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Permalink Reply by Andy J on December 23, 2014 at 3:43am

As someone who enjoys casual rides, commutes, and "Freds it up" on weekends, I've debated this issue in my mind on more than one occasion.

Just as motorists are ultimately responsible for yielding to cyclists on the road (yes, I know there are reckless cyclists out there; not my point), cyclists need to be responsible for the safety of other folks on multi-use paths. Until that happens, I'm afraid that this situation is going to get worse before it gets better.

Some conclusions I've come to in my mind:

- These paths are for everyone, regardless of mobility or judgement issues (the elderly, disabled, children). There should be no restrictions for safe, non-motorized use of these routes

- Cyclists are at the top of the kinetic energy "food chain" on MUPs, and with that comes the responsibility for the safety of everyone else on the path.

- We're not going to see dedicated paths or high-speed lanes for cyclists any time soon.

- Riding on the paths should be treated like driving though a school zone (the same holds true for sidewalks).

- You wanna go fast? Time to learn how to take the lane.

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Permalink Reply by Mike Schwab on December 23, 2014 at 5:48am

That is why I prefer the term PASSING instead of ON YOUR LEFT.

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