I guess my ancestors 120,000 years ago were "privileged".

I'm a firm believer in transportation hierarchies and walking is at the absolute pinnacle of this hierarchy, in my view.

I picture you donning a reflective vest, flashing lights, and pedestrian helmet as you exit your car and walk through a parking lot on your way to a big box.

Walking is a privilege? Like breathing and water?

People do dumb stuff, whether walking, riding a bike or driving. That's just the way the world is.

This thread has become my favorite "popcorn thread", interesting discussion.

The way that I like to think about pedestrians is this:
1. Ride *as if* you will be liable for hitting any pedestrian, no matter the circumstance. It's better to avoid a collision with Peds, regardless of the situation.
2. Be polite, but be prepared to defend yourself legally or otherwise when a collision occurs, if you feel the other party is at fault.

If I'm driving or riding so fast that I can't see a non-lit pedestrian in time to avoid hitting him without drama, what will stop me from having the same problem with animals, rocks, or fallen trees? At least sometimes the deer are watching me and their eyes make pretty good reflectors. You can't assume the way is clear.

Local laws here are the exact opposite, bike lanes are shared.

Exactly. If you 'didn't see' a pedestrian in the bike lane, some combination of inadequate lighting, unsafe speeds or not paying attention is going on.

Is it dumb to be wearing dark clothing at night in poorly lit areas? Absolutely. Should peds wear safety vests/reflective clothing or lights? Yeah, it's a great idea. But that doesn't absolve me from riding responsibly.

Just to be sure we're on the same page,where you are it's legal for peds to walk in a bike lane? Like this?
http://bikeforums.net/attachment.php...hmentid=423005

MUPs I can see,but I'm amazed anywhere would allow foot traffic in the street.

When there isn't a sidewalk, or the sidewalk is obstructed, yes: it is explicitly legal. That picture, no. I would still expect them(especially joggers), because streets are generally softer, flatter, and less obscured than sidewalks.

In residential areas with bike lanes, sidewalks are often obstructed by people with a number of cars in their driveway, or just plain parking on the sidewalk-bike lanes here generally mean prohibited or limited street parking in areas that were designed for it.

Update: I passed the lady I almost hit this am. She smiled and waved to me and I at her. The funny thing is she had reflective clothing on her and the dog and she had a flash light and I got a cool new light. Looks like all parties are better off in the end.

That's sweet. Good will all around!