Rage on the Bikeway

[meridian]

"There's a woman who walks a pet llama on a leash". How awesome! I guess it's a good thing they poop more like bunnies than horses

I can definitely see a situation like that end up causing more problems than enjoyment with all that uninhibited traffic flowing around. And cyclists using the same path as pedestrians for time trial practice, EEK!

It's great to see a path like that getting so much action, but it stinks that they aren't able to find ways to make it a little safer for the increase in usage, or the funding to make it wider.

[Eden]

"...... And cyclists using the same path and pedestrians for time trial practice, EEK!......

I'm betting that part is an exaggeration..... its the same anywhere on a shared trail. Every different group of users has perceptions about the others and all of them would prefer to have the trail to themselves. I also find it highly unlikely (unless there are pro-teams practicing out there ) that there are really all kinds of people going 30-35mph on bikes unless there's a big hill on the trail and since its a rail trail there's probably not.
Its the same as sharing a road with cars. We want to get certain behaviors from cars. On a path we are the bigger faster party, we should give those same courtesies to the pedestrians. Give the pedestrians space, don't pass dangerously (around corners - into oncoming traffic etc) and if you need to slow down for safety do so. Peds should look before they cross the trail, don't stop and stand in the way or walk so many abreast that no one can pass and expect that they will be passed (don't act all suprised - it is a multi use trail)
Personally I avoid the most crowded MUPs around here.(I never go to Green Lake or Alki and avoid the BG whenever possible) Its not usually worth the hassle.