Bike Path Courtesy

IME people using the west suburban Prairie Path are pretty courteous about warning when passing, making room and such. They're also friendly and chatty. On the other hand it's rare that people on the Lake path act as nicely.

 

I toodle along on my bike (kind'a strolling you might say) and people come out of nowhere and pass at high speeds without so much as a by your leave. I wonder why so many city cyclists are so self absorbed and rude.

 

I stick to the south end of the path; between 12th St. and Hyde Park.

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Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on June 9, 2010 at 3:23pm
Clark said:
By the way, are we sure they are really from the city? Or perhaps are they suburbanites, enjoying the LFP for the day, and really not used to riding in such close quarters?

The generalizations are spreading like a disease.
Permalink Reply by Old Tom on June 9, 2010 at 4:49pm
I appreciate that people that want to go fast will find the south end of the path attractive. But they can come up so fast that sometimes it's startling and startling people is rude. And the south end of the path during weekdays (which is when I ride) is not so crowded that shouting out to those being passed would be a bothersome litany.
Permalink Reply by Michael A on June 9, 2010 at 4:55pm
It has been said before, calling out on your left more times then not will result in a rider looking over his left shoulder and veering left while looking. That is if he is not wearing headphones and can hear you at all. I am sorry if it startles you when someone passes you at a higher speed, maybe you should try decaf
Permalink Reply by Finch on June 9, 2010 at 5:07pm
The only thing that I really pet peeve over is when I am passing a bike on the left and as I do so, someone passes ME on the left. I mean, c'mon...I'm right behind the slow bike all the way to the left, waiting for an opening...surely as you're coming up behind me you have some inkling of what I'm about to do, right?
Permalink Reply by Michael A on June 9, 2010 at 5:11pm
if you were driving a car, you would look over your shoulder or in your mirror and check the lane before changing, correct? A courteous driver or rider will allow you to merge in if he does not have to slam on his brakes to do so

Finch said:
The only thing that I really pet peeve over is when I am passing a bike on the left and as I do so, someone passes ME on the left. I mean, c'mon...I'm right behind the slow bike all the way to the left, waiting for an opening...surely as you're coming up behind me you have some inkling of what I'm about to do, right?
Permalink Reply by Finch on June 9, 2010 at 5:21pm
Of course I throw a glance back to make sure I'm not about to collide into someone when I pull out into the other lane...I'm talking about people that come speed-demoning up behind me and pull out after I've already pulled out (when I glace behind me they are not yet close enough for attempting to pass me) because they don't want to slow down and pass the person I've just passed, and then have to pass me. They might as well pass us both in one swoop, seems to be the mentality.

Michael A said:
if you were driving a car, you would look over your shoulder or in your mirror and check the lane before changing, correct? A courteous driver or rider will allow you to merge in if he does not have to slam on his brakes to do so

Finch said:
The only thing that I really pet peeve over is when I am passing a bike on the left and as I do so, someone passes ME on the left. I mean, c'mon...I'm right behind the slow bike all the way to the left, waiting for an opening...surely as you're coming up behind me you have some inkling of what I'm about to do, right?
Permalink Reply by Michael A on June 9, 2010 at 5:31pm
Not trying to start a fight, this thread is just a rerun of several others on the same topic. I ride the LFP 2-3 mornings a week, and then again a couple of times during the day if I can sneak it in. I would rather ride there then deal with traffic on the roads. I tend to ride faster then most, but I still get passed. I try to take it easier on places where is crowded or less places to "escape" and then speed up in the less congested areas, One can only hope we all get through it safe.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 10, 2010 at 1:33am
How about using a bell? That is universally understood and seems to cut through most music.

Blasting by people at high speed without warning IS rude. Do you really want to cause accidents. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way.

Michael A said:
It has been said before, calling out on your left more times then not will result in a rider looking over his left shoulder and veering left while looking. That is if he is not wearing headphones and can hear you at all. I am sorry if it startles you when someone passes you at a higher speed, maybe you should try decaf
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 10, 2010 at 1:35am
That's a good example of why some warning is a good idea. I've seen some accidents and near collisions come out of this scenario, especially from Fullerton to Addison.

Finch said:
The only thing that I really pet peeve over is when I am passing a bike on the left and as I do so, someone passes ME on the left. I mean, c'mon...I'm right behind the slow bike all the way to the left, waiting for an opening...surely as you're coming up behind me you have some inkling of what I'm about to do, right?
Permalink Reply by RyanG on June 10, 2010 at 2:56am
For some the path is the only outlet for high speed exercise. I'll assume on their behalf that people are tired of saying OYL in vain to the oblivious or the slower riders that seem to keep a steady line. Ultimately there is no excuse for not giving a warning.

That area of the path has a higher density of roadies (if that's who we're talking about) because it's not as packed.

