BIKE: Statesman Editorial: Cyclists: Be Careful

[Lane S. Wimberley]

Daniel Norton writes:
> Colly Kreidler wrote:
> >The key is slowly approaching.
> 
> That doesn't work if you're there for the same reason the joggers are: for a
> workout.
> 
> The key problem is the lack of awareness of the need to keep right at all
> times.

No, Colly's right.  The technique he describes is highly effective.
As with motor vehicles, simply slowing down can nearly eliminate the
risk of mishap.

If one has a need to avoid slowing, then I think one should find a
different location -- one that doesn't pose as many risks for going
fast.

It is not unreasonable to expect kids, dogs, etc. to walk on
sidewalks, or even trails, and I don't even think that it's
unreasonable to expect peds to occassionally block the sidewalk by,
say, walking side-by-side.  But, it might be somewhat unreasonable to
expect them to know to keep to the right at all times, or to agree
that there is a compelling reason to do so.

BTW, repeatedly slowing and speeding up actually may have more
potential for fitness benefit than simply going fast.

-Lane

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