Photograph from schuylkillrivertrail.com
Kate over at NaturaStride put up an interesting blog post today about trail-use etiquette—you know, the unspoken code of conduct between cyclists, pedestrians and runners on mixed-use trails. Kate, a runner, writes about a collision she recently had with a cyclist on the Schuylkill River trail. The crash left her more than a little shaken up and with some wicked road rash to boot.
Her post brings up an interesting topic of debate for those who regularly use off-street trails: What rules should bikers, rollerbladers, runners, and walkers—including those pushing tanker-size strollers—be expected to follow? Is it safe for these groups to use a trail at the same time? Should people whizzing by at speeds faster than, say, five or six miles per hour, be banned or fined? Or maybe there should be “bikes only” and “runners only” and “walkers only” days?
Kate and the cyclist she collided with—she admits that there was fault on both sides—were lucky to have come out relatively unscathed. A Google search turns up all kinds of stories of trail accidents with more dire consequences, including death.
So it begs the question: What kinds of rules would you like to see in place (and enforced) on Philly’s mixed-use trails? And have you ever had a run-in like Kate’s?
Tell us your thoughts and stories in the comments.
Bottom line, it doesn’t work, the speed differentials are too great: if I’m out for a workout on my bike, I’ll be going about 25mph on the flats. That does not mix with pedestrians, and there’s no way to make it fit. If I’m expected to travel at a speed that will make interaction safe, I have no use for the trail. Moreover, several groups believe themselves entitled to use the trail without regard for others: folks out for a stroll will walk on the left side, groups will span the trail, in-line skaters will veer back-and-forth the whole width, even casual bikers have no regard for etiquette – someone once disregarded my warning that I was passing; hilarious pratfall ensued; and then was indignant that I thought I had the right of way.
My understanding of the trail when it first opened was that it was intended to be a *bike* trail, which is borne out by the later addition of parallel pedestrian walks where they could be fit in. But if that was ever the case it clearly isn’t any longer, and the notion of multi-use is an unmitigated disaster. Personally, I use West River Drive, even when it’s open to traffic. The shoulders are wide enough, unlike on Kelly Drive, and cars are, ironically, actually safer company than pedestrians or fellow bikers.
Keeping to the right is important. This the U.S not England. Runners or bikers using ear buds are looking for trouble. Speed should be adjusted to trail conditions. High density slower speeds.
I think formal rules need to be established. I agree with Ed who said high density mandates lower speeds. I believe Central Park is dealing with this same issue–not sure what the outcome has been.
How about boardwalk rules–where bikes are allowed a certain speed between certain hours?