Quote:
Originally Posted by jyl
Another word on MUPs - by which I mean multi user paths that are in fact heavily used by walkers, joggers, grandmas, cruisers.
Here is the way it is. Real road riders don't ride hard on MUPs. Real road riders ride hard on the f--king road, because they are fast and strong and experienced enough. The kind of road rider who does his "hard" riding on a MUP is called a "path warrior" and is reviled by all.
(Disclaimer: this does not apply to a path that is technically a MUP but in practice is only used by cyclists. Then it is a cycle path and I think it is okay to hammer on it, if it isn't congested with slow cyclists. If it is, then go to the road. If Mr Path Warrior is so freaking fast, he should be out there with the big boys.
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First off - I agree - I should have been more alert about the pedestrian that cut into me. I did ask if he was ok after we hit - he heard me, and said he was ok, and apologyzed. I am glad he was ok - I did loop back that way a few minutes later to see if he was hurt, but he was gone. I thought I gave him enough room - but that path isn't that wide. I will need to be more attentive, and anticipate them more.
Secondly - I certainly do not classify myself as a 'hard rider,' and I don't think anyone sees me as a 'path warrior.' There are plenty of folks in the park that zip past me on bikes. Quite humbling at times...but I am out there to get in shape, and I don't pretend I'm doing the Tour de France. That said - given that more folks pass me than I pass others, I don't think 12-15 is too fast for that path -- thoughts?
I used to ride on the streets when I was much younger. In North NJ, that can be a very dangerous proposition. Many a time, I was inches from the side of Mac trucks and garbage trucks, as well as cars that didn't see me. Can't believe I never got clobbered. When I moved to my current town, I realized I live between two very busy roads that really aren't very condusive to bike riding. (One is two-lanes - double yellow, and the other is 4 lanes, double yellow - both with a speed limit of 45 - everyone does 55-60). They did put in bike lanes on a couple of roads in town - but I'd have to drive to them -- maybe I will do that.
-Z-man.