BIKE: Statesman Editorial: Cyclists: Be Careful

[Stephen.Kreidler]

I have found that clearing my throat or coughing slightly as I slowly
approach peds works well.  The key is slowly approaching.  98% of the time
they turn to see who is back there, then you say, "Hi, how're y'all doing?
Mind if I pass by?"

When it's busy you typically go slow and clear your throat a lot, but the
huge majority of pedestrians I have passed seem to appreciate the gesture,
and more often than not say "Thank you".  I'm going slow and we pass a
couple words about the weather or their dog or their kid in a stroller ...
whatever, and we both feel good about the event.  Do it every time and even
though it's slow going, each pedestrian passing becomes a non-event of
strangers exchanging pleasentries.

Anyhow ... Works for me.

Colly Kreidler, Program Coordinator
City of Austin Bicycle and Pedestrian Program
1011 San Jacinto, 2nd Floor
P.O.Box 1088
Austin, TX 78767
Voice 512-974-7046
Mobile 512-423-4287
Fax 512-974-6385
 e-mail stephen.kreidler


-----Original Message-----
From: Travis Weller [mailto:travis] 
Sent: Tuesday, October 05, 2004 10:33 AM
To: forum-bicycleaustin.info
Subject: RE: BIKE: Statesman Editorial: Cyclists: Be Careful

>>...This is why announcing "on your left" is a good idea.
>
>You're presuming that the inattentive pedistrian will 1) Know that 
>you're talking to them and 2) Comprehend what you're saying.  I my 
>experience it doesn't help, but I agree it's a good idea for the few that
do get it.
>
>What _would_ help is more signage reminding everyone to keep right 
>unless passing.
>
>I can't speak for trails, but it seems to me that "Right of Way" for 
>trails should follow that of roadways: Right of way isn't a right to be 
>assumed, it's an obligation to be given.

In my experience, 9 pedestrians out of 10 walking in the same direction will
not be listening for someone yelling warnings like "on your left." Most
times this is due to headphones or a conversation with the other people
blocking the path. The end result is often slowing to a stop and saying
"excuse me" right in their ear while walking my bike around them (as they
look suprised to see me there).

For some reason, bells just aren't as effective as they are in Holland and
other European cities where bikes are generally accepted as transport. Which
makes sense... because it seems that bike-ped paths aren't viewed as
"Transportation Corridors" like all roads are. 
Until that perception changes, I don't think you'll be seeing any more
helpful signage except for the occasional reminder to curb your dog.

Which is why, if I'm trying to get somewhere in a hurry, I don't take the
town lake trails west of I-35 and east of MoPac.

-Travis

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