In general, you'll have no control of the riding styles on a public path, just like a public road. Unless they build a divided high speed path, I don't any change in our future.
Permalink Reply by Marty A. on June 10, 2010 at 3:17am
Let's not forget that there is a responsibility of all riders, runners and lollygaggers on LFP. If I ride fast, I should be able to. If I ride slow, I should be able to. If I ride fast but not fast enough, I get passed. I think it comes down to courtesy and not generalizing on residence zip code, method of communication (let's not forget to gesture when we are turning, slowing, etc.). I just read an article that seems very appropriate for this discussion even though it is not directly tied to cycling:

www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-talk-brotman-rules-0531-20100531,0...

chicagotribune.com
Rules for enjoying the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Or else.
On the famous span, it's our way or the highway
Barbara Brotman

May 31, 2010

As the summer tourism season begins, it is time to go over the rules.

Specifically, the rules governing arguably the spot most crowded with tourists and Chicagoans jockeying for space — the Michigan Avenue Bridge over the Chicago River.

You may not be aware of the rules. Judging by the frequent and flagrant violations of them, no one is. But rest assured, a set of regulations has been drawn up. Developed in consultation with the country of Singapore, they will assure peaceful relations between fast-walking downtown workers and slow-walking tourists, day-trippers and assorted lollygaggers.

The rules are as follows:

Keep right except while passing. It's the same as on the highway, folks. The left lane is the passing lane. And there are, indeed, lanes; they just aren't painted onto the sidewalk. They are understood, at least by those of us rushing for a train.

Minimum speed. There is one — again, just like on the highway. The minimum pedestrian pace on the Michigan Avenue Bridge is that of a person who is running 15 minutes late and wearing sturdy walking shoes. Those who can't keep up must use Clark Street.

No stopping. No standing. Sure, Chicago is a beautiful city. It makes people want to stop dead and gaze around. That's what Pioneer Plaza is for. Walk north from the bridge, plant yourself on the broad expanse and enjoy.

No photographs. The rest of us can't keep stopping every time you want to snap the pretty view. Photos may only be taken from the Wabash or State Street bridges. No whining. Their views are better; they include the Wrigley Building.

Walk in a straight line. We don't care how many stops you've made at Chicago's fine watering holes. Make like a field sobriety test. No weaving.

Two people abreast, maximum. Blocking the entire sidewalk is strictly forbidden. You must leave enough room for passing. Walking with a larger party? See below.

No more than two people may travel in a single group. Large packs of people cause bottlenecks and are not allowed. Split up, or stay in Millennium Park.

Eyes forward. No craning your neck up in various directions to see the sights and therefore walking into other people. Look straight ahead, buddy. Violators will be fitted with horse blinders.

No flip-flops. Flip-flop wearers who are slow walkers — and virtually all flip-flop wearers are — will have their flip-flops stepped on.

No cell phones, ear buds or headphones. Locals are usually the culprits here, but residency is no defense for distracted walking. The Michigan Avenue Bridge demands full attention. This rule will be photo enforced.

One stroller per lane, maximum. And no double or triple strollers. Parents of multiples must cross the river at Wabash.

No holding hands. This leads to happy, leisurely thoughts and therefore slows traffic. It also prevents fast walkers from darting between people to pass. If you want romance, go to Paris. The Champs-Elysees is just like the Michigan Avenue Bridge, only wider.

Children must be within two feet of their parents at all times, and trotting to keep up. Stragglers will have their ankles nipped by border collies.

No large shopping bags. They take up too much room. Those who have exercised their purchasing power will be detoured to the lower level.

No sudden lane changes. If you are seized by a sudden urge to veer to the left, you must first look around to make sure you are not walking into someone else's path. Repeat violators will be required to wear bike helmets with rearview mirrors.

Sightseeing time limits. Yes, the water down there looks pretty. Yes, you want to stop in your tracks, preferably in a clump of people, and gaze down at it. No, you may not do it, at least not for long. After 30 seconds, the railing will deliver an electric shock.

Wave at the people on the boats. If you are looking down at the tour boats from the Michigan Avenue Bridge and people wave up at you, you must wave back. We are a friendly city! Wave, or else!

In-line skates: No.

Scooters: No.

Segways: No way.

Bicycles: Are you kidding?

These rules will be posted at either side of the Michigan Avenue Bridge. Violators will be required to walk along Wacker Drive from Michigan Avenue to the Ogilvie Transportation Center in less than 12 minutes.

Thank you for your cooperation. And to our visitors, we say welcome to Chicago, enjoy your visit and get out of our way.

bbrotman@tribune.com

Copyright © 2010, Chicago Tribune
Permalink Reply by Tank-Ridin' Ryan on June 10, 2010 at 3:38am
Nice article.

I just wish the Segway line read:

Segways: Only if you want to get tied to your Segway and thrown in the river.

Marty A. said:
Let's not forget that there is a responsibility of all riders, runners and lollygaggers on LFP. If I ride fast, I should be able to. If I ride slow, I should be able to. If I ride fast but not fast enough, I get passed. I think it comes down to courtesy and not generalizing on residence zip code, method of communication (let's not forget to gesture when we are turning, slowing, etc.). I just read an article that seems very appropriate for this discussion even though it is not directly tied to cycling:
www.chicagotribune.com/travel/ct-talk-brotman-rules-0531-20100531,0...

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