Fifty Plus (50+) - Rant about joggers

Yesterday I finally had an opportunity to get out and do some decent riding. Part of my ride is on a fairly narrow rolling section with a golf course and steep drop on one side and an airport on the other. There is a very clearly marked "Bike Path" on the side of the road. It has both words and Pictures of Bikes. In 1 mile I was blocked 3 times by joggers who would not move out the way. It would be very simple for them to take one step sideways instead of forcing a bike to go round them. This is not a multi use path but a "Bike Path".
It just p&^^&s me off and spoils the ride !

What trail is this? I live in the area and I'm not aware of any trails for bikes only.

Blue Ash.

...There is a very clearly marked "Bike Path" on the side of the road. It has both words and Pictures of Bikes. In 1 mile I was blocked 3 times by joggers who would not move out the way.

Glad I found this string early! My gift to you - the best "Bike Path" rant EVER!

Laughter is the best medicine sometimes. Check it out:

http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=579261

Brilliant, I really like the flamethrower idea. I was actually thinking of one of those 120db air-horns that Nashbar sell. Scare the P@#s out of them as I blow past .

Ever notice how much bicycle riders resemble car drivers when we get on a bike path or MUP?

Ever notice how much bicycle riders resemble car drivers when we get on a bike path or MUP?
Harsh Darwinian processes at work, over which we have no control. Les neufs, c'est tous.

I must disagree with the above. This is, I think, the best MUP rant ever: www.craigslist.org/about/best/bos/70245362.html

To whit, I thought the post on everything was a pretentious pile of poodle poop, but if you follow the links it takes you to some funny American jokes:

1. What do you call someone who speaks three languages? A trilinguist.
What do you call someone who speaks two languages? A biliguist.
What do yo call someone who only speaks one language? An American.

2. What do you call three Americans in one room? A Weight-watchers meeting.

Someone aptly called them "trail zombies". I dodge them a lot when I ride the Joe Pool dam road. They typically spread out to cover the entire path, don't look where they're going, carry their dog's leash in their hand but never bother attaching it to the dog, and scatter their kids everywhere. If they were to stick their arms straight out in front of them, they would, indeed, look exactly like zombies.

I am sympathetic. But, the question is. By ordinance does Bike Path mean Bikes only. ? THose I find difficult to pass are roller bladers. Now when they are out in the bike lane of a public street, i do feel agitated.

Joggers, dog walkers, bladers, parents teaching kids to ride, et al are the reasons I avoid bike paths (ESPECIALLY near parks and such) like the plague. I will occasionally ride a pathway but with in a few kms I am reminded why I prefer to play in traffic. Sig says it all.

I almost had a horrible crash in a corner years ago when the Cleaver family came wobbling along in the other direction on a path with Jr. wrong wayin' on his tricycle in front of everyone. I screamed, rode off the path, missing a tree by inches and rode through the bushes and hedges. The family continued on like nothing had happened, and I needed to lie down and look at the clouds for a few minutes b/c I was so freaked out by the fact I'd almost wiped a little kid. That ended my weekend path riding for many a year.

And one more thing before I go back into exile. I read about this and it really works. I mounted a Mirabell on my beater bike. Whenever I approach dog-walkers, weight-watchers, codeine-poppers and brain-dead Ipod-ers, I start ringing my bell like crazy and they share the path with me. I mean, it sounds like I'm the Good Humor Ice Cream Man, and who can get mad at the Good Humor man? That and a wide smile and a "great day, isn't it?" no matter how crappy it is. It always works. And I carry 10% pepper gel in case it doesn't.

This is, I think, the best MUP rant ever: www.craigslist.org/about/best/bos/70245362.html (http://www.craigslist.org/about/best/bos/70245362.html)

Nice rant.

I like the part about cyclists wearing lycra head-to-toe riding 12 miles per hour. I like to pass them on my Pugsley wearing jeans and hiking boots after yelling "On your left, ladies!" regardless of their gender.

Nothing against lycra shorts really, but why wear a skin-tight jersey displaying the logos of all the companies that will never sponsor them on a bike path crawling along at 12 mph?

