I was on an MUP recently passing a family: mom, dad, a seven-or-so-year-old daughter and a toddler on a trike. Rang my bell in advance, slowed down, made eye contact. They saw me with a lot of time to spare, moved to the side and the parents motioned me to pass. And just as I was nearing them, the guy on the trike suddenly turned his handlebars 90 degrees and starts pedalling, moving right into my path! The parents scream "Get back!", I squeeze the brake levers... Fortunately, I always expect something like this from every dog, kid or even adult on the MUP, so I stop with plenty of distance. The parents just look grateful and praise my brakes.

All in all, however, I've had little trouble with kids and even less with dogs. Partly it's because I like dogs and I don't mind being slowed down by them. In fact, I'll slow down even if they're way out of my way, just to look at them and smile. And, seriously, the MUP is no stinkin' highway. I'd hate to be like one of those lycra-clad warriors who nearly run over little children as they time-trial through a crowded path - and then have the nerve to swear at them...