MUP Etiquette

I've been happily impressed to see so many people enjoying the 606.  It's great to have a place where kids can bring their little bikes and scooters and ride without fear of being run over by a driver.  But...I see too many cyclists who don't take care around children, and who pass pedestrians closer than is  comfortable.  Let's please remember that MUPs are not really the place for training rides.  And isn't it worth slowing down for a few seconds to ensure that the trail experience can be safe and pleasant for everyone?

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Permalink Reply by Yasmeen on June 3, 2017 at 5:03am

Thanks for the reminder. Having been on the 606 on a Saturday afternoon, it is clear many of the people enjoying it don't really know how to be on a shared path and the cyclists need to be extra cautious. Same for the Lake Front Path. Many years ago (mid 90s), I was talking (and skating) with friends, being clueless of my surroundings on my skates and stepped left and got hit very hard from behind by a cyclist that was passing too closely, speeding through a crowded, and didn't call out. We were both at fault. I had nerve damage that bothered me for about ten years, nearly broke both arms, and could have been much worse. I was lucky. Now I have bells on my bikes and assume no one hears or sees me when I ride on 606 of LFP. And I slow down in crowded sections. I'd rather be slow than hurt a small child or a dog or adult. There are plenty of (other) places to ride fast if that's what you want to do. 

Permalink Reply by Alex Z on June 5, 2017 at 5:46am

Good post.

The first time I rode the 606, I was passing a child who was riding a small bike with training wheels. Alert to the possibility that the kid could veer left into my path at any moment, I attempted to pass at what could accurately be described as "wobbling pace."

Sure enough, the kid veered left into my path just as I reached him.

Fortunately, because I was traveling at "wobbling pace," I braked easily and it wasn't even a close call.

Permalink Reply by Tricolor on June 5, 2017 at 9:45am

Divvy bikes on the lake do that a lot, too. The 606 is too narrow for biking at even a commuting speed unless it's too early/late/cold for other people to be out. 

Permalink Reply by Jim Reho on June 5, 2017 at 10:33am

When I'm riding through parks, in particular, I always assume every little kid is going to walk or otherwise directly propel themselves directly in front of me.  And often, they do!  It's also very important to stop when a soccer ball crosses the path.  Invariably, some youngster is right behind in heedless pursuit.  But by my going at a slow pace and my keeping an eye out, we all make it through OK.  As it should be.  

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