Yesterday I finally had an opportunity to get out and do some decent riding. Part of my ride is on a fairly narrow rolling section with a golf course and steep drop on one side and an airport on the other. There is a very clearly marked "Bike Path" on the side of the road. It has both words and Pictures of Bikes. In 1 mile I was blocked 3 times by joggers who would not move out the way. It would be very simple for them to take one step sideways instead of forcing a bike to go round them. This is not a multi use path but a "Bike Path".
It just p&^^&s me off and spoils the ride !

I have never used a bike path that didn't have joggers on it. I yell "on your left" as i pass them and most will quickly move aside. the ones i can't stand are the roller bladers who go side to side and take up the whole path. they are dangerous.

I yell "on your left" as i pass them and most will quickly move aside.

I find "On your left" useless these days thanks to iPod.

When I walk any fitness path chit-chatting with my wife we always walk facing traffic. Even if it is against the path rules. When we see a bike on the horizon, we look behind us, access the situation, and either step off the path to the left or move to the other side of the path long before the cyclist has to make a decision. As a walker, I have never had a problem with a cyclist because (A) We are paying attention as we would on any roadway, and (B) I am a cyclist and HATE it when other path users that don't pay attention.

A "Fitness" path by it's very nature not a place to relax or be mindless. If there is a speed limit posted, it's not a fitness path. It's a promenade. That's where you walk to relax. I often take a short cut on a path marked 10mph speed limit. I don't work out on that path. I think most fitness paths have improper signage too. Often bikes must yield to walkers. Some walkers think that means they own the trail.

Those nice long speed skater style kicks are evil.
I'll never be against lycra.

Just to clarify, this is not a converted rail line MUP. It is a fairly busy road that because of the topography it is only possible to ride a bike on the "uphill" side no matter what direction you are traveling, so the city put in a 7ft wide clearly marked Bike path. Marked with both Words and a Picture of a Bike. Unfortunately with the growth of the subdivisions joggers now also use it. They could just as easily cross over and use the golf course path and be completely out of traffic.

I'll never bother with "hey this is a bike path", as long as cars tell me to ride on the sidewalk still. It might be a hassle but I can't just pass the buck in the "don't share" mentality.

Ever notice how much bicycle riders resemble car drivers when we get on a bike path or MUP?

:)
:)
:)

I'll go out of my way to share with all. The only ones that get my goat are the angry ones that walk toward me not making eye contact, trying to intimidate me or cause a crash. Thats what folding mirrors are for.

On the MUP near me, there's a line down the middle with lots of markings (signs on posts, signs on the pavement) clearly indicating that one side is for feet, and one side is for wheels. The wheeled folks pretty much obey the signs, while those on foot are everywhere.

...joggers now also use it. They could just as easily cross over and use the golf course path and be completely out of traffic.

What if the joggers paid attention to their surroundings and were courteous? Or is the path just too narrow altogether? Just wondering...not that joggers in general are all of a sudden going to start paying attention to what's behind them.

They could easily step onto the wide grassy verge, but with their I-pods they probably dont even hear me yelling. The path is at least 7ft wide.

My biggest gripe is with joggers who take up the entire bike lane on Coast Highway 101 through Carlsbad, when there is a perfectly good (and quite wide) sidewalk available. I do enough running to acknowledge that asphalt is ever so slightly more forgiving than concrete, and I sometimes jog in bike lanes myself -- all I ask is that they make an effort to share the road safely and courteously, which would entail a bit of single-filing, etc.

... but with their I-pods they probably dont even hear me yelling. ...
I think that is a huge part of the problem and one reason organized running events ban earbuds.

I run into a group of joggers on a regular basis that like to spread out over the entire trail. They move over a fraction of an inch if I call out. I suppose it's rude to blow my nose on them?


Skaters are fine if they know what they are doing. It's the weekend wobblers that create the danger.

^^^It's the reason I don't ride with music, if I can't hear overtaking traffic I may as well just go throw myself under some wheels and be done with it.^^^ Music and activity need to be somewhere you can be safe from others.

I even get the regular jogger when riding outside on the street, as you know they run against traffic so they are on the bike lane. What do bothers me is when they stay exactly in the middle of the bike lane knowing there is heavy traffic making it literally impossible to pass by him.

I dont know if they like to play chicken or are just blind and cant see the big bike logo on the asphalt...

Ever notice how much bicycle riders resemble car drivers when we get on a bike path or MUP?


