Rant about the LFP

I ride on the LFP quite a bit. I commute in from the north every day and (lamentably) do all my long rides during the week along the LFP. Weekends I go elsewhere, I'd rather eat sand than try to ride along the LFP on Sat/Sun. I move pretty fast I suppose.

Runners, please, I beg you, LOOK BEFORE YOU CROSS. My god, I cant even count how many crashes and near-misses I've seen because runners get careless and dont bother to simply look before they move over/cross the path. A two second glance would solve about 80% of all accidents along the path. What I really cant figure out are the runners who abruptly cut off to the left for no reason. When I run or ride, I always go to some sort of point or marker, whether it's a building, drinking fountain, road, etc. It's at places like this that I'm usually more aware of people and cautious in general, because I expect some traffic tie-ups as people slow down. But some of these runners on the path will be in the middle of North Ave beach and for no discernible reason decide to dart over and turn around. They're not at a drinking fountain or anything, there doesn't seem to be any reason for it at all. And they NEVER look!!! I've almost killed/gotten killed about four times this year alone from this move and I cant even explain how terrifying it is. Last year a mother pushing a stroller did this to me and it was the closest call I've had to a major crash...it would've been a disaster.

I'm not going to slow down. I'm actually very safe, and I get just as pissed at dangerous riders. I'm sorry I dont yell out "on your left!" or "bike back!" every single time I approach someone to pass. I pass what seems like 250 people, I'm not going to yell a heads-up every single time. I'll do it if it's a closer call, like when you runners and other riders feel the need to travel two and three wide, or if there's a marathon training group (ugh, those are starting to ramp up now). Besides, it seems like half the time I yell something, it causes the person to get startled and they practically seem annoyed. In other words, I'll give you a heads-up if it's needed. Runners, on the other hand, ALWAYS need to look before crossing or moving over.

Has anyone ever asked the city about putting up some "Look Before You Cross" signs?

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Michael on June 12, 2013 at 8:45am

One word. Clark Street.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on June 12, 2013 at 8:48am

That's two words.

Michael said:

One word. Clark Street.

Permalink Reply by Vitaliy on June 12, 2013 at 12:09pm

At least I am attempting a compromise instead of fueling the furnace

Permalink Reply by pceasy on June 12, 2013 at 12:48pm

I agree with this. So many people in Chicago enjoy walking, biking, jogging skating on the LFP. Now is the time expand by adding more room for everyone. Including separate bike lanes. 

Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Separate lanes for walking/running and biking are sorely needed – especially from Fullerton to Navy Pier. The only way to remove conflicts is to separate traffic by mode.

Night Owl said:

Courtesy, etiquette and safety are all relevant concerns that can help make the LFT a better experience, but sometime soon the Park District will have to realize that 70,000 users a day simply cannot be contained on 12 feet of asphalt.  

Permalink Reply by Will on June 13, 2013 at 6:33am

This.



Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

Steve White said:

I'm not going to slow down. I'm sorry I dont yell out "on your left!" or "bike back!" every single time I approach someone to pass.

You are not the center of attention. You need to learn to share the path. It was not made just for you to ride your crabon bike at 40 MPH unimpeded. You are no different as someone in a car complaining about all the bikers on the road.

Permalink Reply by Haddon on June 13, 2013 at 7:55am

The city has been pondering changing things around at least around Navy Pier.  OP is sort of an ass.

https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/NPFlyover...

Permalink Reply by Vitaliy on June 13, 2013 at 9:39am

If it's common sense then how come so many people dont use it? My signs would resurface that "common sense"

Naomi Ruth Jackson said:

Huh, signs that advocate using common sense. How ironic. 


Vitaliy said:

Ive seen a few threads like these recently and they are starting to worry me. Even though I seldom travel on the path I think a movement should be organized. If not that at least picket signs prodded on the sides of the path so that passer-bys can read it with ease. These signs should say something simple and should provide enough clarity that a 2 second glance will endure. A sign can say, for example, "RUNNERS~ Watch your backs at all times for cyclists" Or "If you are turning, look back for oncoming traffic" Something like that, succinct and meaningful. If we can come up with phrases, I would gladly help out under a more experienced hand.

Permalink Reply by Adam Herstein on June 13, 2013 at 9:43am

The linked picture was not proposed by the city, but was instead an alternative proposal by Steven Vance of Streetsblog.

Haddon said:

The city has been pondering changing things around at least around Navy Pier.  OP is sort of an ass.

https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/NPFlyover...

Permalink Reply by Mike Zumwalt on June 13, 2013 at 9:47am
Slow down. Also realize it's not a "bike path" it's a multi use path and tourist season/Summer means from Fullerton to Grant park is an obstacle course.
Permalink Reply by Crazy David 84 Furlongs on June 13, 2013 at 9:48am

It is the law of unintended consequences.  If pushed by Bicyclists, the anti-cyclists would argue that the bicyclists have admitted that their vehicles are dangerous and travel too fast to quickly and safely stop.   (yes, I know, that's not what you are saying, but it can be spun that way).  They would quickly point out the "speed limits" in the "wide open" Forrest Preserves and argue that if the "uncrowded" paths in the Forrest Preserves have an 8 mph limit, that a limit of say 7 mph would be appropriate for the crowded bike paths.  Point out a few irresponsible riders like the OP who drive too fast, are always on the verge of accidents, and claim that they are safe, and we are quickly looking at lots of nasty regulation -- if not an outright ban.

Common sense is a good thing   But these signs just create a problem.



Vitaliy said:

If it's common sense then how come so many people dont use it? My signs would resurface that "common sense"

Naomi Ruth Jackson said:

Huh, signs that advocate using common sense. How ironic. 


Vitaliy said:

Ive seen a few threads like these recently and they are starting to worry me. Even though I seldom travel on the path I think a movement should be organized. If not that at least picket signs prodded on the sides of the path so that passer-bys can read it with ease. These signs should say something simple and should provide enough clarity that a 2 second glance will endure. A sign can say, for example, "RUNNERS~ Watch your backs at all times for cyclists" Or "If you are turning, look back for oncoming traffic" Something like that, succinct and meaningful. If we can come up with phrases, I would gladly help out under a more experienced hand.

Permalink Reply by Davo on June 13, 2013 at 10:51am

I would love it if they would go through a plan like that in that area.



Adam Herstein (5.5 mi) said:

The linked picture was not proposed by the city, but was instead an alternative proposal by Steven Vance of Streetsblog.

Haddon said:

The city has been pondering changing things around at least around Navy Pier.  OP is sort of an ass.

https://www.cityofchicago.org/content/dam/city/depts/cdot/NPFlyover...

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