I think we need a better description of the "big stick".
In general, I've found that non-cyclists on MUPs hate close (high-speed, w/o warning. etc.) passing by cyclists as much as cyclists hate close passing by auto drivers. Some have developed various strategies for discouraging it or responding to it.
When I'm on a MUP on foot, I often walk with my own big stick, a walking stick. I never know when my left knee is going to decide to go wonky, yet again. Since the walking stick is big and obvious and in my left hand -- and clearly a hazard to close passing -- I find that the speed demons tend to give me a wider berth.
So, are we talking cane or walking stick or caveman club or baseball bat or. . . what?
__________________
"What if we fail to stop the erosion of cities by automobiles?. . . In that case, we Americans will hardly need to ponder a mystery that has troubled men for millennia: What is the purpose of life? For us, the answer will be clear, established and for all practical purposes indisputable: The purpose of life is to produce and consume automobiles."
~Jane Jacobs, The Death and Life of Great American Cities
Last edited by kalliergo; 05-02-13 at 11:35 AM.
Reason: Remove random extra words. Duh.