calling out when you're passing

[Brandy]

You'll have to forgive me. I didn't have Tiff with me on my ride this morning so I had a lot more time to think about stupid things like this. :D

Do you say the same thing everytime that you pass someone? What kind of voice do you use?

Sometimes when I call out I think that I sound snotty, even if I don't intend to. Other times I yell it out and I think it scares people. I also have the irritated "why do you need to walk three abreast taking up the entire path :confused: :confused: :confused: " call!

This morning I rode the beach path and I was wishing for a button with a recorded "on your left" message so I wouldn't have to call out every 30 seconds. :p

[farrellcollie]

I quit saying "on your left" or "right" because invariably - the person or people would turn that way into me or just stop - now I call out well in advance- in what I hope is a friendly voice - "Coming up behind you" and give them time to turn around, look and move out of the way. I have more of a problem when walking dogs and bicyclist does not call out or zips by me startling me and dogs (startled dogs can run into bike or decide to snap)

Also - when on my folder - I like to ding the bell - but again - more people stop or just turn than move out of the way.

[Trekhawk]

Hmm I think it depends on the person Im going to pass. If they are older and look like they might get a fright I try to call out good morning or something from a bit of a distance and then say hello as I pass. Sometimes I use on your left and sometimes I use the term heads up. This seems to work well with non riders who dont seem to know what on your left means (sometimes they move to the left - yikes:eek: :eek: ).

[7rider]

You'll have to forgive me. I didn't have Tiff with me on my ride this morning so I had a lot more time to think about stupid things like this. :D

Do you say the same thing everytime that you pass someone? What kind of voice do you use?

Sometimes when I call out I think that I sound snotty, even if I don't intend to. Other times I yell it out and I think it scares people. I also have the irritated "why do you need to walk three abreast taking up the entire path :confused: :confused: :confused: " call!

This morning I rode the beach path and I was wishing for a button with a recorded "on your left" message so I wouldn't have to call out every 30 seconds. :p

I try to avoid MUTs for that very reason (passing on a group ride is more rare for me!). But when I can't or when I'm on the sidewalk close to my office, where the bus depot is, I usually call out "Hi. Passing on your left" or "Heads up. I'm on your left" I might even throw in an "Excuse me" every so often. It's more to keep me from getting bored with "on your left" because I do feel that I start to bellow it and sound rather grouchy. Sometimes, tho', that's okay, too! Generally, I try to be cheerful about it as I'd like to view myself as an ambassador for cyclists. Spread the good will, eh?

Regina

[mimitabby]

my stepfather, a feeble 75 year old, was walking on the green river trail a couple months ago. He got hit by a bike. We believe the biker yelled "on your left" so Henry moved TO THE LEFT! (he says it was the other way around) but even when people hear you, expect the unexpected. He wasn't seriously hurt btw.

[Cassandra_Cain]

Whether you say on the left, right, up, down, or Mars, please say something - anything!

The other day I was riding up a hill and had slowed a bit to reach for my water bottle. Some yahoo, blew past me on the right, saying nothing - mind you there was maybe 2 feet between me and the sidewalk where I was riding. No warning, nothing.

I find that totally irresponsible and dangerous as all it would have taken was me moving a few inches to the right and bam, crash because of some moron.

[Nokomis]

Group ride or coming up on a cyclist who apparently knows how to ride: "On your left" ...or if I'm part of a group passing, I'll add how many of us there are, or if I was the last one. People seem to appreciate that.

If I'm coming up on a Dorkus Oblivius swerving all over the road, a young kid on a path, or someone with wires dangling out of their ears: I'll whistle well in advance, or shout "Oy!" -- seems to grab their attention far better than 'passing on your ___'

If I pass someone with earbuds who didn't hear any of the above - I'll get Quite Vocal as I pass & their eyes get hugs.

[mary9761]

I nearly always say I'm passing on your left, you have plenty of room. Then I'll often follow with hello, good morning etc and smile. Most of the time I get a thanks and I follow with, "I don't like bikes to blow past me without warning either". Sometimes if there are other riders coming behind me that I can see in my rear view, I may warn them that other bikes are coming as well.
I really HATE the rider that flies by as I'm warning someone that I'M passing without letting me know they are there and blowing past BOTH of us like a maniac. I've nearly wrecked MANY times because of that. The rear view mirror mounted on my helmet helps, but I don't always see everyone when they're coming.

[CorsairMac]

I always say "rider on your ?????" that way the person has an idea of the size of the person passing them. and I had to put ??? coz lately it seems walkers have been walking on the left side of the path so I have to pass them on the right. If I'm riding with someone I always say riders of your ??? so they know there's more than 1 of us coming.

