Comments on: Outdoor Exercise: The Rules of the Road

By: First Road Rash |

First Road Rash | — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 20:57:17 +0000

[...] you want to read a great post about the rules of riding on the lakepath, check out Gini’s blog and read the comments! So [...]

By: Laura Scholz

Laura Scholz — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 02:01:18 +0000

Here to defend my fellow runners! Unfortunately, like Ann said (hey Ann–glad you and Gini are connecting),it’s all about knowing the rules. Slower runs to the right. Don’t walk or run more than two deep. Keep your dog on a short lead and for God’s sake get off the cell phone so you don’t trip walkers, runners and bikers. And drivers, observe crosswalks and SLOW DOWN!

It’s dangerous out there, and I think most of it is just lack of attention.

I will say I am very anti-headphones. My friend Sarah was hit by a car at a busy intersection at sunrise while running with headphones last fall. She was in a coma for two weeks. And carry ID–she was IDd by her iPod serial number. Very, very scary, though miraculously, she is making a great recovery.

By: Vicki Kunkel

Vicki Kunkel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:30:15 +0000

Oh…and the other thing: If you are a pedestrian and walking with an iPod and can’t hear cyclists announce that they are passing, then have the self-preservation instinct to at least stay far to the right of the pathway.

By: Vicki Kunkel

Vicki Kunkel — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 01:28:49 +0000

It really annoys me how you can announce, “Passing on the left” and people will turn around, look at you, and STILL not move over. These are usually people walking four or five across — or who are rolling two strollers side-by-side–and think they own the bike path. Um…there’s a yellow line down the center of the path for a reason.

Having said that, it also annoys me how many cyclists fail to announce that they will be passing on the left, or who will try to “beat” oncoming bikes when they are passing pedestrians or slower moving cyclists. I, too, cycle at between 21 and 25 MPH, but I will ALWAYS slow down and wait for oncoming cyclists rather than be rude to pedestrians or risk an accident.

By: Arminda

Arminda — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 00:48:57 +0000

What she said.

I run. I ride. I respect those around me. I give verbal indicators of my intentions and because I’m southern – I say “Hey” to everyone I pass.

Great post, Gini.

By: Ryan Knapp

Ryan Knapp — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:17:32 +0000

Here are a few more:

1) Cyclists who text while riding WTF!!?!!?! Just ride your bike and don’t try to kill me thanks.

2) People who walk dogs on multiuse paths and let them cross over the path so their leash acts like one of those ropes from a Tom and Jerry cartoon.

3) Families who think it’s okay to take their mother, father, and 16 long lost cousins to the bike path and proceed to all walk in one line across like it’s some We are the World walk for humanity. Get out of the way.

4) Small children who families put on bikes on multiuse and let them do whatever they want. A multi-use path is NOT a good place to teach your child how to ride a bike. Your driveway is however. Start there. It’s akin to taking your 16 year old to the freeway to learn how to drive right away. There’s just going to be problems.

By: Ryan Knapp

Ryan Knapp — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 12:13:35 +0000

You ride with your headphones on? Tsk tsk Gini!

By: Mike K

Mike K — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:27:32 +0000

Yes, it’s true. Little did you know you were just preparing me to live in the St Louis area where stopping really is optional.

By: Denis W

Denis W — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 23:20:22 +0000

OK. So the headphones thing is telling me I should not buy a horn or bell for my bike. Or, maybe a really loud horn? Bicycle riders, like me, always have to anticipate – car doors flinging open, unleashed dogs (for the backroads I have a small bottle of vinegar), and joggers. But if bicylists always act nicely and with respect, I think it will spread to joggers, bladers and others.

By: Gini Dietrich

Gini Dietrich — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:29:04 +0000

I didn’t know before, but this is funny! I am in complete agreement!