Originally Posted by
goose70
So this brings me finally to the point of this post. Do any of you ride on MUPs where the posted rule is for pedestrians to walk against cycling traffic, instead of with their backs to it? This is what I learned to do from the time I was in kindergarten. It's what AAA and many states advise. So why, on my MUP, does nearly everyone walk/jog/stroller with their backs to cyclists, plus with earbuds in their ears?
I also walk and run on our MUP, and lately I've begun doing so on the left. What a world of difference. I can see cyclists coming, never get buzzed or surprised, it doesn't matter if I'm listening to music and everyone seems happy. Well, everyone except for the one cyclist and one group of joggers who yelled at me to get on the right.
I took this concern to the MUP Ranger station today and their response was as follows: (1) If pedestrians walk facing cyclists, they'll be in the cyclists' way.

And (2) we plan to put up a sign forbidding the use of earbuds and headphones on the MUP.

Yep, I'll bet that goes over well. And it's so much more practical than just asking peds to walk facing traffic.
People walk/ride/run on the right. If they were to walk/ride/run on the left, then riders would constantly play chicken with those off the bike.
Thatd be dumb.
I havent ever heard of those off the bike being on the left on any MUP. I cant imagine having to deal with that.
Off the bike users should have their backs to bikes as you are all traveling the same direction. You wont run into them.
As for leashes crossing the path and whatnot, well thats what you deal with for a MUP. its a
MULTI USE path.
Here is a hierarchy for using the MUP.
- kids take most importance
- walkers take next importance
- runners take next importance
- dog walkers take next importance
- cyclists are least important
Cyclists yield to all others.