Communicate When Passing

Michael Kelley, IMBA Vice-President

Trail courtesy is critical to what we are trying to do. I have been getting complaints about rude behavior that we need to address. These deal with how we pass others on the trail. The number one gripe from other users has been bikes approaching others, usually from behind, going too fast and without giving proper warning. Put yourself in the position of a hiker in nature-induced reverie, who suddenly feels the swish of a passing silent cyclist. That could be very startling to one unaccustomed to bikes.

Alerting one to your presence is a bit delicate. Obviously "Hey - get outta my way!" stinks. Surprisingly to many, the often heard "on 'yer left" isn't so well received, either. It confuses many who interpret it to mean they should move to the left, which could have severe consequences. It's also a bit curt. I find a soft and friendly greeting uttered as far back as possible works best.

Many park managers and other users have encouraged us to use bells. Bells are becoming a symbol of trail courtesy. Hikers and equestrians tell me they hear a bell and associate the sound with a bicyclist who is trying to be considerate. Some parks are considering making them mandatory. Mandatory or not, they are a great idea.

That was not always the case. When bells were new, I was told they sometimes startled horses. These days horses are coming to associate the sound with bikes, which they are used to. (Even now, opinions are not unanimous. At a recent meeting of the East Bay Area Trails Council, the group spent a good quarter hour complimenting cyclists for their support of bells. Then one perennial bike basher suggested that cyclists were actually using bells to scare horses! It was amusing, if not a little sad.)

So, make every trail encounter a good one. Slow down! Let everyone you pass know our intentions well in advance. If you want to pass a horse, establish voice contact with the rider. Be prepared to stop until asked to proceed. Use your bells and above all, use your smiles and show that you care. As mentioned, these things become natural if you put yourself in the place of the other trail user. Remember, good will is contagious. We have been under attack lately and need the affirmation that comes from expressing the good things that happen every day on the trail.

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	Communicate When Passing Michael Kelley, IMBA Vice-President Trail courtesy is critical to what we are trying to do. I have been getting complaints about rude behavior that we need to address. These deal with how we pass others on the trail. The number one gripe from other users has been bikes approaching others, usually from behind, going too fast and without giving proper warning. Put yourself in the position of a hiker in nature-induced reverie, who suddenly feels the swish of a passing silent cyclist. That could be very startling to one unaccustomed to bikes. Alerting one to your presence is a bit delicate. Obviously "Hey - get outta my way!" stinks. Surprisingly to many, the often heard "on 'yer left" isn't so well received, either. It confuses many who interpret it to mean they should move to the left, which could have severe consequences. It's also a bit curt. I find a soft and friendly greeting uttered as far back as possible works best. Many park managers and other users have encouraged us to use bells. Bells are becoming a symbol of trail courtesy. Hikers and equestrians tell me they hear a bell and associate the sound with a bicyclist who is trying to be considerate. Some parks are considering making them mandatory. Mandatory or not, they are a great idea. That was not always the case. When bells were new, I was told they sometimes startled horses. These days horses are coming to associate the sound with bikes, which they are used to. (Even now, opinions are not unanimous. At a recent meeting of the East Bay Area Trails Council, the group spent a good quarter hour complimenting cyclists for their support of bells. Then one perennial bike basher suggested that cyclists were actually using bells to scare horses! It was amusing, if not a little sad.) So, make every trail encounter a good one. Slow down! Let everyone you pass know our intentions well in advance. If you want to pass a horse, establish voice contact with the rider. Be prepared to stop until asked to proceed. Use your bells and above all, use your smiles and show that you care. As mentioned, these things become natural if you put yourself in the place of the other trail user. Remember, good will is contagious. We have been under attack lately and need the affirmation that comes from expressing the good things that happen every day on the trail.


Help \| Site Map \| Copyright