Fifty Plus (50+) - Passing dogwalkers....

I started a special thread for this subject that to me is the most annoying and dangerous. How do you pass somebody walking one or two or I've even seen three dogs? Dog owners seem to be the ones lacking in the brains department. They own the bike paths and let their dogs roam all over. A tame looking dog will instantly charge at you without warning. The little ones are the worst to predict. While biking I have to make split second decisions on how to procede past a dog and an owner half asleep. If the owner had a brain he/she wouldn't be on the trail with a 20 foot long leash that does no good. Most dogs are friendly, but being an animal are unaware of any rules. Some owners bring the meanest pooches out to walk as if they are inviting a law suit.

So...your thoughts are welcome.....

There is nothing you can do but react as the situation unfolds and hope for the best. Trying to reason with a dog or its owner is like talking to a box of rocks.

Stay off of sidewalks. This is why I dislike multi use paths, bikes are for streets.

Sorry, no solution here. You are absolutely correct that this is a problem for Rail to Trail users as well as Road bikers in rural settings.
Seeing a dog ahead makes me VERY careful. I call out long before I get there. Most owners are worried about their Pooch and will rain them in so they will not get run over. Biggest problem are large, mean dogs without an owner in sight. I put my bike between them and me. That has worked so far.
I would consider mace if this would be a more frequent problem which it is not on R to T.
Packs of dogs chasing us on a recent cross country ride was a hazard. No good solution to that. Some bikers have skills to deal with that. A fellow biker charged dogs with his bike. They did chicken out.

I have even had problems with dog walkers on the street.

You have to be the one taking the initiative and avoiding the dog. No easy answers.

Fortunately, 95% of the dog walkers around here are very careful. Likely that is because we have a loy of bicyclers, and they are used to being safe while the bicyclists pass.

Suggest:

1. A lot of warning - I use a pretty loud bell, and start ringing a ways before I get to the walker. Interestingly, I almost always get a thank you from the walker. They appreciate knowing that a bicycle is behind them, and I see too many bicyclists give no warning, which scares walkers.

2. If I see no visible action on the part of the dog walker, I slow way down, and often I stop before passing to be sure the dog is controlled properly.

3. Our trails are pretty heavily posted as to the leash laws. Are yours?

However, despite the above, I do occasionally find someone violating the laws and guidelines. So, I just watch and ride totally defensively.

Nothing is more discomforting then looking into a dog's eyes at its eye level. I've been riding a trike and for some reason, dogs find trikes VERY interesting. I haven't had problems on trails yet, but its the nbeighborhood routes that you need to watch out for. People let their dogs play in the front yard without restraints. Peddle ars is about the only thing you can do as most of these animals will not go far from their "territory".

Our subdivision is full of dogwalkers on the sidewalk with 95 % of the dogs properly leashed & heeled. We ride on the streets. Never had a problem.

Our county has no leash law. The country dogs run in packs sometimes - THESE I fear. Have tried running the loose dog over with my bike & only wound up on my ass in the gravel with lots of road rash & the dog had disappeared. Last incident with a country dog I yelled at the house that if their dog came after me again, I was going to kill it. There was no one outside the house, I just needed to vent while brushing the gravel off my knees & elbows. Yesterday that same dog barked loudly but stayed in his owner's yard and kept looking back at the house so evidently some kind of message came through & the owner had trained the animal.

I have no sympathy for loose dogs, especially aggressive ones. Most should be picked up by Animal Control and kept at the shelter until euthanized. A couple of months ago an 80-year-old woman was killed in her country home's front yard by the neighbor's pit bulls that got loose and came after her when she went out to get her mail. Her husband was in the house and by the time he got out there to try to fight the dogs off, it was too late. I guess it is the prevalence of pit bulls being bred out in our rural areas that causes my otherwise gentle conscience to draw a hard line on this issue.

ALL dogs on bike paths, and on city sidewalks for that matter, should be leashed AND MUZZLED. They are a danger to bikers and anyone on foot that has to pass as close as a foot away. I would rather be on a bike and pass by the dog quickly than on foot and unprotected by a bike.