But I"m with ya CC - I had some guy blow past me the other day without saying a word, scared the bejesus outta me. Lately I've started chewing em out saying "next time say something please".

[Fredwina]

I usually do the "on you left" followed by "hello" with cyclists. with other folks, I'll try and get their attention and play it by ear and eye.
I never have quite figuered out the "blow by you with 2 inches to spare" routine. I cases where I think it's unsafe to pass, I'll ease up and pass later on. It's like passing someone when driving a car.

[SadieKate]

Dorkus ObliviusHa! I'm going to steal this for my unheard conversations that I have with them.


If I pass someone with earbuds who didn't hear any of the above - I'll get Quite Vocal as I pass & their eyes get hugs.The two of us should probably not be allowed to ride together. Team Danger would have to be bailed out of the local pokey.:rolleyes:

[Trekhawk]

If I'm coming up on a Dorkus Oblivius swerving all over the road, .


LOL - thanks for the laugh. I will keep my eye out for that species next time I ride.:D

[hibiscus09]

I always say, "Passing on your left," and I do sound authoritative, but it just kind of comes out that way. When passing, I always say "thank you" and sometimes add a "good morning" and smile.

My hubby doesn't say anything and I've watched people jump, seen him almost take out a jogger who decided to cross in front of him without looking, etc. I just holler from behind him that we're passing on the left. I guess I need to lead. :p

[Denise223]

Originally posted by BrandyI also have the irritated "why do you need to walk three abreast taking up the entire path " call!


I cannot understand why people feel the need to do that -- not only walkers, but cyclists as well?? Then there's the "Hans Brinker" rollerblader types who are coming right at you!!?? <<--that's happened twice (on a bikeway).

After spending 3 summers riding around in parking lots (because I was extremely afraid of traffic, trucks, etc...), and spending a handful of times at a bikeway close to home, I find I'm a lot more comfortable (and feel more safe), on the road :D . (I NEVER, ever thought that that would happen).

I won't ride my bike in city traffic, yet......so, we put our bikes on our car rack & head 4 miles out.

I prefer hearing & saying, "On your ............."

Have a great day everyone!

Denise

[RoadRaven]

When riding with others - a mini-pelaton - I call (like the others do) "CAR BACK!" when there is a car coming up behind.

So on a cycle-path, having tried various things including "onyerleft/right" I find "BIKE BEHIND" to get the best response.

Alot of walkers don't have bikes in their heads as they saunter along and "onyerleft/right type calls just seemed to have them looking around wondering why someone was calling out.

"BIKE BEHIND!" has them (almost always step to the side of the path and then look around...

[tulip]

I find a bell works very well. I ring it and most joggers and peds give a little wave, and other cyclists move over to the right. The bells I have on each of my bikes are small and inconspicous (for those of you concerned about the perceived uncoolness of having a bell on your $2000 road bike), and yet when I ding it, it's loud.

I find it very disrespectful (and dangerous) when cyclists say nothing and whizz by. The same for when they say "on your left" in a quasi whisper when they are already at your shoulder!

[SouthernBelle]

I do like the bike behind you call. I think on your left just confuses walkers and runners.

[colby]

Good question with a lot of interesting answers.

I try to use "on your left" or "behind you" with bikers, and with walkers/joggers I'll say something like "coming up behind you" or something along those lines. If there are more bikes behind me, I will say "and there's 2 more coming" or "one more passing, too" when I go by.

If someone passes me and says "on your left" (or anything), I *always* thank them for it -- may as well encourage them to keep doing it.

The scariest unknowns seem to be kids and people with earbuds/headphones. When I'm coming up behind a big group, a kid, or someone who seems uncertain, I slow WAY down, approach with caution, and try to gently warn them away (sucks to slow down, but I'd rather be safe than take someone else or myself out)!

Sometimes I ride with my husband and/or friend, who both have bells, and we use them when we are approaching which often makes people look around and think about people behing behind them. I usually try to say something anyway, at least to be friendly and thank them for moving.

As an aside, my dad was joking about the "roadie nod" one of the last times we were biking. He's been biking in a tshirt and regular shorts with cycling liners (so, not very visible that he's biked much, even though he's on a road bike), and feels like hardcore roadies coming toward him and passing by don't give him the same "nod" and wave they give me in the "lycra and jersey uniform" ;) He says something to pretty much everyone we pass (joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, people on the sidewalk) even if he's not leading. He definitely likes to be the bike ambassador :)

[bonnie526]

I'm a (very) new rider and all this calling out stuff has had me very confused. Well, not so much the calling out as the people's reactions when I do. I've been using "on yer left" exclusively but now I'm gonna try some new ones. Thanks for the ideas! :D

[bikerz]

I usually say "Good morning - on your left" and then " hello" or something as I pass. In fact I usually say good morning, even in the afternoon and evening - that's sort of embarassing! :o And I try to remember to say how many of us there are if I'm not alone.

