an unfortunate incident

[Pedal Wench]

So, here's a question. 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"

Mr. Silver, sorry, but under the law, bicycles are considered vehicles, NOT pedestrians. We have to follow the same rules that cars do, and give right of way to pedestrians.

[Grog]

Cyclists are definitely not pedestrians, at least they can't be both at the same time.

In North Vancouver along the water there is a walking, paved walking path that is reserved to pedestrians. The people there (a lot of retirees) will almost push a cyclist in the water if they see one! I discovered that one day when I took a wrong turn looking for the bike route (which is a designated street), and ended up on the promenade. For a few meters there was nobody and then a flurry of retirees doing their morning walk came around the next bend screaming at me that I had no business there on my bike. I kept apologizing and saying "Sorry I am lost!!" as I looked for the nearest exit, which thankfully came less than 500 meters later. Needless to say, I never went there again.

I'm sorry about your incident. I'm sure you did the right thing by rolling away... Hopefully you can find safer places to ride. In the meantime, perhaps ringing your bell before entering a blind corner?

[mimitabby]

I re-read what you said, and you said the right thing. The guy was full of it and he's lucky his dog wasn't hurt. what an idiot!

The last time I was in an altercation like that (actually woman and dog, both of us aiming for the curb cut and nearly having a head on collision ) I was only able to emit nonsense. kind of like "Ahhhh!!" "arrgggh!!!" "bwwwwaaaH!"
while she told me off.
so at least you were coherent!!

[colby]

I actually selected a retractable leash for my dog that was fat, like a full leash (NOT invisible), and I usually use it either REALLY short (right next to my body) or about 3 feet locked. The only time my dog gets out farther than that is if we're walking, she stops, and I keep walking while she pees (this is a frequent occurrence, apparently it is her job to mark every X feet), at which point she might get to about 6 feet.

A well exercised and well mannered dog won't wander regardless of leash, but it's usually not the dog's problem, it's the owner's. Don't train your dog? Don't walk them regularly? Don't give a crap? They aren't the ones that suffer. I've heard tales from the trail where people have been attacked by dogs at the end of the retractable leash while their owners don't pay attention (or worse, dogs off-leash). The only time we run off-leash is in winter when nobody else is using the trail, and only on segments of the trail where that's true. Once I invest in one of those leashes you can wear around your waist or whatever, that'll come to an end entirely.

[Mr. Bloom]

Mr. Silver, sorry, but under the law, bicycles are considered vehicles, NOT pedestrians. We have to follow the same rules that cars do, and give right of way to pedestrians.

While bikes are very common on sidewalks in this college town (much to my irritation), I asked the question and I have to accept the answer...the sign says "Pedestrians Only - No Vehicles" ...and I do consider a bike a vehicle...so, I'll adjust my route accordingly (and gain 2 miles on each ride)


As to retractable leashes, I can admit that their use has saved me a couple of times from a renegade dog coming after me as I passed by on my bike.

[Eden]

While bikes are very common on sidewalks in this college town (much to my irritation), I asked the question and I have to accept the answer...the sign says "Pedestrians Only - No Vehicles" ...and I do consider a bike a vehicle...so, I'll adjust my route accordingly (and gain 2 miles on each ride)


As to retractable leashes, I can admit that their use has saved me a couple of times from a renegade dog coming after me as I passed by on my bike.

Check your local rules. Different places - different laws. In Washington state bicycles are vehicles with all the same rights and responsibilities of any other road users when on the road *but* it is also legal to ride on the sidewalk unless it is specifically signed that you may not. Not only that - when you are on the sidewalk you are legally a pedestrian.... (so cars at crosswalks have to treat you like any other sidewalk user)

I'm not going to claim that this is the best idea.... it does lead to conflicts and a lot of motorists know so little about the laws in the first place that it only confuses them *more* (and frustrates them - many think it is illegal) that bicycles can act both as vehicles and pedestrians. Nonetheless it is the law around here until and unless someone acts to change it.

[BleeckerSt_Girl]

As long as you have narrow paths being shared by joggers, bikers, rollerbladers, children, babystrollers, and dog walkers....you will always have plenty of 'unfortunate incidents'.
We don't have multi-use or bike paths where I live, but after riding on them during a couple of vacation experiences, I must say I really prefer just riding the roads with the cars.