I ride in the country and encounter a dog about every mile or so. I've been chased thousands of times by dogs. I've been bitten once in the 22 years we've lived here. I just ignore them. It is the only solution.

Passing people with dogs, slow walkers, people on roller blades, old people. What is the proper etiquette when passing, what bell should I use? What should I say? Was I too rude?

Here is my question…. Why are you riding where there are people walking?

If you are on a road bike then get on the road.

If you are on a mtn bike then get it off road.

If you just want to go slow and enjoy a nice outing on the bike path or the esplanade then slow down to the pace of those that are sharing it with you and stop trying to get in front of everyone in a swift efficient manor. There is no perfect protocol or best type of greeting or best bell to use because there are so many different types of people and situations. You just slow down and react accordingly. Walk your bike past the guy with a random acting dog on a leash or at least slowdown enough to pass at his speed as the dog moves to give you room. Just because some cagers treat us with distain an do all manor of strange things is no reason for us to pass it on to the peds.

If you are on a road bike then get on the road.

If you are on a mtn bike then get it off road.

If you just want to go slow and enjoy a nice outing on the bike path or the esplanade then slow down to the pace of those that are sharing it with you and stop trying to get
........
The trail is designated for hikers, walkers, and cyclists. A sign says dogs must be leashed. Many of the dogs pose a danger to everyone else because they can't follow the rules and their owmers don't seem to care. Why don't the people walk on the sidewalks in the towns in which they live??? Why don't the hikers, hike in a wooded area. Some people don't want to be bothered with the danger of cars wizzing by. Walkers and hikers and dog walkers have many areas they can use. Cyclists have the bike trails. I observe the rules on the bike path....many of the other people do not. I've never had a problem with a biker other than some small kid that doesn't know better and their parent who is too dumb to educate them of watch them carefully. They need to do what they do in Germany. One trail for walkers with and without dogs and one trail for bike riders. Problem solved except for walkers who don't want to share their trail with a dog.

Stay off of sidewalks. This is why I dislike multi use paths, bikes are for streets.


+1

This is why I dislike multi use paths, bikes are for streets.
+1
..........
And dogs belong in cages. Bikes are allowed on multi use paths, which for years were called "bike paths," until the dog people intruded on the paths. More bike riders use the paths I use than dogwalkers and walkers combined. It's all a matter of sharing the trail and following the rules. Dogs don't follow the rules and are dangerous to all others. I don't pay taxes and vote so a dog can go out for a stroll in the park and bite my leg off at my expense. Let the dog build his own trail, and pay for it himself, and restrict it to dogs use only. My tax dollars are not going to the dogs!!!!!

Here is my question…. Why are you riding where there are people walking?

If you are on a road bike then get on the road.

If you are on a mtn bike then get it off road.



HELP!!

Can we please avoid a MUP war here. They are as bad as a Helmet war.

MUPS vary. It is impossible to judge from one to the other. In Denver, we have about 400 miles of MUPS. Most of those are relatively little used by walkers, dogs, etc. During a weekday ride, I can ride for 20-40 miles and see perhaps 4 dogs with their owner. It is likely different in your neck of the woods.

C'est la vie

Live and let live.

My MUPS look like this - for miles and miles and miles:

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/SVI_0019.JPG

One more thing....there is a doggie playground area in the same metro park area where I bike. Do the dog owners use it???.....no, they would rather have Fido nibble on a baby in a baby carriage on the bike trail. Babies, dogs, and bike riders don't mix together well.

Here is my question…. Why are you riding where there are people walking?

If you are on a road bike then get on the road.

If you are on a mtn bike then get it off road.

I am always surprised to hear this tone in a reply from a fellow biker. I guess you are suggesting that road bikes should never be ridden anywhere but on the road - mountain bikes nowhere but on a trail, ne're shall the twain meet.

Of course, if a biker can make that statement to a biker, what defense do we give to a motorist who with equal justification claims that we don't belong on the road?

No, me thinks the OP is riding a path built for, supported and used by all three (make that four) groups, bikers (mountain and road), pedestrians, and probably also horses and their riders.

