Bike path more dangerous than 30A???

[30ABandMan]

Well, I had a chance to ride down my bike from SGB to Seaside to check the mail yesterday evening bout 6:30pm and what an eye opening experience it was. I drive 30A multiple times a day and am used to the traffic. I was shocked at the lack of courtesy displayed by bikers on the path. I know we all travel at different speeds but come on, there were riders blasting thru crowds of walkers, weaving in and out from between the roadway and the path...just careless to down right aggressive. The scene in SS is even worse. We are lucky that there aren't more accidents.

 

[snowman]

i do ride my bike on the path and i also do walking.....

i find that when i ride my bike i try to go slow around walkers and give a warning i am coming from behind...a lot of the walkers have i-pods in their ears, so i have to yell to make sure they hear me.

when i walk...which is most of the time......i have been side swiped, almost run over, i have had to get off the bike path because a group wouldn't share the path....most bikers do not let you know they are coming up on you from behind. i have had to yell at a couple of bikers to get off the path and go on the road...they go way to fast, but then they hold up traffic.;-)

i think there is another thread about this same thing.

 

[scooterbug44]

I don't find one group to be more rude than another - walkers take up the entire path and get offended that you want to pass or go the other direction, but so do groups of bike riders. Both can be quite oblivious that there are other users - especially when kids, dogs, cell phones, or headphones are involved. :roll:

I find paying attention, dinging my bell and smiling/saying "thank you" when they move so I can pass to be quite effective.

The majority of the users are just using the path and oblivious, not trying to be rude or cause problems.

 

[kkddbb]

I don't find one group to be more rude than another - walkers take up the entire path and get offended that you want to pass or go the other direction, but so do groups of bike riders. Both can be quite oblivious that there are other users - especially when kids, dogs, cell phones, or headphones are involved. :roll:

I find paying attention, dinging my bell and smiling/saying "thank you" when they move so I can pass to be quite effective.

The majority of the users are just using the path and oblivious, not trying to be rude or cause problems.

right on mark. its one of those "it is what it is" situations.

 

[Hop]

I don't find one group to be more rude than another - walkers take up the entire path and get offended that you want to pass or go the other direction, but so do groups of bike riders. Both can be quite oblivious that there are other users - especially when kids, dogs, cell phones, or headphones are involved. :roll:

I find paying attention, dinging my bell and smiling/saying "thank you" when they move so I can pass to be quite effective.

The majority of the users are just using the path and oblivious, not trying to be rude or cause problems.

amen...

 

[cheesehead]

I agree with sb44, as I ride just about everyday. Some people get a bit scared because of the horn I use. Most people I have encountered are friendly. I try to stay away from SS just "cuz of all the extra foot traffic.

 

[mikecat adjuster]

I use a gentle 'on the left' voice message sometimes. Too loud can scare someone, but yes, if they have an ipod on... I tend to slow down and when I don't see it appropriate to voice my presence and have them move, I wait until they notice me and they genrally politely allow passage.

I do however sometimes, rather than have anyone move, I go into the road when no oncoming traffic exists. That was, I move on past and no one is inconvenienced (wow, that word looks long)

But all in all, I find the bike paths to be traveled well. Most people are polite and the ones who are not probably are not up to speed on the eticate or, well, some people don't care to think of others.

But I love the paths!

 

[Lake View Too]

I am coming from the position of being a constant automobile user on 30-A who doesn't ever use a bicycle. I realize that, just like crabgrass and Republicans, we will never be able to rid ourselves of those pesky bicyclers. We just have to get along with them. I actually think we should have a forum called "All About Bike-Wise" or somesuch name, in which we emphasize and reiterate some of these tips of courtesy and etiquette and just try to keep motorist, bicyclers and pedestrian thinking about interacting with as much grace as possible. Part of this should be talking about dangerous and/or dumb intersections where people actually might have to put down their i-phones for a second and concentrate on situational awareness.

My first vote for dangerous is the corner of South Gulf Drive and 30-A. The vegetation causes a pretty blind corner for drivers pulling out and the bikers need to know we can't see you too well.

My first vote for dumb is where the bike path crosses Eastern Lake Road. It is as confusing and awkward a situation as anywhere in Sowal. Can anyone think of a worse one?

 

[Dia]

I find paying attention, dinging my bell and smiling/saying "thank you" when they move so I can pass to be quite effective.

I loved your bell! I usually use the skiing lingo - "Passing on the left" or "Passing on the right" with a smile. (I don't have a bell)

 

[John]

I actually think we should have a forum called "All About Bike-Wise" or somesuch name, in which we emphasize and reiterate some of these tips of courtesy and etiquette and just try to keep motorist, bicyclers and pedestrian thinking about interacting with as much grace as possible.

Good idea. Of course, we're preaching to the choir. Has anyone noticed the public service style ads in the Walton Sun regarding etiquette and rules of the multi-use (bike) trail? Along with about a half-dozen other bike shops and bike rental outfits, we are co-sponsoring this series of ads that run each Saturday in the summer season. Although not a cure, it's hopefully a step in the right direction. Here's a few samples: