Originally Posted by mirona
I got one like this last month. 6 foot wide path. 7 pedestrians: 4 adults, 1 toddler, 1 baby in stroller, 1 dog (ped?). 2 adults + stroller on left. 1 toddler in the middle. 2 adults + 1 dog on right. If you can make an equation out of that, I can tell you already that it = a mess.
I had no idea what to do. Decided to have a little fun with this one.
I pull up slowly and about 10 yards away announce that I'm passing. But which side? Mua ha ha. They scatter in every direction in utter confusion. At this point, I'm only going fast enough to stay upright and watch from about 7 yards away, on the brink of laughter. As soon as they regroup and pick which way to move aside, I slowly pass them and nod as I say, "Thanks."
My motive for doing this was that they clearly did not read the sign at the trailhead that plainly stated, "All traffic keep to the right."
I think in these cases the cyclist needs to adjust mindset and treat situations like this as enjoyable obsticals instead of annoyances. I know that it is a multiuse path. I know that there is a sign that says stay to right. But the reality is that these are probably nice folks out for a weekend or afternoon stroll and walking single file and/or watching over ones shoulder at all times and having a 'coordinated bicycle approach plan'' just isn't condusive to this type of social event. So smile that others are out enjoying the outdoors, slow to 1mph or even stop if needed and if you have those feelings, say 'hi' 'what a great day' or whatever other good willed thing you feel. If ones need is to work into a cycling workout trance with no need to accomidate ones environment, then a MUP path is not the place to ride.
That said it would be nice if peds and other cyclists better knew and followed the guidelines of a MUP, but glaring, snide comments, etc. isn't going to develop that.
Al