I don't think that's a fair comment. On normal roads we have the right to share with motor vehicles, and expect them to accomodate us. On multi-use paths we have to share with pedestrians and we must accomodate them. However, when it comes to a sidewalk, a bike lane, or a freeway, we each have our own dedicated space, and inappropriate users need to stay out of it.

I'm with you, John E. On those days in the summer along 101, Holy Freakin Circus! http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj313/davison_j/gif/explode.gif http://i275.photobucket.com/albums/jj313/davison_j/gif/explode.gif

What should we do, perhaps a letter to the Cities Of suggeting they mandate something? Maybe they'll paint a dividing line and seperate us? I'll sign a letter. Perhaps it'll take a crash or a fight to get something changed out there.

I don't think that's a fair comment. On normal roads we have the right to share with motor vehicles, and expect them to accomodate us. On multi-use paths we have to share with pedestrians and we must accomodate them. However, when it comes to a sidewalk, a bike lane, or a freeway, we each have our own dedicated space, and inappropriate users need to stay out of it.
Do we know that joggers are not allowed on the lane in question? Is there any indication that joggers are specifically dis-allowed there? Just curious.

Skaters are fine if they know what they are doing. It's the weekend wobblers that create the danger.

Glad someone took up for skaters a bit. I used to speed skate some multi-use trails with the wife. I use a helmet mounted mirror biking or skating so no prob. We would just stop pushing off for a couple seconds enuf for the faster cyclist to go by, then resume skating. I would look over my shoulder just as the cyclist caught up so he knows I see him, give a little wave of my hand to motion him to go by.

We would skate along between 15-19 mph, so most of our problems were not cyclist related anyway. Three dog leashes across the path makes for interesting skating tho!

Nice rant.

I like the part about cyclists wearing lycra head-to-toe riding 12 miles per hour. I like to pass them on my Pugsley wearing jeans and hiking boots after yelling "On your left, ladies!" regardless of their gender.

Nothing against lycra shorts really, but why wear a skin-tight jersey displaying the logos of all the companies that will never sponsor them on a bike path crawling along at 12 mph?

You are right on, the Minuteman trail is one of the worst I have ever been on in terms of rude, disrespectful novices, stroller pushers, bladers etc, etc etc. enjoyed t h craigs list rant.

I am sympathetic. But, the question is. By ordinance does Bike Path mean Bikes only. ?
It's different all over the place. In my state, it just means bikes have the right of way. No one, not pedestrians or cyclists know the rule.



I don't think that's a fair comment. On normal roads we have the right to share with motor vehicles, and expect them to accomodate us. On multi-use paths we have to share with pedestrians and we must accomodate them. However, when it comes to a sidewalk, a bike lane, or a freeway, we each have our own dedicated space, and inappropriate users need to stay out of it.

Not really. It varies all over the place. There are plenty of places where it is legal to ride bikes on the sidewalk. And to walk and drive cars in a bike lane. And some places it is legal to ride a bike on the freeway. People move around and think the laws apply eveywhere, they don't. It's a big world out there.

Use google to see laws and path rules in different locations. Most are on line.

those retractable leashes are of Satan and His Blues Band.

those retractable leashes are of Satan and His Blues Band.

:beer:

I use short leashes around bikes or cars, bright orange with reflective tape..................... not
black !!!!!!! :mad: I walk on the grass next to the bike path, not the pavement.

why do they make any dog leashes black ?? !! :mad:

I know you've posted it before 2manybikes, but what head light is shining in your sig?

The worst place on my ride is 101 in Carlsbad. There is a nice 8 ft. wide sidewalk, and a bike lane. The traffic is typically going 40 to 50 mph, though the speed limit is 35. Even though there is plenty of room, joggers typically run in the bike lane, forcing bicyclists into the traffic.

that's just rude on such a road. Heisman time!!!!

I know you've posted it before 2manybikes, but what head light is shining in your sig?

Lupine Edison 10
500 lumens 8 hours
900 lumens. 5 hours

If every biker would start screaching "ON YOUR LEFT" constantly, starting about 150 feet behind them, and continue for 100 feet ahead of them, they'd get so sick of it they'd get on the pedestrian path....

those retractable leashes are of Satan and His Blues Band.

