Great way to think about it--all the various uses make MUPs something our communities value.

I, too, try to slow down, let pedestrians know I'm there courteously, and go around. The other day, coming home from work, there was a whole family (about 5 kids and a parent) on a bridge spanning the Platte. It was a beautiful afternoon, and the bridge gave great views of the river and the day. I kept slowing down as they kept moving from side to side on the bridge. They can never pick a side, can they? I had a big smile on my face, and said, "Beautiful day!" Eventually the kiddos picked a side, and I was able to slowly proceed through. I said, "Enjoy!" as I rode away. Was it a little obnoxious for me? Yes. But the children are learning about trail etiquette, the trail is there for ALL of us to enjoy, and do I have the right to blow through as fast as I please? Heh, no.

I know I'm a slower cyclist, so I hug the right and hold a steady line. I always appreciate it when faster cyclists call their pass. I've been startled by ninjas, as I call them, passing in steely silence (usually with raceface), but whatever. I hold my line, they pass me, life goes on. I do appreciate what others have posted on these forums about enjoying silence and not breaking it. I tend to go for noise, just cause I hate being startled as a pedestrian.