist to maintain a safe speed?

 

[JEDIYoda]

This is my point, yelling out on the left doesnt allow for a right of way, it is also not a sufficient method to avoid a collision.

true...but it doesn`t allow for you to be a ass hole and block the right of way either.......

 

[JulesMaximus]

I just guessing but dont the rules also require the cyclist to maintain a safe speed?

So, they should all stop and consult you as to what is a safe speed? :whiste:

 

[LucJoe]

Not sure if there is one, There are no signs stating a limit.

So, assuming the cyclist

A) Gives ample warning (i.e. calling out "on your left" 0.2 sec before flying by does not count)
B) Passes with at least 3 ft of room between you and him

What speed would you consider to be safe?

 

[Slew Foot]

Hahahahaa now the OP is a "competitive runner"....hahahaaaaaa...yeah right.....

a competetive runner who runs 10 minute miles. He must be in the weight watchers league.

 

[leftyman]

true...but it doesn`t allow for you to be a ass hole and block the right of way either.......

Not trying to block the trail and I am fine with sharing it, I just stated that yelling "on your left" isnt a sufficent safeguard to allow a cyclist to go full out on a multi use trail.

 

[Humpy]

I just guessing but dont the rules also require the cyclist to maintain a safe speed?

Yes. A safe speed can be almost anything though. Some cyclists are unsafe at any speed, others have the skill to avoid most any situation. It's not your call really, it's pretty much up to the cyclist.

I don't like 'on your left' and mostly use a bell instead. It sounds more polite than hollering. Jogers/runners are usually pretty predictable and I usually pass them without warning. I'm not the type you are pissed at though. I don't go that fast on crowded trails and I go extra slow around dogs and kids etc.

 

[bonkers325]

This is the Canalway Trail.

It is barely wide enough for 3 people to ride side-by-side. So it is common courtesy to call out to pedestrians that you are, in fact, going to pass them. You don't need to move out of the way if there is enough room to clear, but it sure as hell is nice to know that someone is going to barrel past you at 10-15mph.

Oh, and if they call out to you and you have enough time to react and get out of the way... they're not going at 40mph. 40mph is over 58 feet per second. In the 2 or 3 seconds it takes to react, they'll have traveled 100-150 feet in distance (1/3 or 1/2 the length of a football field). So, no. Just no. Stop exaggerating.

 

[BurnItDwn]

When I pass mere pedestrians with my bicycle, I shout at them "I'm GONNA RAM YOU IF YOU DON"T MOVE OUT OF THE FVCKIN WAY." I usually ride at about 4 mph, and I ride on the left side. I wear no helmet or underpants.

 

[leftyman]

a competetive runner who runs 10 minute miles. He must be in the weight watchers league.

excuse my error, I run 6-7 minute miles and I race competitively 5k,10ks and halfs...not profesionally.

 

[olds]

OP,
So the lefty in your user names refers to your politics and not the passing lane?

 

[leftyman]

OP,
So the lefty in your user names refers to your politics and not the passing lane?

What makes you think that, comrade?

 

[highland145]

When I pass mere pedestrians with my bicycle, I shout at them "I'm GONNA RAM YOU IF YOU DON"T MOVE OUT OF THE FVCKIN WAY." I usually ride at about 4 mph, and I ride on the left side. I wear no helmet or underpants.

 

[dougp]

excuse my error, I run 6-7 minute miles and I race competitively 5k,10ks and halfs...not profesionally.

So, running 10mph ... that's a pretty high speed for a pedestrian, do you slow down when you pass walkers? Do you say anything like "On your left" to let them know you're approaching?

 

[Blackjack200]

So, running 10mph ... that's a pretty high speed for a pedestrian, do you slow down when you pass walkers? Do you say anything like "On your left" to let them know you're approaching?

It also means that the bikes are only going by at ~ 5 - 7 MPH faster.

I ride a little under 20 mph on the canal trail near me and no one ever passes me.