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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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Julie Aberman (Hochstadter) on June 9, 2010 at 5:02am
Interesting thought, are city cyclists more self absorbed and rude? Are city dwellers in general?
Permalink Reply by heather s on June 9, 2010 at 5:34am
Well, come on now. Same reason that city folks don't stop and say hi to every person we pass on the sidewalk. There are too many of us. There are more people on the LFP than on the IPP. Once the north side of the path has reached a certain volume, there's no point anymore in calling out to every single person you're going to pass. You have to make a calculated decision about how much space you've got and how likely the other person is to hold their line, and you have to go slower than you might prefer.

There are self absorbed and rude, as well as polite and courteous, people everywhere. I don't think location has much to do with it.
Permalink Reply by Joel on June 9, 2010 at 5:39am
I agree with Heather. I pass waaaaaaaaay more people on the LFP than on the suburban trails. After a while you also figure out who you need to warn about your passing.
Permalink Reply by J M on June 9, 2010 at 5:48am
ON YOUR LEFT!
Permalink Reply by Chucko on June 9, 2010 at 5:54am
Probably because the Prairie Path mostly draws recreational riders. It seems like whenever I'm passed on the lakefront path it's a racer or racer wannabe training for a race that flies by way to fast for the traffic on the path. This is especially the case for folks that are riding on tri bikes. Not always, but a lot of the time.
Permalink Reply by millenial removing Bernie tattoo on June 9, 2010 at 6:10am
If I had to say "on your left" to everyone I pass on the LFP in the morning, I wouldn't have any breath left for cycling. I say it only when I am forced to pass close, and when the path gets too crowded in the afternoon, I don't ride on it at all.
Permalink Reply by Anne Alt on June 9, 2010 at 6:19am
Less crowded paths often seem to be friendlier. When I ride on the Major Taylor Trail, most people say hi, whether I know them or not.
Permalink Reply by Mike Bullis 5.5-6.5 miles on June 9, 2010 at 6:26am
I find it rare that anyone announces when they pass on the Fox River Trail. A bit unnerving at 7am when I'm tootling along, in solitude, on my way to my job(Why hurry to work?)and someone passes closely and without warning. There are a few, like myself, who do use a bell.
Permalink Reply by cutifly on June 9, 2010 at 7:17am
Well someday they will meet someone important at a party who will remember them for being rude and lose an opportunity that would otherwise go to someone who showed more courtesy at that moment. All within good reason I think as to how many people are on the path relative to your pace speed. I go pretty easy myself even on the ten speed.
Permalink Reply by Marty A. on June 9, 2010 at 10:59am
Sometimes after my "On Yer Left" and then if I have to repeat "Left, Left, LEFT, LEFT" I might give a litttle tap to their backpack, shoulder, butt . . . I am more concerned about my safety than theirs (self survival instinct I guess) . . . I have been chastized by loved ones about touching people . . . but some people don't mind . . . .
Permalink Reply by Grocky on June 9, 2010 at 2:08pm
I find the bell helps. I also agree with using the south side of the path. It is less crowded and I get to slow down less once I get to the south side.
Permalink Reply by Joel on June 9, 2010 at 3:15pm
They are probably all suburbanites who showed up because of email and text messaging...

Clark said:
Yes Old Tom...I wonder why so many cyclists are so rude on the Lakefront Path. 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?

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