I've learned not to say "on your left" to kids - if they do know left from right, they are so likely to move left! For kids, I just say "Hi there - just stay where you are - you're doing great" or something like that. and the go the safest way around. I think the burden is on me to pass kids safely, not on them to get out of my way. And I guess I extend this to most walkers too, especially coming from behind.

But the cyclists and walkers that bug me are the ones coming towards me 2 or three abreast who do not move out of the way at all. On last week's ride I went off the path twice because cyclists wouldn't go single file. :mad:

And I HATE having cyclists blow by with no warning, right or left. So scary.

[Pedal Wench]

"One bicycle coming up on your left" in as friendly a voice as I can muster. Change the number appropriately, so folks don't move right back over when the first bike passes. If it's a little kid, I slow waaaaaay down and say,"Hello, a bicycle is going to be passing you, just keep going straight ahead, you're doing great" and then a "good job" when they did it right!

[Brandy]

What a pleasant surprise...from what I thought was a silly question on my part, I have learned a lot! It now makes sense to me that I get some shocked reactions from pedestrians when I say "on your left" and I'm going to try out some new phrases...thanks ladies!! :D

[colby]

I've learned not to say "on your left" to kids - if they do know left from right, they are so likely to move left! For kids, I just say "Hi there - just stay where you are - you're doing great" or something like that. and the go the safest way around. I think the burden is on me to pass kids safely, not on them to get out of my way. And I guess I extend this to most walkers too, especially coming from behind.

I always try to take the alpine view of the world with rule #1 for skiers/snowboarders. Anything moving slower than you in front of you is someone that it's YOUR responsibility to pass safely -- people "below" (in front of) you always have the right of way. Of course, things don't usually go UPhill when you're skiing, so it takes a little adaptation for two-way travel ;) I pretty much figure anything traveling slower than myself has the right of way no matter what direction they are going compared to myself, and if we're equal (bikes facing bikes, runners facing runners), we should respect each other and give each other room to both stay safe.

[Brandy]

The scariest unknowns seem to be kids and people with earbuds/headphones. When I'm coming up behind a big group, a kid, or someone who seems uncertain, I slow WAY down, approach with caution, and try to gently warn them away (sucks to slow down, but I'd rather be safe than take someone else or myself out)!


I had this experience on the path today. There was a woman jogging and her young son (probably 7-8 years old) was riding about a hundred feet ahead of her with earbuds on. He was weaving all over the place, taking up both sides of the path and I slowed enough to have to unclip when passing him. Right before I passed him he was also fiddling with something and dropped part of whatever it was, so I pointed that out to him. Thankfully as I passed him, his mom caught up and seemed to be directing him to take his earbuds off.

On another note, since I've taken up riding, my oldest son has become a much safer rider on the paths. He's learned to stay to the right and not weave around and also to stop slamming on the brakes to make skid marks :eek: They also now know that they NEVER just walk out into the path without making sure that they have an all clear from me.

Also on my ride this morning there was a toddler, all alone walking around in the middle of the path. The mom was in an RV parked in the parking lot and it didn't seem that she gave her daughter's safety out there a second thought. :(

[pooks]

The first few times I (walking a path with a friend) heard a cyclist call "On your left," I thought they were telling me to "Move left." A lot of times "Left" is the only word you hear in that situation. So first, remember that many walkers don't know the lingo, and may not even hear everything you said. That's what makes "On your left," so problematical.

Why would three people walk abreast? Because three friends are walking together and having a conversation, and haven't had to deal enough with cyclists to realize there's a prob. It usually takes care of itself once they get passed a couple of times and realize what's going on.

I know this isn't a very popular point of view on a cyclists' board, but three walkers have just as much right to walk abreast as a cyclist has to ride. Annoying? Heck yeah.

But up until a few months ago, I didn't understand why the cyclists at White Rock Lake in Dallas ride in the road instead of on the trail which (supposedly) is for that purpose. I mean, I figured it was easier for them but I had no idea of the safety issues.

I think all parks with bike/walking trails should have signs posted that explain such things as "On your left!" and proper etiquette. Most people just don't know the rules, and don't know the safety issues involved.

[Brandy]

Why would three people walk abreast? Because three friends are walking together and having a conversation, and haven't had to deal enough with cyclists to realize there's a prob. It usually takes care of itself once they get passed a couple of times and realize what's going on.

I know this isn't a very popular point of view on a cyclists' board, but three walkers have just as much right to walk abreast as a cyclist has to ride. Annoying? Heck yeah.


