Why the belief that MUPs and Bike Paths are Unsafe
11-12-16, 01:39 PM
#126
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I am fortunate to live alongside the Minuteman *Commuter* Bikeway near Boston. https://www.minutemanbikeway.org/Medi...ayMapBack2.pdf
It is very good for riding during commuting hours, but I do avoid it at other times, particularly on nice weekend days. I could not say if it is safer or more dangerous than local roads, depends when and how you ride. I would say this MUP is more dangerous than the roads during crowded times when stupid roadies try to ride it at speed through the throngs of families, learning cyclists and dog-walkers, and less so during off-hours.
It is very good for riding during commuting hours, but I do avoid it at other times, particularly on nice weekend days. I could not say if it is safer or more dangerous than local roads, depends when and how you ride. I would say this MUP is more dangerous than the roads during crowded times when stupid roadies try to ride it at speed through the throngs of families, learning cyclists and dog-walkers, and less so during off-hours.
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Last edited by Archwhorides; 11-12-16 at 01:49 PM.
11-13-16, 08:42 PM
#127
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I've got a similar one here, sharp blind corner before entering the tunnel (under Webb Bridge road, for any locals). There were no ulterior reasons though - it was just the cheapest layout when they rebuilt the overpass and extended the Greenway.
I've been forced off several times at the entrance by cyclists going too fast through the tunnel, riding beside each other, or single cyclists who can't hold the turn. It seems to happen more when it's cold or otherwise unpleasant and there aren't many people out, which is kind of insidious because you'd tend not to expect it.
It's gotten to the point that I ring my bell continuously on the approach, and slow way down in those conditions. Judging just by my own incidents it's a bit more risk than I see on my alternate route on the streets, which is why I have some sympathy for the "risky MUP" point of view.
I've been forced off several times at the entrance by cyclists going too fast through the tunnel, riding beside each other, or single cyclists who can't hold the turn. It seems to happen more when it's cold or otherwise unpleasant and there aren't many people out, which is kind of insidious because you'd tend not to expect it.
It's gotten to the point that I ring my bell continuously on the approach, and slow way down in those conditions. Judging just by my own incidents it's a bit more risk than I see on my alternate route on the streets, which is why I have some sympathy for the "risky MUP" point of view.
I don't see a lot of bicycles going down the pedestrian tunnels of the underpass...
Maybe it's because they don't want to see all the new gang tagging.
I've been I those tunnels at all hours of the day, and there is always SOME traffic in the underpass...how does anyone get down in there with spray cans and not get noticed? The other gang uses markers, I can see how that's not too hard.
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11-14-16, 04:52 PM
#128
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I wouldn't doubt that a lot of those pedestrians and recreational cyclists were also motorists just moments before.
MUPs aren't more dangerous, just inconvenient. Cyclists should use the same care on MUPs as we demand from motorists on traffic roads.
MUPs aren't more dangerous, just inconvenient. Cyclists should use the same care on MUPs as we demand from motorists on traffic roads.
11-15-16, 10:52 AM
#129
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Here is the deal as I see it: When you are cycling on a roadway, you are the slowest vehicle. All of your trouble comes from one direction - behind - most of the time, until you reach an intersection. Any savvy cyclist should be able to negotiate an intersection with care. So really most danger is coming from one degree of the compass - 180*.
If you are cycling on a busy MUP, you are likely passing trail users and being passed by trail users. Most MUP users are relaxed and daydreaming letting their minds travel through outer space. Many MUP users don't even have a "mind" per se - dogs and kids. So trouble can come from ANY degree of the compass from sources without minds. INSTANTLY. So 360* vs 1* suggests that an MUP would be 360 times more dangerous than a roadway.
My answer to the OP question is that MUPs can be safer or more dangerous depending on a lot of factors. You can't just SAY that MUPs are more dangerous. Unless you post on BF of course, then you can pretty much make any claim you want to. Of course with motorist phone use behind the wheel increasing that danger on the road and at the intersections, who really knows?
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Last edited by JoeyBike; 11-15-16 at 10:58 AM.
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