I'm guessing that the OP is more concerned not to collide with the dog or become entangled in the dog's leash.

The dog owner is probably trying to give the dog some well deserved exercise - and that is what those pesky retractable leashes were designed for - as a biker, I hate 'em. As a dog owner (two standard poodles), I think they are the greatest thing since sliced bread (nah, riding a bike is the greatest thing since sliced bread - but those leashes are great).

As a biker, I am particularly mindful when walking one of my dogs (two at once, nah, not for me) to keep an eye out for bikers - but I understand how a pedestrian might find his pet's leash stretched out along the path.

When on my bike, if I see a dog stretched out on a leash, all I can do is slow down, give fair warning, then slow down some more to insure against an accident. In my view, all of us has the right to make use of the path - and, when I'm cycling, I am happy to take responsibility for insuring that I don't get tangled up with someone else's beloved pet - no matter how mangy, nasty, or ferocious that pet may appear to me.

And, I'll ride my bike on the road, on the trail, the MUP, or, occasionally across an open field where ever it is legal and suits me, thank you very much.

Caruso

I know the trail is multi use, and I know that some people care to obey the signs and some don’t, but either way in the whole scheme of things, getting upset about people who can’t or wont follow the rules is only going to eat at you.

Even on dedicated bike paths there are going to be slow, swerving, unpredictable peddlers that just get in the way. The truth of the matter is… unless their is a minimum posted speed limit for the trail then a slow meander is of no danger to anyone, it is the person going fast that’s the danger.

That old guy with the dog… in some cases that dog is his best friend, maybe his only friend and maybe when he was your age he could have whipped your ass in a Madison but now he has just his memories and a confused sense of purpose and his poor little dog is trying its best to get him home. The very last thing in the world he needs is for you to be in such an agitated rush.

I ride the trail to work and also walk my dog on the same trail, I have him on a twenty foot leash also but I am very careful to haul him in when I see riders coming, same as when I'm riding I always make sure they know I am comming up on them so they can get thier dog under control, what pi**es me off is when I am walking or riding a group mopeds come screaming down the trail,at the beginning of the trail we have a sign no motorized vehicles but it is not enforced. To me these things are a lot more dangerous on an path than any dog would be.

I am always surprised to hear this tone in a reply from a fellow biker. I guess you are suggesting that road bikes should never be ridden anywhere but on the road - mountain bikes nowhere but on a trail, ne're shall the twain meet.<snip>
Caruso



Damn, that is not what I am saying at all!!

He is complaining about being inconvenienced by slow people and dogs …I am saying go somewhere else, where you wont find those impediments to do your riding if they are such a bother to you.

Damn, that is not what I am saying at all!!

He is complaining about being inconvenienced by slow people and dogs …I am saying go somewhere else, where you wont find those impediments to do your riding if they are such a bother to you.

Biography of WorldWind:
Dirt and Road. ex bike mechanic and racer

Perhaps we are coming from two different bicycling worlds with different perspectives?

And I guess I also misinterpreted what you said:




Here is my question…. Why are you riding where there are people walking?

If you are on a road bike then get on the road.

If you are on a mtn bike then get it off road.

Sounded pretty strong and narrow to me. Sorry.

OP, you're nuts.

One more thing....there is a doggie playground area in the same metro park area where I bike. Do the dog owners use it???.....no,
So, why don't you use the road? B/c you like the path more. Same for the dog owners. You seem hypocritical here.


they would rather have Fido nibble on a baby in a baby carriage on the bike trail.

Wow! Now, imagine an hysterical nansy pansy who claims that wreckless bikers are endangering his/her child, and actually want to hit his/her child. That would sound a bit like you.


And dogs belong in cages.
Get a grip.

Bikes are allowed on multi use paths, which for years were called "bike paths," until the dog people intruded on the paths. More bike riders use the paths I use than dogwalkers and walkers combined.

In many places the mups are defined as being for both peds and bikers. Peds and dogs have generally been around much longer than bikes.