I know why they do it, but when they're taking up both sides of the path and there's no room to pass them, it's rude and disrespectful to all of the other people who are out there using it. On the beach path where I ride, cyclists, rollerbladers and runners are very common, so it's not like they would be surprised to see us there.

Editing to say that when the path is wide in certain parts, it is not as big of an issue. There are certain sections that narrow and that's where it is frustrating.

[Brandy]

I think all parks with bike/walking trails should have signs posted that explain such things as "On your left!" and proper etiquette. Most people just don't know the rules, and don't know the safety issues involved.

I think that's a great idea!

[pooks]

I agree that if it's a busy path, common sense and a desire not to be rude should stop them from doing it. If they're constantly having people come up behind them, you would think they'd adjust.

[light_sabe_r]

I ring my bell, call out, whatever it takes

I had one lady on my VERY FIRST ride on my own home from work coming in the other direction reading a book. Who hurtled abuse at me because I rang my bell seperate times at 20, 10 and 5 metres, I'd slowed down to about 8K because she wouldn't look up not budge. To warn her of my approach in the other direction. I was PASSING her on the grass anyway, BUT it was the fact she REFUSED to move at all that REALLY bothered me, and the abuse. Maybe she was deaf. Maybe the fact I was on a bike bothered her I dunno but I'm still annoyed to this day.

Since then my brakes have made so much noise I haven't had to say anything ^_^ (Gonna do some maintenence today)

[pooks]

Stephen King got run over by a truck while he was walking and reading a book. Talk about "I'll see your headphones and raise ya one!"

[crazycanuck]

NOrmally when i ride & encounter other folks (i like to ride when it's not so busy) I say one of the following:

Evening, beep beep,-thanks
Morning, honk honk, beep beep-thanks
On your right-yo-On your right
Rider
Hello, honk honk, beep beep, excuse me-Often quite loud especially if it's a family-

I refuse to put a bell on my bike as it's dorky. I'll use my voice thanks.

If people don't listen to my calls, i am really mean & so want to run into the joggers or walkers (but i'm too nice)- I don't care if it's not nice, GET OUT OF MY WAY...MOVE!!!!

Beware if you ever encounter me...:eek:

c

[Brandy]

Your post made me LOL crazycanuck!

[Geonz]

If I"m on a path it's 'cause I"m willing to go a lot slower; I assume even a cyclist on a path may not know from "on your left" so it's "coming up behind you" or "good morning" ... or sometimes I'll be singing...
... if it's a dorkus oblivious, I'm afraid I do tend to assess their predictable path and don't mind startling them.
... it's that older lady who clung to the man's hand as I went by, trying so hard not to look scared, that really made me feel justified using the road if I'm going more than 10 mph. (I've seen 'em twice since but we were going opposite directions... and he waves and smiles... so I musta done okay... and I had imagined her saying "See! That's why I won't go out there!" but oviously she still is...:o )

Oh, and I have a bear bell on my tube that I knock about with my thighs that people often hear; on the Racer I have beer cans that rattle in the baskets. I'm afraid I generally wax cacophonous... somebody has to be dorky enough to make up for Canucks!!!

[colby]

I think all parks with bike/walking trails should have signs posted that explain such things as "On your left!" and proper etiquette. Most people just don't know the rules, and don't know the safety issues involved.

That's a really good idea. Some of the parks have bulletin boards where you could post signs, maybe even as a "concerned citizen" we could start posting information.

If trails were made wider, maybe it would be less of an issue... heck, we have 6 lane freeways, why not trailways? :)

[kjay]

Glad to hear someone else doesn't have a whole lot of patience when it comes to people not paying attention. I always slow down when approaching walkers, etc, but one day, a tiny tot was ambling out into the bike path and I rang my bell, called out, yelled out, hollering "on your left." The mom made no move to rein in the kid, so I yelled at her and she said, "Well, he's too young to know his left side," to which I responded, "if he's too young, he should be on a leash." Nasty but it really irked me.

Now, I have an air horn, and people move "right quick." :D

[Selkie]

I know why they do it, but when they're taking up both sides of the path and there's no room to pass them, it's rude and disrespectful to all of the other people who are out there using it. On the beach path where I ride, cyclists, rollerbladers and runners are very common, so it's not like they would be surprised to see us there.

Editing to say that when the path is wide in certain parts, it is not as big of an issue. There are certain sections that narrow and that's where it is frustrating.

