Does it seem to anyone else that we're discussing congestion in one form or another an awful lot recently?

Anyway, count me as a defender of bike trails. Yes, the bike trails around here can get crowded with - oh, you know, kids, dogs, rollerbladers, the odd kamakaze squirrel, etc. but I take the congestion as a sign that they are needed, wanted, and we might just get more. I've seen house For Sale signs set up along several paths. Good idea, they get more traffic than the street the houses are on.

I have been experimenting recently with the best way to get past some of these. With small children, I have been having luck with "Comin' through!" in a smiling, motherly sort of voice. The kids tend to scatter off the path at that. "On your left" always has a kid moving left. It's all but 100%.

I also put a bell on the bike. It helps sometimes.

"On your left" works with most adults. I always try for my ultra-efficient secretary voice. Pleasant, but not taking "no" for an answer.

If I feel the need for speed, there are roads around that serve nicely, so I don't feel deprived slowing down for the little kids.

And yes, the bike trails (around here, at least) actually do lead to places I want to go.