It's all a matter of sharing the trail and following the rules. Dogs don't follow the rules and are dangerous to all others. I don't pay taxes and vote so a dog can go out for a stroll in the park and bite my leg off at my expense. Let the dog build his own trail, and pay for it himself, and restrict it to dogs use only. My tax dollars are not going to the dogs!!!!!
Dogs are allowed in some areas, b/c their owners pay taxes just like you. Why should dog owner's taxes go toward your personal tarmac? You're a hypocrite. As to a dog biting your leg off - I've never heard of such a thing. In addition, it would be at the owners expense.


... Some people don't want to be bothered with the danger of cars wizzing by. Walkers and hikers and dog walkers have many areas they can use. Cyclists have the bike trails. I observe the rules on the bike path....many of the other people do not. I've never had a problem with a biker other than some small kid that doesn't know better and their parent who is too dumb to educate them of watch them carefully.
You don't have problems w/ other bikers, b/c they are going your speed and following your rules. The dog owners don't have a problem with each other either, but the do get pissed when a biker is going over around 10mpg (the local mup speed limit in my town). Again, you complain that the dog owner and hiker are not using another location, but never make the same argument for yourself. You just say that you are afraid of traffic, and we presume, incapable of finding a nice paved traffic free area to ride in.

ALL dogs on bike paths, and on city sidewalks for that matter, should be leashed AND MUZZLED. They are a danger to bikers and anyone on foot that has to pass as close as a foot away. I would rather be on a bike and pass by the dog quickly than on foot and unprotected by a bike.
All bikers on mups and sidewalks should be required to go no more than 3mph. They are a danger to anyone on foot, and a liability for drivers at intersections. This sounds ridiculous and arbitrary right? It also sounds a lot like your argument.

Really, three things...
1. If you want separate bike paths, you can lobby for it. Until then, Share the path. Walkers, joggers, bikers, and dog walkers all have a right to it. Act accordingly, and don't get po'd when other people use are using the pash.
2. You come off as hysterical, hypocritical, and selfish.
3. I ride a bike on a mup for about 5-6 miles a day. Dog walkers, joggers, big groups of chattering people, and headphone users all impede progress. But, it's still a nice place to ride. If I'm in a hurry, I'll take the street. You could do the same.

If the dogs are walking close along side their owner I treat them like any other ped and call out "passing on the left". If the dogs are leashed out far (or loose) then I yell way in advance "Bike coming through". This tends to send a sense of urgency to the owner to properly control them. Either way I still slow down. I figure sometimes cars have to slow for us when we're in the street, and sometimes we have to slow for peds & dogs on the trails. Trails can provide some of the most pleasant rides and scenery, but I don't ride on them when they're busy.

Biography of WorldWind:
Dirt and Road. ex bike mechanic and racer

Perhaps we are coming from two different bicycling worlds with different perspectives?

And I guess I also misinterpreted what you said:



Sounded pretty strong and narrow to me. Sorry.



If it sounds strong and narrow to you then perhaps it is because you are reading the last two clipped out sentences out of context with the rest of the post where the focus is the statement (if it bothers you so much) “Why are you riding where there are people walking?

My post was not intended as a series of statements it was a response to those that seem annoyed by others in the world that are getting in their way. And then a solution to that.

Just like I tell the cagers “If I am in your way, and you need to go fast then take it to the race track. It’s not my fault you started late and got behind me.”

If it sounds strong and narrow to you then perhaps it is because you are reading the last two clipped out sentences out of context with the rest of the post where the focus is the statement (if it bothers you so much) “Why are you riding where there are people walking?

My post was not intended as a series of statements it was a response to those that seem annoyed by others in the world that are getting in their way. And then a solution to that.

Just like I tell the cagers “If I am in your way, and you need to go fast then take it to the race track. It’s not my fault you started late and got behind me.”

I think you are correct. I reread your following paragraph again, and it certainly makes your point.