Brandy, I agree with you. I don't think that anyone has the right to create unsafe conditions on a multiuse trail. Walking/jogging/cycling three abreast usually makes it unsafe and/or difficult to pass. It's rude, selfish, and it shows lack of courtesy. There are signs all over the trail that say "keep to your right" and "be courteous." Also, I've encountered two women with doublewide baby carriages who always insists on walking next to each other, leaving a very very narrow space to pass (even if you're coming the opposite way, they won't budge). It's always an unpleasant thrill to encounter them on down curves. I've politely let them know that when they walk like that, it's hard to get around them. They looked at me---completely blank expressions on their faces---and ignored me. I expect that one day, they will make one of the men, flying at top speed and not warning that he's passing, wipe out.
I've found politeness goes a long way---warning and then thanking people every time I pass has earned me "respect" with the other regulars on the trail. I think that a lot of the dorkuses simply mean no harm so I try to remind myself that. There are those who are a##es and I've had to open a can of verbal WA on a few people when they were rude to me and/or deliberately ignored my warning, creating an unsafe condition.

[RoadRaven]

Some of you say quite a lot and I can only assume you are travelling at a slowish speed.

Mostly when I have used cycling paths they have been relatively clear of others, and of course being smooth concrete they are a very fast surface. So without trying it is easy to cruise along at 30kph or more.

The time between getting within hearing distance and actually passing walkers is not enough for several words... which is why I rely on "bike behind"... then at the very least "bike" gets out.

Even when cycling with my mother, and us travelling along at 15-18kph, we are upon walkers mighty quickly.

It also has harder consonants then starting a phrase with something like "on your..." and in my opinion/experience, the more explosive nature of the word "bike" helps the sound/warning to carry more effectively...

[Tuckervill]

The two women with double wide baby strollers would soon encounter me tieing my shoes with my bike crossways in the path, listening blithely to my own thoughts while they pushed their limos in the dirt to get around me. I might even take a rest across the path, laying my bike ever so gently across to close off any gaps. If I was feeling particularly confrontational, I might do this at the edge of a bridge. Then I would wait patiently for them protest.

No, I'm not vindictive. I just like getting my point across.

There are two ladies who let their two little ****zy dogs off leash when they walk the ballpark loop. After the third time of narrowly avoiding the little sausages, I called animal control. I hope they got tickets. They shouldn't treat their dogs that way. I wouldn't want to hurt the dogs, but it would be hard to avoid them if they wandered into my path.

Karen

[salsabike]

I have a bell on my road bike and we also have one on the tandem. We usually try that first.

If it's another cyclist, I will say "On your left." If it's a walker, I will say, "Passing on your left" and then "thank you". If it's a kid, I am very careful and say something like, "Hi there. I am going to pass you on your left, so just stay right where you are; you're doing great." On the parts of the trail where there are lots of families with kids, I go slower. Kids are just learning these rules and I sure don't expect them to understand "On your left." I do expect users to understand they need to stay on their side/half of the trail and don't mind telling them that when necessary. But I try to be polite.

Many walkers and families on the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River Trails here complain about rude cyclists. That bothers me. They are multi-use trails. They need to feel safe there too. It shouldn't be much trouble for us to be polite to them.

[Lise]

After the third time of narrowly avoiding the little sausages, I called animal control. Karen
SNAUSAGES? Not dachshunds?!? They should get tickets for dachshund endangerment! Ahem. I mean cyclist endangerment, of course. :p

I call "on your left", or sometimes, "I am PASSING on your LEFT!" When they don't move over, sometimes I'll yell it again, followed by, "Please move over to your right!" Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. When they do, I say "thank you". If it's another cyclist whom I'm passing, but doesn't need to move over, I just say, "on your left", and pass. It's just not worth riding on the busy path most of the time.

The moms with their double wide strollers have an awful lot of confidence in the strollers' ability to protect their children. I could see an awful accident with bikers and babies hurt.

[Brandy]

I call "on your left", or sometimes, "I am PASSING on your LEFT!" When they don't move over, sometimes I'll yell it again, followed by, "Please move over to your right!" Sometimes they do, sometimes they don't. .

Your statement above just made me realize that people never move over when I call out. I usually wait until the other side of the trail is clear and call out before I go around them, just so that I don't startle them as I pass. Hmmm...do folks usually move out of the way when you call out to them?

[Pascale]

Your statement above just made me realize that people never move over when I call out. I usually wait until the other side of the trail is clear and call out before I go around them, just so that I don't startle them as I pass. Hmmm...do folks usually move out of the way when you call out to them?

Ok, I'm far from experienced here, but I slow down and call out simply so they don't wander into the lane I'm passing them in - I don't expect them to move over, I just don't want them to take up both lanes. But that's just me :)

[Lise]

Your statement above just made me realize that people never move over when I call out. I usually wait until the other side of the trail is clear and call out before I go around them, just so that I don't startle them as I pass. Hmmm...do folks usually move out of the way when you call out to them?Some do. As I say, sometimes it's just informational, so I don't startle another cyclist. But sometimes, I need them to move over. So I slow down, start with "On your left", and if they don't move, I escalate to "I'm passing..." and "Please move over..."
Again, all good reasons to avoid these crowded trails. The place where I swim (where triathletes generally train) in Lake Michigan is right downtown (Ohio St. beach, for those in the know...) There's no way to entirely avoid the most crowded part of the path. Yesterday I just surrendered and didn't try to pass anybody. I just wanted to get there and swim, with a minimum of hassle.

