tmh657

Are their any rules about how to deal with peds, (besides the obvious_don't hurt people) as far as when they don't even look for anything before walking into the road. If they don't hear a car then nobody thinks about bikes coming at them at 15 mph.

straws papers

ring a bell or whistle. Otherwise just avoid them.

queerpunk

1. don't be a dick.
2. avoid them.

Jabba Degrassi

If they can't be bothered to check both ways before crossing they deserve a U-lock to the throat at 20mph+however fast you can swing the thing.

joetronic

Just like if you hit one in a car its your fault no matter what they did. Same goes for bikes. If I see them not paying attention and about to go out in front of me, I always try to make some noise without being a jerk.

tmh657

Yep, just like a car ya can't hit them but I'd like to see one get a ticket for jay walking.

SilentEdge

The pedestrian is to you as you are to the motorist. Treat as you want to be treated.

tmh657

Wouldn't my bike be un cool with a bell or whistle?

elTwitcho

This is why I just yell. If I'm in a situation where they're stepping into a lane and I don't have a ton of space to manuever, I'll usually scream at them (as in "DUDE WATCH OUT!!" and not "**** YOU ****ING PIECE OF ****" that is) and that works, otherwise I agree with what someone else said;

1) Don't be a dick
2) Avoid them

eMwolB

Bells, whistles, screaming don't help when the pedestrian has his ipod blasting and isn't paying attention. Ride as if you are invisible and no one can see you.

Joetheshmo

bingo.

elTwitcho

I agree however I'd rather he get out of my way than I have to manhandle my brakes.

Usually pedestrians aren't an issue anyway, it's this one incident sticking out in my mind where this moron just stepped out at a spot in traffic where you'd have to be mentally handicapped to even consider the notion. If I hadn't screamed him back onto the sidewalk the car behind me probably would have killed him if I avoided him.

But anyway I agree. The best way to get out of situations is to not put yourself in a position where someone else can mess you up with their own stupidity. This is why that dude was the only pedestrian I've had to yell at this season as well, take that as you will.

tmh657

What sucks is when you want to go around them, one way or the other and they won't commit to stopping, backing up or whatever, then it's full brakes and be polite. Not their fault for living.
I know, the parking lot at Anaheim stadium.
I am there, until I get arrested.

solbrothers

ride really close to them, without hitting them. scared straight.

i r yo

Air horn.

grudgemonkey

The only rules that matter:

1. If you hit them it's your fault.
2. No matter what.

NewYorkMantle

i generally just try to glide past pedestrians without disturbing them or even getting their attention; i've found they stay most predictable and easy to deal with when they don't have the spare time to second guess themselves and play the hesitation game. when i do find myself getting in people's way on their light, i try to say sorry so they know i'm aware of the inconvenience i'm causing them.

although, when peds walk out on MY light and pretend i don't exist (maybe because their iphones are too important or because they don't take bicycles seriously), i'll whistle just before brushing into them with a fishtail skid or something. it's fun for me, scary for them and almost always justified when i find myself angry enough to do it.

Catnap 

despite all the great advice the other posters have given... check your local laws. believe it or not, there are actual rules. whether you choose to follow them or not is your choice, but if you ever get busted by a cop for not respecting a pedestrian's right of way, or even worse you hit someone... well, being ignorant of the law doesn't make you exempt from it.

peabodypride

"HEY O HEY O HEY O, GET OUTTA THE WAY, HEY O HEY O!!!!"

usually works.

NewYorkMantle

skeletor's horn is always my favorite:

HEPHEP HEPHEP HEPHEP YEAHYEAH YEAHYEAH
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iqTxNgEtL4I

i only run into the guy once every few weeks, but whenever i do, i can't help but laugh.

~Stuart~

i make random noises as i pass them

i really like "BOOOO!" when they step out from between parked cars without looking.

when its dealing with drunk people i like the fishtail skid and saying "I CANT STOP" then laugh like a crazy person when i pass them.


my rule, everyone else is drunk and out to get me... means when stupid things happen i normally safe... normally...

91MF

i do barspinz on pedestrians.

JoshG

snap your grips back and forthhh

iwegian

if they're wearing hats/stocking caps/fake hair pieces you bunny hop them and simultaneously remove what they're wearing on their head

roastbeef

there was this kid who was walking across the street this morning as i was riding up to him. if he had kept walking i would have ridden past him and been on my merry way, but for some reason he decides to just stop and stare at me. i have to do this awkward last-minute swerve thing so i don't hit him.