With a frame pump in your hand...... and it's not for the dogs. :mad:

I do exactly as AlmosTrick does. Once in a while in the country though, you might meet totally unrestrained dogs, particularly sheep or cattle chaser species. Blue heeler, border collies, etc. These instinctively want to "heel" you and won't respond to yelling or even a kick. A simple solution is to blast them with pepper spray. Next time you are going down that road they won't come out, and leave other bikers alone, too. A good training experience for them, and it sure doesn't hurt them. They are at much worse risk by continually running out into the street or road and most eventually end up under a tire. So you are doing the dogs and everybody else a favor by giving them a nose full of pepper spray. I don't know if I would use this on a public bike path, but wouldn't hesitate if the owner wasn't present to control his dog.
My wife runs marathons, and one time while fishing she went for a run along an Indian Reserve, full of half wild dogs. One came running out after her and instinctively she blasted the dog at 2 feet with bear spray and that dog disappeared really quick! I told her that her native American name will be forever "Skunk Lady!"

Sounded pretty strong and narrow to me. Sorry.

Me, too, WorldWind. One of the hazards of BBS communications. Sorry I misunderstood you - thanks for the clarification.

Caruso

I figure sometimes cars have to slow for us when we're in the street, and sometimes we have to slow for peds & dogs on the trails.

Excellent point, well put.
Caruso

I have just read some of the most illogical stupid comments by a few dog lovers. They think they own the trails and everyone must bow down to their stupidity. I do not want to be bothered by your dog...friendly or not. I don't want your dog near me. Your dog should not be roaming all over the trail. You as an owmer MUST be responsible! It is not my job to watch out and react to you and your dog's stupid behavior!!! Learn to follow the rules. I don't have to stop and dismount every time I see a dog that is in my path. Even when I sound out a warning many dog walkers do not react. You are the one who should be looking out for other people's safety. YOU are the one who is walking a dangerous animal in a public place. MUZZLE that dog, leash that dog, and keep him under control. If the dog can't follow safety rules at all times you and the dog do not belong on the trail. Use some common sense. Unfortunately, dog people will continue to ignore safety and cater to their dumb animals over the lives of human beings. Many walkers and hikers do not want to have to pass a dog walker on the trails. My wife as a walker feels unsafe every time she passes a dog not knowing if it is going to be friendly or not. I have not caused any unsafe problem on the trails this year, yet I must cope with dozens of unsafe conditions created by DOGS and their OWNERS every time I ride the trails. I do not block the roadway of others and expect them to avoid hitting me. I do not chase after other people passing me. I don't growl and bark at others on the trail. I do not force other people to instantly react to my stupid unsafe behavior. I don't jump on others and rub my dirty hands all over them. I do not drool on other people and lick their arms and legs without be invited to do so. I do not sh%t on the bike trail........have I left anything out???

I've been chased by two vicious dogs while riding the roads this year. The owner of one was standing in his front yard during one incident. Next time it happens I call the police. Some goes for being on the bike trails. I have the phome number of the metro ranger police on my cell phone and will call them if their dog attacks me or endangers my safety. Two dogs tried to bite me this week on the trails. Another friendly dog...golden retriever cornered me at the end of a dead end street and the owmer had to hold the dog down because it was jumping all over me and I couldn't escape. I'm sick and tired of these irresponsible dog owners. I'm retired and 58 years old and do not want to be endangered by them. I will call the police on their owners, and file charges against them.

Same applies to bike riders, or walkers, or hikers....if they create an unsafe condition they should be reported to the police. So far most of my problems have come from dogs and dog owners.....almost every day. I will ride 3000 miles this summer alone.

CAlling the police for errant dogs is a great thing to do. Hopefully, the police will respond. ALso, you might bring the problem to the attention of the authorities in your areas and ask for increased control of dogs. This would work where I live, but may not where you live. Ask to have Animal Control drive up and down the trail periodically. We also have bicycle police that frequent the trails.

Also, carry pepper spray, and here is something that might help - a rechargeable air horn..

http://urbanscooters.com/urbanscooters/images/items/AirZounds-largeU.gif

I've had no dog problems while cycling this year, thankfully, but in the last week I've learned about passing techniques for a couple of other animals as well.

The horse: I approached 2 women riding horses on a country road one morning. I slowed down and said hello to them. One woman thanked me for talking as I approached, as apparently horses are spooked by cyclists who make no noise (I guess they don't know that we're humans!).

