Off Topic -

mikeshoup - God forbid a pedestrian blocks your access to a side walk...

Actually, she was doing more than blocking my access to the "side walk", She was really blocking the exit from the crosswalk, which I, as a pedestrian, had the same legal right too, just like her.

She was blocking the ramp, which is the same as blocking the exit from the crosswalk. If a cop was around and was really, really, really bored, she would have gotten a ticket - not me.

In Florida, a cyclist can use the sidewalk for riding (probably because most of the sidewwalks are so underutilized). When the cyclist does exercise this option, he/she has the same rights and olbigations as a pedestrian. This means that I can't block the crosswalk, which is what she was plainly doing. However, It seems that I also have the added obligation of having to walk my bike across the crosswalk, which I do.

Frankly, whether or not I can ride the sidewalk I'd be the first one not to do so if the sidewalks were even moderately used. They are not, in my neck of the woods.

Ironcially, I meet more cyclists on the sidewalk than pedestrians.

Doohickie - Lighten up, Francis. Riding a trike in Miami takes some major cojones and I'm willing to concede that the sidewalk is the best option at times.

Thanks for the defense Doohickie but for the record I don't live in Miami. I just live in another car conjested Florida suburb where there is little room given to cyclists with two wheels, never mind those with three wheels.

OnTopic -

bmt074 - For some reason switching gears seems more effective to alerting people that I am approaching compared to the bell.

I'm curious, how does switching gears alert people? Errrr. my trike is one speed so I can't imagine this. I just naturally slow down when I see a pedestrian ahead.

Are you just saying that you're slowling down enough for people to spot you?