Originally Posted by
Jtmav
couldn’t agree with you more. The two biggest problems I face on dedicated paths is, 1 earbuds. It’s useless to yell “on your left” to someone walking a dog but plugged into whatever they’re listening to. 2 And as you said retractable leashes are never a good idea. Having had dogs for the last 30 years that invention just begs for trouble. It’s simple but who is walking who? I’m firmly in the camp that there are rarely bad dogs, but when you see one it’s the owner who’s responsible for most bad behavior. A well trained dog is happier knowing who is in control. .
Or, “don’t worry, he/she’s friendly,” a common line used by folks who won’t take control of their dogs. I do most of my riding on rural back roads and dogs on the loose can be a problem. I’m always scanning for them when I ride by a house. Most of the time simply stopping and getting off the bike is enough - along with some firm words. Sometimes I have to brandish the bike as a weapon. I carry a can of spray when I’m riding in unfamiliar areas, but I’ve never had to use it.