Path & Trail Etiquette
Recently, I was shocked to find even some of my best friends have no idea just what is good trail etiquette. Most thought if they obey the 20mph limit, for unmarked trails, they were just fine. Some thought the class III e-bike speed limit of 28mph! Most are shocked to learn that there once were 15mph speed limit signs on the paths in The Quad Cities.
You have to be a pedestrian, passed by a bike, going 15mph+ to fully understand. I often walk to a bus stop so I can carry parts to and from the shop. Just the other day one of my favorite people passed me way too close and way too fast, without even announcing themselves! The feeling is no different than when a car does that on the street. If we’re honest, most of us find ourselves on Multi-Use Paths (MUPs) because we hate riding in traffic. Let’s not.bring the chaos of the streets on to our local trails, lanes and paths.
MUPs and Rail Trails are really just glorified sidewalks. They were never meant for high speed transport. They’re for enjoying being outside, nature and a trouble free way to get from one place to another. There is no good reason to ride above 15mph. Sometimes cyclists forget that it is not just their safety that is at stake.
When passing, you really should slow to 10mph or less. There just isn’t any room for error on such a narrow path. You won’t feel entittled to your speed when a child foolishly steps in front of you. People have died and let’s face it, too many e-bikes are too heavy and slow handling for emergency maneuvers (many of us don’t have the reflexes we did once).
Slow, announce you’re passing and always change lanes to do so. If they don’t hear you, take to the grass. If you don’t have those skills, dismount. It won’t take a minute out of your day. If you are on an e-bike, it isn’t even a problem getting started again! If you can’t handle the grass on a traditional bike, we really should discuss your getting an e-bike anyway.
When approaching a blind curve or hill, you need to slow down again. You never know when you will come around to find an injured, crashed, slow moving cyclist or pedestrian. There was a time when motorists practiced this as well.
No one really cares if you want to open it up a bit once well outside of town. You aren’t likely to come across pedestrians or equestrians, but no matter where you are, always remember, it is always heels over wheels. it’s never a bad idea to just slow down and enjoy everything around you.
More experienced riders know to jump in to motorized traffic when they want to go fast. In fact, that is how gravel biking came to be. Cyclsts wanted less crowded and lower speed roads on which to train. Want to go fast? Go find a long, lonely stretch of rural gravel. It’ll change your life!
Pedestrians wandering all over the path and wearing ear buds can be frustrating. Calling out might make people think you are one of the cool kids, but a bell is more friendly and piercing. Air horns and yelling upsets everyone. Upset pedestrians become harassing motorists! Many of us still need to ride in the street to get where we need to go.
For Many of you this doesn’t feel comfortable, but please, give it a try. Try it for one month. See if you don’t find you are more relaxed and enjoy your rides more whether you ride a traditional bike or an e-bike.