an unfortunate incident

[OakLeaf]

On one of my routes, to avoid traffic, I take a short cut on a short path for "pedestrian traffic only". I'm careful and no one has ever had an issue...but if someone did, isn't it true that a bicycle is "pedestrian"???? Government statistics for bikes are for "pedalcycles"

NO!!! On pedestrian thoroughfares INCLUDING ALL SIDEWALKS cyclists must dismount and walk. This is a HUGE pet peeve of mine.

Now, I won't deny the rare instance of cheating when there are NO pedestrians on the sidewalk. But as soon as I see someone on foot coming the opposite direction, I dismount to pass them. Early enough that they don't have to adjust their pace and wonder whether I'm going to. No exceptions. Bikes don't belong in pedestrian lanes.

Now, of course, MUTs are a whole different beast, and the OP was absolutely in the right, but the simple fact that there is over a 1000% differential in the expected speeds of users of an 8 foot wide strip is exactly what makes MUTs so dangerous. Even when there aren't arrogant !@#$%@$#s insisting that all traffic should go THEIR speed.


ETA: of course, most people aren't at their best after a huge surge of adrenaline, so maybe after the guy had a little time to calm down, he may have realized he was in the wrong and decided to adjust his future behavior. Just glad everyone's safe, dog included - I've seen a dog and bike tangle on a MUT and it wasn't pretty