[tulip]

"if he's too young, he should be on a leash."

Awesome! I'll remember that one (mind if I use it?)

[Jenerator]

When I tire of 'Onyerleft' I'll adopt a Jack Sparrow voice and announce "passing off your port side matey"

Usually just as effective as anything else and doesn't result in the usual move to the left when someone hears 'left' By the time they figure out port from starboard, I'm already well past.

[Kitsune06]

I'll yell "AVAST! ON YER LEFT, Ye SCURVY DOGS!" and other such things (generally accepted to be in good humor, because my voice just doesn't *sound* intimidating or angry)

... fail that, I fire some warning shots across their bow.

http://comicbookads.leafpublishing.com/admuseum/fantasticfour-9/novelties/bike-machine-gun.jpg

[Lise]

I'll yell "AVAST! ON YER LEFT, Ye SCURVY DOGS!" and other such things (generally accepted to be in good humor, because my voice just doesn't *sound* intimidating or angry)

... fail that, I fire some warning shots across their bow.

http://comicbookads.leafpublishing.com/admuseum/fantasticfour-9/novelties/bike-machine-gun.jpg
Only 75 cents? Wow! Sign me up! :p

[Tuckervill]

SNAUSAGES? Not dachshunds?!?

They're fur balls, not dachshunds. ****zu or Lhasas or something...but they're fat--sausages on toothpicks.

It annoys me because I love dogs and I really DON'T want to run over them. And it annoys me that they think their dogs are so GREAT that they wouldn't chase a rabbit across the highway only to be hit by a chicken truck, or annoy the passing Rottie enough that they wouldn't get bitten in two, or that something in my movement of my feet wouldn't inspire them to take a bite, or that a toddler who is afraid of dogs might REALLY be afraid if they approach. It annoys me because the women obviously don't want to HOLD THE LEASH, so they take the leashes OFF THE DOGS and hold the unattached leashes IN THEIR HANDS!!!! :mad:

I really hope they got a ticket.

Karen

[Crankin]

All of these things are why i never would ride on a path. But, what about idiots who do these things on the road??!! This week I almost ran into a group of oblivious women in my neighborhood who sometimes walk their dogs around the loop of my street. Now, this is a mile long 5-10% up and down climb, with no sidewalks. Most walkers and runners here know that you walk/run opposite traffic, but not these women. This time, there were only 2 of them, with like 5 dogs. But, I've seen up to 5-6 of them at a time. I am going down the hill and scream out "passing on your left" and they do not move over on inch. Of course, I anticipated this, so I moved out into the center of the road. Then, they had the audacity to yell at me! Now, I am a cautious descender, but really, this pisses me off. I've had the same thing happen with people pushing strollers.

[Bluetree]

The first few times I (walking a path with a friend) heard a cyclist call "On your left," I thought they were telling me to "Move left." A lot of times "Left" is the only word you hear in that situation. So first, remember that many walkers don't know the lingo, and may not even hear everything you said. That's what makes "On your left," so problematical.


Ive worked at Southern California racing stables a long time so that I've realized that many people don't know the difference between left and right -- because they don't understand English!
I've done this for years... if I have no choice but to walk up behind a horse, I make as much noise as possible and call out, "Behind you!" I found that it freezes rider/groom and forces them to look around (and alerts the horse as well), while I cruise past them. Seems to work on the bike, too.

Joy

[pooks]

Oh man -- great point. And it hadn't even crossed my mind, but that's so true in Dallas.

[Lise]

We have a lot of Hispanic people in Chicago. So if they look like Spanish speakers, I'll yell "Passing! Pasando!" or "OJO!", which means "eye", and is used like "Heads Up!"

I've encountered several people in the past weeks, going the wrong way down a one way street, on the side where I ride, going with the cars (right). Not sure what they're thinking, but it's a good way to be hit by a car OR a bicycle! When I see them, I'll yell "OTHER SIDE!" and wave my arms. Trying to make sure they see me at all. :eek:

[pooks]

I think I'll just get a fog horn.

[mimitabby]

actually, before you go too far with ethnic groups here; my husband and i have already figured out that the group most likely to not notice you are dinging your bell and yelling are teenagers. If there is 1 you are probably okay, if there are two, good luck, if there are 3 or more; just figure you're going to have to slow WAY down and scream because they are somewhere else. All races, colors, creeds and sex. My apologies to the teenagers on the forum here. It's just what we've noticed over the last few years.

