I've been rollerblading around the local bike path (now MUP) for a number of years now. I can blade as fast as most of the recreational bikers, faster than some, slower than others. I average about 13.5 MPH. My blades are one level down from professional racing blades, running 110mm wheels. Most of the bikers on the path are courteous in either direction, slow down, move over... Most of these bikers look to be recreational, not too fast, some wear full getups, most are in various stages of street/bike clothes. I have on occasion found a biker that will not let me pass if I am faster. I do let them know (On your left!), they look at me and speed up. It can become a problem, as the path is not too wide and one has to watch out for oncoming traffic. It does piss me off, as they pull ahead, then slow back down, when I catch up and try to pass, they block me again. I've also had a few bikers not thrilled when I have drafted them. The real riders seem to be in packs of two or more and take to the street around the path. Pedestrians and cars are my worst nightmare on blades. The pedestrians freak out like a deer in headlights when I call out to pass and half will move to the left! Right into my way. I've actually had to run blade into a couple of people, because they moved into my path.
Oh, as a blader, I do give a nod as I pass other bladers. I typically have my hands behind my back and prefer not to pull them out to wave. I get the same nod back from most.
I bought a mountain bike last week, so I can use it for transportation (local), trail riding and street riding. I've had two days in the streets now and though cautious, the cars so far have been good to me. I had one guy that just about made a right in front of me - he was coming from a side street, but eventually got the idea that I was not going to slow down, since I had the right-of-way, stopped and waved apologetically. Right now, I'm riding around in my normal shorts and tees. Will I get some other biking clothes, probably, things that make sense.
I actually spent my Friday night reading up on the rules(laws) of riding around the streets, so I know what are my rights. I stopped riding (BMX) when I got my license and the rules of the road were a bit different then.
Here's mike stealth bike (yes, it has lights, mounted them after I took the pic).
