This time of year always brings the fair weather cyclists like me out into the fresh air for a spin. Having been e-bike enthusiasts since our retirement a couple of years ago, my husband and I have enjoyed a lot of the trails and try to get out for a good ride at least once a week. The pedestrians and dog walkers are out in big numbers at this time of year too.
It’s getting crowded out there and that leads to the occasional “situation.” It was no surprise to me when I saw the story about an accident between a pedestrian and a cyclist on the E&N Rail Trail recently. We’ve witnessed a few incidents on the bike trails that could have lead to more serious consequences.
When my husband and I ride up behind a walker or a slower cyclist, we ring our bike bells to let them know we’re coming. Just common courtesy. When cyclists who are a lot faster than us quickly come up behind us, many of them will say “coming up on your left,” or something like that, so that we are forewarned.
(I’m guessing they think bicycle bells are for babies.) I always thank them for warning me. Although, sometimes they’re going so fast, they might not hear my reply.
But then there are those who don’t have any sense of courtesy. Or even common sense. I have a rearview mirror on my bike and I do keep my eye on it.
But sometimes I’m coming around a bend and can’t possibly see them approaching from behind. I’ve been startled a few times. How do they know I won’t suddenly swerve to miss.