[Lise]

Oh, so true. The other day I just slowed to a creep behind a group of teens. I crept along behind them until one of them noticed I was there, and told the others to move over. They were very nice about it, probably because it was their idea and they didn't need to rebel against me asking them to do it! :p

My point about Spanish speakers was that they may "hear" a word in their own language better than "On your left!" And I'm just guessing about them speaking Spanish with a quick glance. That's why I ususally yell in both languages, if I think there's a chance. Anything to get their attention!

[pooks]

Sigh. Y'all keep upping the ante on me. Teenagers now?

Cattle prod.

[Kalidurga]

Boy, am I glad to find out I'm not the only one who gets grouchy over this kind of thing. I normally try to be a "bike ambassador", too, warning people, then waving and thanking them when they do move over and such, but, man, when they don't... If it didn't mean having to slow down or stop, I'd be buying whoop*ss by the case.

The thing that drives me really drives me nuts, though, are the people who stop to take a break in the middle of the trail! The places where I ride all have wide grassy shoulders along almost the entire length, but I end up swerving around all sorts of people who've parked their bikes in the trail and are just standing there chilling out. I want ask them: "If you needed to stop your car to look at a map or change a tire, would you stop in the middle of the road??" But, again, that would require me to stop long enough to say it :rolleyes: 'Dorkus oblivious', indeed! (Thanks for that one, Nokomis)

[salsabike]

I ran into that exact situation on Friday. Four bikes, parked right in the middle of the trail. I just said, "There are better places to stop than the middle of the trail.." and went on by. Arrrr.

[Nokomis]

I have a bell. I use it exactly because it IS dorky. (I'm still trying to figure out how to put streamers on the end of my flat bars without having to use gross gelly grips designed for little kids.)

Let me know when you find a vintage blue glitter banana seat, mkay? :D

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

I put a bell on my new bike too. It has a cheerful friendly "ching-ching" sound that everyone knows is a bike sound when it is coming up behind them. Pretty loud too you can hear it from far away, but it's not annoying in the least. Today I noticed that people seemed to know it was a bike coming even before they turned their heads, and then I smile and say hello as I pass. Seems like a better soultion than hollering something they can't understand, or that they only hear the last word of like "___ __ ___ LEFT!"
There were other cool bells I thought about, but I purposely picked the classic sounding one. I just love it! I mounted it so that I only have to drop my thumb down to ring it, without having to take my hand off the top of the drop bars.

[RedRansV2]

I think I'll just get a fog horn.

And here it is. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000ACAMJC/103-8363755-8299027?v=glance&n=3375251

I use a bell and say thanks. Sometimes I say "Morning! onyerleft" Kinda depends on who it is and what they're doing.

Check out this site www.manybells.com.

As for the women with the double wide strollers side by side...see the first link.

[tulip]

Bells are cool!

[Bikingmomof3]

Check out this site www.manybells.com.

As for the women with the double wide strollers side by side...see the first link.


Cool Bells!

[Bicyclette]

I use my bell too :D Lots of bikes over here use bells so people are used to it. However, my husband and I drove down to Nice last week and he had to resort to his ear splitting whistle to get people to move out of the bike lane for us :eek: THAT sure got their attention!! Unless, of course, they were listening to their ipods :mad:

[CorsairMac]

the only thing I'll say about bells (no this is not a criticism):......we were riding on the bike path the other day and had just passed a group of walkers when I heard this bell that kept ringing. My fellow rider and I thought it was just a cell phone until the rider called out "on your left........didn't you hear my bell?" Oops!! LOL

I do like the "behind you" or "bike behind" since I've had more than one Move to the left after I've called out. I've usually just responded with "yer Other left". I also call out far enough back to give Me time to see what direction they're going to move before I get to them.

The bike path here has a 33 mile route that is just about the flattest place one can find in Albuquerque, so when I want to do a nice flat, fast ride with some distance, I'll take the bike path but I do so Knowing it's a mulit-use trail and there will be sections that won't be easy to navigate, but at least I don't have to climb! :p

[bcipam]

Living in an urban area alot of bike paths are multi use and heavily traveled. My club seldom if ever puts a bike path on a ride as it's just too dangerous for large, fast groups to negotiate. If riding olone or with a small group, we put on brains in "bike path" mode. Always ride with caution. Never so fast as I can't control my bike. I have to recognize that others have the right to use the trail as well. If approaching from behind I always call out "Walkers up" and then "On Your Left!" as I pass. If the walker, jogger, skater is coming towards me and can see me, I just point out "walkers up!" and then stay to my side of the trail after making sure the walker acknowledges my presence.