I have it on good authority that Satan is in a pop country band. Blues is the soundtrack in heaven. :rolleyes:

Hey guys chill. I love to bike and run. Try running sometimes it can be fun and can make you a better biker. Runners see bikers go by with double wide butts and $3000.00 bikes and wonder why bother. The guys who come buy on beaters are usually thought of as rehab bikers who got their license taken away by the court. There's room for all with a little courtesy and a sense of humor.

Jogger or walker problems?

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

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/SVI_0020.JPG

http://members.aol.com/dnvrfox/SVI_0024.JPG

30 miles of fun!

Glad I found this string early! My gift to you - the best "Bike Path" rant EVER!
Laughter is the best medicine sometimes. Check it out:
http://everything2.com/index.pl?node_id=579261

From the article: "Pedestrians literally . . . clog the path like low density lipo-proteins in bacon fueled arteries."

Great simile. I'll use it in my English class today.

Hey guys chill. I love to bike and run. Try running sometimes it can be fun and can make you a better biker. Runners see bikers go by with double wide butts and $3000.00 bikes and wonder why bother. The guys who come buy on beaters are usually thought of as rehab bikers who got their license taken away by the court. There's room for all with a little courtesy and a sense of humor.

Hmmm. Interesting set of assumptions here. Many folks here have tried running and some switched to cycling because running was beating up their knees, hips, or others parts of their bodies. I suspect you are also assuming that cycling is primarily a fitness activity, or the width of someone's backside wouldn't be an issue. For some fitness is a possible side effect of riding, but it's not the primary reason they ride. And what's with the "rehab bikers" comment? In the area where I live there are a lot of students, messengers, connoisseurs of older bikes (PastorBob, a former frequent contributor to this forum comes to mind), and others who ride what might be called "beaters". Yes, I did read your last line, and with that I wholeheartedly agree. I even like the new Allstate Insurance commerical that is airing in my area right now. The announcers says that it's time we started treating others like they were guests in our homes and not something in our way.

Hey guys chill. I love to bike and run. Try running sometimes it can be fun and can make you a better biker. Runners see bikers go by with double wide butts and $3000.00 bikes and wonder why bother. The guys who come buy on beaters are usually thought of as rehab bikers who got their license taken away by the court. There's room for all with a little courtesy and a sense of humor.
Agree, but all too often the courtesy is one way. It is much easier for a jogger to take a step sideways off the path for 3 steps than for the cyclist to swerve, possibly into traffic, at a much higher speed.
Maybe we should all sign up on some jogger forums and flood them with all these posts ?

I deal with joggers in the bike lane all of the time and really don't have a problem with it. I will just move into the car lane for the few feet and seconds it takes me to pass them. There is one guy though who for some reason wants me to pass him on the inside and always moves into the car lane which I would prefer he didn't do. Also I find a lot of early morning or late evening joggers don't wear reflective clothing or use a blinky which makes them very hard to see. I do not ride MUPs.

I always admire them too much to want them to move. They're in a zone like I'm not. If I was* "in the zone" I'd be going too fast for them to move out of the way, or I'd be so out of breath I wouldn't have enough energy to think about the issue.

The worst place on my ride is 101 in Carlsbad. There is a nice 8 ft. wide sidewalk, and a bike lane. The traffic is typically going 40 to 50 mph, though the speed limit is 35. Even though there is plenty of room, joggers typically run in the bike lane, forcing bicyclists into the traffic.

California does have a mandatory sidepath law for pedestrians, including the explicit provision that they are to eschew a bike lane in favor of a sidewalk, wherever one is provided.


You, BFD, and I need to get together. I frequent Pacific Coast Highway 101 very early on many weekend mornings and some weekday mornings. My brown Bianchi, red-with-white Capo, and red-white-and-blue mountain bike are all pretty distinctive.

I haven't had that many problems with joggers on MUPs, and I never see them in the bike lanes. Why would a jogger possibly want to be there? That seems way too risky to me. Both bikes and cars do deal with? I'll pass on that.

As far as joggers and skaters on MUPs, I'm okay with them. I hate when they have their earbuds in, but that's about it. I really don't have a problem with them when I'm biking with my dog. People get out of the way fast when they have a decent sized dog riding thier heels. It's kinda fun when they are totally oblivious, in the middle of the path, and get the s**t scared out of them when they realize we're right behind them. Or go flying past them. I'm really glad my dog is a good bike dog, though. Could get hairy otherwise.