Trail Etiquette

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joe from weldon spring on 8/2/2019 12:46:18 PM:

I am sure this is a very old forum topic and I am sure many will disagree with my observations. I road the trail for the first time in a long time and I was very surprised at how many, what I would guess were seasoned and experienced riders, based on the speed at which they were riding,the bike uniforms and in some cases the formation of riders, had the worst etiquette on the 12 miles we rode that day. We stayed single file on the right, and the bulk of the other riders that day, did a great job of announcing their upcoming pass on the left. But many times that did not happen and in every instance it was an experienced rider, that did not announce and in a few instances came very close to causing some collisions because people were also coming from the other direction. Surprised and disappointed with the arrogance that was shown by these riders. Don't get it! Sad

Bill in Houston from Houston on 8/2/2019 12:56:44 PM:

Yeah, too many people are in too big of a hurry, and aren't considerate.

joe from weldon spring on 8/2/2019 1:01:28 PM:

yes, and I feel that the riders that were doing this would be the first to become upset if it was done to them.

Anonymous on 8/2/2019 10:41:42 PM:

I'm not so sure I agree that it's necessary to announce a pass in all cases. If the rider(s) who is being passed is on the right side of the trail, the passer on the left should be able to safely pass on the left without incident or announcement.

It's my responsibility as a rider to observe my surroundings including frequently looking behind for any approaching riders. If I'm surprised by someone passing, that's on me.

The bigger problem I encounter on the trail are bikers riding side-by-side and not paying attention to what's behind them.

I consider it a courtesy to do the "on your left" thing. And I do it most of the time, especially in the more remote areas of the trail.

I'm less irritated with a speedy unannouncing a-hole passer than a slow group taking up the whole trail where you have to call-out multiple times to get their attention.

biker dudette from Wentzville on 8/3/2019 5:40:08 AM:

I agree with Joe. I have been riding the Busch Greenway and it's not very wide, the majority of experienced riders will not move over and ride single file when we cross paths. I disagree w/anonymous, it is common courtesy to say "on your left" when passing, you can not check behind you enough to make sure no one sneaks up on you. People can just be startled by a rider suddenly passing and cause an accident. For some reason I think it is a Mo. thing. I did a group ride here for a couple yrs when I first bought my road bike and the riders were so rude it was scary. I went up to Wi. and did an organized week long ride w/500 people, everyone was safety conscience, made me see how bad my Mo. group ride was, I always thought it was just my inexperience. Don't think we can fix it, just keep yours eyes open.

Joe from Weldon spring on 8/3/2019 12:56:46 PM:

I completely disagree with anonymous. There is zero reason to be turning you neck constantly to see approaching riders! Just follow the etiquette and announce the pass at all times !

Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 8/4/2019 11:58:42 AM:

I am an "on the left" announcer - always. I think it is just courteous. What amazes me are the people riding right towards you who never look up and no matter how many times you say "hey, bike" or "look up" or well, use your imagination what comes next - and, then when they almost hit you look shocked and flip you off for being in their way! Ugh.

All we can do is set the right example and do what we can do and hope maybe others will learn.

Brian L. from Austin,Texas on 8/5/2019 7:46:09 AM:

My Specialized bike came with a wee little bell, which, when I got it, seemed kind of silly, but it actually is a great way to announce myself on paths & trails. Ir gets attention & I don’t have to holler.

( ( ( ( On Your Left! ) ) ) ) on 8/5/2019 8:05:40 AM:

Problem is, the trail is for everyone....the speedy jerk who thinks others should keep a constant lookout over their shoulder just for them so they don't have do anything but speed on past. And it's for the oblivion's who spread across the trail with just as big a stake in ownership.

Everything cannot always be someone else's fault or responsibility. Know that you don't have exclusive rights because you are on the trail today. In the big scheme of things, no one really cares. You are responsible for your safety. And, you are responsible for not creating an unsafe situation for others.

It's pretty simple to listen for approaching riders and to check out your surroundings from time to time. It's just as simple to not block the whole trail in case someone else wants to use it too.

Not much effort in announcing your presence by ringing a bell or shouting "On your left!"

Bill in Houston from Houston on 8/6/2019 11:14:17 AM:

I got a little dingy bell for like 8 bucks on Amazon. It is more expensive than the cheapest one at Walmart, but it makes a nice sound and is really loud. I'd recommend one for anyone who rides.

Rocheport Guy from Rocheport on 8/9/2019 9:00:42 PM:

As humans age, range of motion in many body parts including necks becomes diminished. I never thought aging would happen to me but here I am, nearly 70, and have been riding the trail since opening day. It was easy to look behind me 29 years ago. Now, not so easy. I and probably many aging cyclists appreciate a little bell and a friendly "Passing on your left" at appropriate times.

Michael from mountains from London on 8/12/2019 2:20:35 PM:

I agree that a bell and announcing a pass - and slowing down - are just courteous and safe; safe for all riders. If you are the rider passing and you hit another who suddenly swerves out, you might be in the right, but you'll still be off yer bike.
Another helper is a really good mirror; not a substitute for the passing rider to announce her or his presence, but a good way to see behind when you hear the bell or are on the highway. I resisted getting one for years but am now a total convert, having bought the one which fixes on the end of the handlebars and which is a really great US-made product. Over here it costs about £15 and is worth every penny. I still look over my shoulder, but the mirror is a great help.

RP from Sylva NC on 8/19/2019 6:21:15 PM:

We rode Clinton to St Charles in late July and early August. Offered an "On your left" when passing. Typically we gave the number of riders as well. "Three riders on your left". We were thanked by almost everyone we passed in this fashion. It's nice to know when everyone is around and gone. Easy bit of courtesy that makes everybody's day better.

Karl Brand from Missouri City, TX on 8/22/2019 9:29:18 AM:

Check in at 3:25 for some additional thoughts from my favorite YouTube cycling channel...

https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__youtu.be_1X3OsWr2POY&d=DwICAg&c=jDxDfonQFcAe3sWnY8DmawezcmyuZjysm_bX1I8PkM8&r=cB_JE-oE9hd-cZ1gLyt4m1Sr6p3IgbE-OicYuhSKhBI&m=boI5s4P6FEfBsTDUf09GONbQ70MZbkayFrjqcZhy5T4&s=o0yBjQDcRKvrtBa1agA_YHzmLOI1zOmokpq8OnzGS6s&e=

Sharonbikes from Kansas City on 8/22/2019 8:57:33 PM:

As I am sometimes a walker - I prefer an "on your left" because I know what that means. I hear a bell - and well, I am not sure what that means - I have to stop and think about it and look around - is there a kid about to plow me down? am I about to step in poo? What' going on. But - that is just me. Most people don't announce at all.

Marna from Boonville on 8/23/2019 8:08:28 AM:

I think a lot of us do not 'announce' for the same reason that we all quit Honking Our Car Horns when passing another car on the road.....did you know that was and in some States is still a Law???? It gets to the point that your just honking and honking. Like on roadways, people should be aware that others use the Trail too. Be aware, bikes and other hikers are going to pass you. Stay to the right and keep your head up.

Bill in Houston from Houston on 8/23/2019 8:14:17 AM:

Sharonbikes, I quit saying "on your left" because people kept stepping to the left! :)

In the words of Bill and Ted, "Be excellent to each other!"

Anonymous on 8/23/2019 8:27:05 AM:

Seems odd that a correlation would be made between the sound of a small bell and stepping in poo. Interesting to say the least.

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