Alot of walkers/hikers/joggers on the San Diego Creek trail have complained about cyclists riding too fast, or taking up the bike trail causing the walker to move over. Since it's a shared path and walkers rule, we have to be polite and play nice. No biggie. If too busy I take the street right next door. Nice bike lanes and I can go fast without worry.

[wavedancer]

If it's a kid, I am very careful and say something like, "Hi there. I am going to pass you on your left, so just stay right where you are; you're doing great."

Lots of good suggestions here that I had an opportunity to use today. We have a 24-mile rail trail on the Cape and I rode it today for the first time to get in some mileage without having to deal with the heavy volume of summer tourist traffic. There was of course fairly heavy volume of tourists on bikes, blades, and strollers. I found that giving folks plenty of time to know I am coming up on them with "bike behind, passing on your left" worked pretty well. The kids did really well with the quote from Salsa. I even had one little guy say "thankyou" when I told him he was doing great :) There were of course plenty of Dorki oblivii that seemed to have no idea there might be a bike coming in the opposite direction, and narrowly missed a couple of head-ons. It was worth the ride however to have nice new flat pavement and get down to a part of the Cape that would have been pretty challenging traffic-wise without it.

Linda

[RoadRaven]

It is a legal requirement of local government that if you use the bicylcle paths/walk ways you are supposed to have a bell and "ring dem bells"...

My ma loves her bell!

I dont have a bell, and wont put one on my road bikes... too vain I think! But I do yell awful loud!

Road-rebel-Raven

[Bikingmomof3]

I went to my LBS (which I shall never return to due to total rudeness of the staff and inflated prices) anyhoo, there was a small child (I am a mother of three and like to think I am tolerant) yet this child was making every.single.bell. in the store ding. I almost went crazy! Yet the mother did not seem to mind. Needless to say I left without a bell.

[Tuckervill]

If it's a kid, I am very careful and say something like, "Hi there. I am going to pass you on your left, so just stay right where you are; you're doing great."
Lots of good suggestions here that I had an opportunity to use today. We have a 24-mile rail trail on the Cape and I rode it today for the first time to get in some mileage without having to deal with the heavy volume of summer tourist traffic. There was of course fairly heavy volume of tourists on bikes, blades, and strollers. I found that giving folks plenty of time to know I am coming up on them with "bike behind, passing on your left" worked pretty well. The kids did really well with the quote from Salsa. I even had one little guy say "thankyou" when I told him he was doing great

Okay, I didn't respond the first time I saw this, but I find it kind of condescending to the kid to comment on how well he's doing. I know it doesn't appear that way to most people. I, OTOH, try to treat children with as much respect as I would any adult. Imagine saying the following to an unknown adult as you approach on the bike path:

"Hi there. I am going to pass you on your left, so just stay right where you are; you're doing great."

Now imagine if someone said it to you on the bike path.

Of course, we have to grant kids exceptions for their ability to understand, and reason and react. But we don't have to talk to them as if they are less than.

For a small kid on a bike on a bike path, I would rather say "Hi there. I am going to pass you on your left, so if you could stay right where you are, that'd be great." And as I pass, "Thanks!"

Karen

[spokewench]

I don't think it is ever condescending to tell someone (child or not) that they are doing "great". It is a compliment! It also tells that person not to worry when you are passing because what they are doing is keeping them from being hit and you from hitting them!

[bikerz]

Hmm. It never occurred to me it might be condescending either. The kids I say this too are about 3-4 years old - they're on trikes or "big-kid" bikes with training wheels. Mostly I'm just talking to them in a friendly calm voice until I'm safely past. I usually get a smile from the kids as I go by - they seem very pleased with themselves to be out there on the bike path with a grown-up (ha! little do they know!) cyclist talking to them. I can see how an older kid might not like to be told they're doing great by a complete stranger, but for the little ones it's worked well for me so far, and they're the ones I'm most concerned about.

A funny thing happened a few months ago on my local bike path - I was riding along towards a family on bikes facing me on the opposite side of the path. I slowed way down as I approached, and signalled to my friend behind me, and was ready to unclip and stop if necessary, when the little girl (about 7 years old) separated from her family and started riding very slowly directly at me. I went slower and slower and she just kept right on towards me so I stopped completely and stepped down - I was laughing by now because it was all so slow-motion! She kept right on until her wheel bumped gently into my (now stationary) front tire - then she looked up at me with these huge eyes under her helmet and said "Wow - you sure have a skinny tire!"

Her parents scolded her gently for crossing the path, and apologized, and we all had a laugh - everyone knew what the rules were and what should have happened (and god forbid what could have happened if a pack of racer boys had come flying by instead of pokey old me), but it was all very friendly, and not scary for the little girl.