The deer: late yesterday afternoon/evening I approached a deer by the side of a back road. I slowed down a bit. So it moved to the middle of the road almost directly in front of me and froze. When I was perhaps 20 feet away, it finally bolted into the woods. Passing technique: absolutely none. No wonder deer get hit so often by cars.

The horse: I approached 2 women riding horses on a country road one morning. I slowed down and said hello to them. One woman thanked me for talking as I approached, as apparently horses are spooked by cyclists who make no noise (I guess they don't know that we're humans!).

The deer: late yesterday afternoon/evening I approached a deer by the side of a back road. I slowed down a bit. So it moved to the middle of the road almost directly in front of me and froze. When I was perhaps 20 feet away, it finally bolted into the woods. Passing technique: absolutely none. No wonder deer get hit so often by cars.

Horses track things behind (bicycles or humans or whatever) them with their ears. I always announce myself, and ask permission to pass, and talk continuously while I am passing.

Deer frequently come in pairs or more. If I see one crossing I stop, because there is likely more behind the first one.

That old guy with the dog? in some cases that dog is his best friend, maybe his only friend and maybe when he was your age he could have whipped your ass in a Madison but now he has just his memories and a confused sense of purpose and his poor little dog is trying its best to get him home. The very last thing in the world he needs is for you to be in such an agitated rush.

WW got flak for some comments made.
I found the quoted statement compassionate and I can relate. We all are getting there.

Dog owners and bikers should in general be allies fighting against the efforts of other people who may wish to ban both bikes and dogs. They may wish to impose draconian rules, such as a 5mph speed limit or muzzles. If dog walkers and bikers start calling the cops on each other, they may both lose.
Don't overreact.
B/t/w, muzzles and even leashes impede socialization. The use of these devices can cause bites, b/c the dogs become more agressive and less socialized. At some point the muzzle will not be on, and an injury may result.

Also, carry pepper spray, and here is something that might help - a rechargeable air horn..
http://urbanscooters.com/urbanscooters/images/items/AirZounds-largeU.gif
......
Thanks for the advice. I'm going to check them out. Only thing is if I get them I'd probably use them every time I hit the trails. Fido won't be able to see or hear for a week.
One question...should I use the pepper spray on the dog or the dumb owner?

......
One question...should I use the pepper spray on the dog or the dumb owner?

Yes!

Originally Posted by WorldWind
That old guy with the dog? in some cases that dog is his best friend, maybe his only friend and maybe when he was your age he could have whipped your ass in a Madison but now he has just his memories and a confused sense of purpose and his poor little dog is trying its best to get him home. The very last thing in the world he needs is for you to be in such an agitated rush.
.............
Kinda reminds me of another story....
That old guy with his bike? in some cases that bike is his best friend, maybe his only friend and maybe when he was your age he could have whipped your ass in a Madison but now he has just his memories and a confused sense of purpose and he is trying its best to get home. The very last thing in the world he needs is for your dog to block his way and try to bite him in the leg.

Yes!
.....
If I sneak up behind a dog owner, which will be very easy considering they are never looking out for anybodies safety, and blow my recharable air horn.....how many of them do you think will crap or pee in their pants?

Fortunately where I bike most (Spokane County, WA) there is a leash law, so most owners on multi-use trails and paths have 'em restrained. I approach slow but steady, smile and say hi to the owner and pedal on.

For dog packs in the country, fortunately I live in a rural county where the code of the West still rules. Solutions to half-wild packs come in .22 or .30 caliber :)

Originally Posted by WorldWind
That old guy with the dog? <snip>
.............
Kinda reminds me of another story....
That old guy with his bike? <snip>



Kinda....but your story was plagiarized, and besides ‘I'm rubber you’re glue’

It shouldn't be a problem. Slow down and let them know you are approaching.
We tend to call them bike path, but actually most are multi-use paths. They are alternates to roads. Share.


It’s not my fault you started late and got behind me.”

I like this a lot. Very good.

Quote:
It?s not my fault you started late and got behind me.?
...........
Try this quote on for size.....
Lead, follow, or get out of the way!

