Improving Multi Use Bike Paths

[Nanci]

The reason people run on the street with a perfectly good sidewalk three feet away is the diference in surface. If you aren't a runner, both seem like they would be hard, but the asphalt is super-soft compared to the sidewalk, and you can _really_ feel a huge difference. Not to mention the cracks! I had my absolute worst fall ever on a sidewalk, even counting the several times I've gone head-over-heels on a trail. Probably at a walking pace, it wouldn't matter as much.

Really better and easier on your body to stick to (dirt) trails, though.

The paved bike trails in Florida are nice and wide- rails to trails, usually plenty of room for everyone. Lucky, I guess.

Nanci

[bcipam]

I live in an area where there are many wonderful multi-use paths. I like to use them because they tend to go into areas that are quite beautiful but when I do use them I shift into "Bike Path" mode. I ride slower, and watch for foot traffic and other cyclists. I would generally use a bike path if riding alone or with only 1 or 2 other riders and we aren't in a hurry, otherwise, I'm on the street.

Even if the marked yellow lines, walkers (and yes mommies with strollers are the worse - the world does revolve around them!) tend to use the entire path. I don't get angry, I call out and make sure I'm heard and ride passed. Sometimes, I don't call out. It's been my experience if I say "On your left..." the walker tends to move to the left, a strange phenomenon. Anyway we are all entitled to use paths but you can't be in a hurry and you have to be watchful.

And my one beef: Using MP3 players - this goes for walkers, runners, skaters and cyclists. Sorry even with one ear pod in, you are unattentive. MP3 players are for stationary bikes. I just think it's too dangerous to ride using an iPod or other MP3 player. Walkers can't hear bicyclist coming up so imagine what bicyclist can't heard travelling at a faster speed. Just too foolish I say.