I hit a child on the bike trail

[jenniferh]

As the parent of a 5 yr old I can say the Dad probably understood that you did everything you could. Accidents just happen and kids can be unpredictable. The good news is the little girl didn't get hurt and she probably learned a valuable lesson and will be more aware next time. It could have saved her from a worse collision down the road.

[loopybunny]

Let me guess... was this on the American River Bike Trail? I've almost hit so many people out there... all of which walked out in front of me suddenly switching sides on the trail and most of which were probably drunk.

Sounds like the dad was trying to teach the girl a lesson about safety as well. Kids are unpredictable, I'm sure he understood that accidents happen. Just hope she learned her lesson so next time it's not a car that hits her.

[tctrek]

I had my most serious crash (broken wrist) on a MUP when someone stepped out in front of me. I actually feel safer riding on the road then on a trail where there are pedestrians, skaters, dogs on long leashes, etc. You take your life in your hands on those trails!!

[JennK13]

Glad everyone is okay. Im really surprised it doesnt happen more often. Saturday I was leading a group ride up a MUP and we came upon a section that was part of the route for a cancer walk. Note, the trail was NOT closed for other traffic, but these people were ALL across the path as though it were, and were giving all the cyclists the evil eye as they passed. The section of trail we were on is primarily used by cyclists on any other day but yesterday, and people fly up and down it. At least we were riding against ped traffic (not that even half saw us coming towards them) I really felt bad for the cyclist heading the same direction as the peds.
People need to pay attention and understand they are not the only ones on the trail - parents need to keep their kids close, and their dogs on short leashes. Our city has a 6ft leash law, but it doesnt stop people from using those retractable ones, all out, across the trail. Im just waiting for someone to get clotheslined on one of those.

[RolliePollie]

Let me guess... was this on the American River Bike Trail?

Why yes, as a matter of fact, it was!!!

This is not my first close encounter on that trail with children, dogs, oblivious pedestrians, and cyclists suddenly turning left or stopping in front of me...not to mention the 10 gazillion suicidal squirrels who scare me to death. I try to go down there when it won't be too crowded and I really do love riding there. It's just the nature of MUPs I guess.

Today I feel less guilty and even more thankful that the girl was ok. Plus I think I got my come-uppance because on today's ride I had a little rock stuck in my cleat and I couldn't unclip so I tipped over and fell in a driveway. Just like the girl, I'm fine...just a bruise or two.

[bcipam]

I am not going to pass blame - just happy everything turned out OK.

One reason why I generally don't ride tails, paths etc. People just aren't paying attention. Children are unpredictable and squirrelly; parents are unattentive; its dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists both.

Many years ago I had a very serious accident (fx's hip, wrist, arm,collarbone) when a young child ran across the bike path in front of me. I was going fairly fast (about 20mph) and knew if I hit the child, would most likely kill him. I laid the bike down and paid the price. The child's mother was laying (on a blanket, asleep) some way down from the trail totally oblivious her child had run off. Thank goodness my friends were with me to deal with the situation. They gave the mom a lecture. Of course, that didn't help me... so if I'm on a trail I go slow and cautiously assuming everyone out there is an idiot and doesn't see me.

Glad you are OK, but I know how you feel.

[Maxxxie]

There was oncoming bike traffic and other pedestrians on the other side of the trail, so I could only swerve so far over.

I completely sympathise with your feelings on what's happened here.. but I am curious. You knew there was oncoming bike traffic and pedestrians on the other side of the trail, making it unsafe to pass. Why didn't you just slow down/stop behind dad and daughter until it was safe to pass?

Max

[RolliePollie]

I completely sympathise with your feelings on what's happened here.. but I am curious. You knew there was oncoming bike traffic and pedestrians on the other side of the trail, making it unsafe to pass. Why didn't you just slow down/stop behind dad and daughter until it was safe to pass?

Max

I didn't feel like it was unsafe to pass. The pedestrians on both sides were off the pavement in the dirt, and the paved part of the bike trail is at least 8 feet wide with a center line. I had my entire lane to myself until the little girl ran out, so stopping never ocurred to me. This is a heavily travelled trail too...if you stopped every time there was a pedestrian or another bike around, you would never actually get in any ride time!!! But believe me, I will be more cautious next time.

[tulip]

Do you have a bell or a horn (or a very loud voice)? I find the bell usually works, but sometimes it takes a healthy yell, too. Often riders don't yell out. Really YELL! Softly spoken "On your left" doesn't work.

I think a horn would be great, but I didn't have one when I lived in the Land Of Crowded MUPs. Now I don't need one.

[PamNY]

I agree that some form of noise-making is good, but children sometimes don't know how to react in a way that's helpful.

If it's really crowded, slowing down is the only thing that will help.