If you airzound someone up close, don't be surprised if they knock you off your pedestal... I mean bike.

Sneeking up behind someone and blasting one of those is the move a jerk. If you feel that you are doing it in retaliation, you should at least figure out exactly what your victim has done to you. If you are just going to do this to a random dog walker, you are no better than the kid who jams a stick in the wheel of a random passing biker.

If you airzound someone.....


......
I'll bet a firetruck with it's siren blasting away could
do a figure eight around you, and your dog, and you would never notice.

Quote:
<snip>
Try this quote on for size.....
Lead, follow, or get out of the way!





You know… Just because your mommy caught you sticking fire crackers in the back ends of frogs, and would never let you have a dog is not sufficient reason to have a burning hatred for the whole world. You are NOT the center of the universe and your feelings of loathing for anything slower or less able than you doesn’t mean squat to any of us.

Your challenge, Lead follow or get out of the way….

Well I am in the lead, so get in line behind and STFU.

Okay, let's put the shoe on the other foot for our dog walker friends. Let's say every 2-3 minutes you're walking your dog down the bike path and there appears 3 bike riders approaching you at only 5 mph and blocking most of the trail and moving back and forth and sidewise so that only a small section is open for you to pass safely if you could only figure out which of the 3 bikers will not move to another position. Do you feel safe enough to move forwand not knowing if one of the bikers will run into you and injure you??? This happen let's say 10-15 times during an 1 1/2 hour walk "with your dog of course." This gets old very fast if it happens to you instead of the bike riders. The bike rides keep telling you to smell the roses, slow down, and move out of their way. What's your hurry? All you have to do is move out of their way. You tell them to stay on the right side and allow you to pass without any hassle. One group of bikers allows you to pass on the right, another on the left, and another in the middle because all you have to do is stop and let them go by if you don't like it. They give you dirty looks and make barking noises. They lunge at you when you try to get by. They try to grab you by the leg or ankle or bite your arm. You as a dog owner have a tough hide and can take this....no problem here.

This is what I go thru as a biker when I pass a dog walker. The dog is in the middle of the trail, then another dog is on the right side but the owner is blocking the left side, and then the next dog you pass is in the middle of the trail with the owner and you don't know which way they will move if they even hear you ring your bell.

The only time a biker moves into the left lane is to pass so they don't jepordize the safety of others forced to react to unsafe bike path conditions. The dog walkers are all over the bike paths blocking people and creating unsafe conditions.

Dog walkers can not justify the way they create such unsafe conditions on the bike paths. From reading the posts here it is clear they are more concerned about their dog than any human being.

I'll take your bet and raise you an ambulance that my dog follows instructions better than you can interpret the golden rule.

This thread has really spiraled downhill.

Enough, already - please!

FYI, I bike past about 5-15 dog walkers a day. I also bike past joggers, old people, groups of kids, ets. I slow down in lots of these situations, but it is usually when several groups are converging in one spot that creates a problem. I never have a particular problem w/ dogs.

When walking my dog, I usually do stop and hold the dog when a biker or large group of joggers comes by. It's just courtesy. At other times, I'm biking and the dog is running along side. I tell him to heel and keep my bike between the dog and the passing walkers.

I know that I'm lucky to be enjoying these paths. I make a point of living near them, b/c I could not afford to own all of that acreage myself. Many of the people that I see also frequent the same area, and it is nice to acknowledge them with a smile and know that they are also enjoying the same type of activity.

I could single out two groups that are the most annoying to me:
1. the jogger that runs down the middle of the path with earphones in (they never move over and are unpredictable, b/c they don't know that I am coming)
2. the group of people that take up the whole path and aren't paying attention to the surroundings.

I hardly see the need to ***** and moan about these groups, and certainly wouldn't condemn runners in general based on the few that run this way. These types of people are just part of the nuisance of the mup.

My main disagreement with you dohickey, is that you have an unbelievable account of dogs and owners being nasty selfish people. You further think that most cyclists are good rule abiding people. That's just not believable. Based on your feelings, you want to call the cops and get vigilante on dog owners. It's childish.