Whether they’re cruising Golden Gate Park or enjoying the views from Crissy Field on two wheels, Bay Area cyclists know the challenges that can come from using mixed-use spaces where bikes, pedestrians, and even furry friends all must cohabitate on the trail.
Everybody wants to enjoy the outdoors, but doing so properly is important. Trail etiquette keeps order among users, enhances safety, and ensures everybody can enjoy open spaces together with limited mishaps.
As a cyclist, here are a few tips to help you navigate trails, no matter who you share it with or what situation you may find yourself in.
Know your trail
Before you set off on an adventure, prepare and know whether there are any specific rules or guidelines for the trail you’re about to explore. Look for maps, routes, and any local rules there may be about using the trail. If you’re using an electric bike (e-bike) make sure they aren’t disallowed from being on the trail.
Golden Gate Park, for example, allows cyclists and pedestrians on trails throughout the park, but there are also multi-use paths and protected bikeways nearby. There are also slow streets in the surrounding neighborhoods – these can be great for cyclists who want to expand their ride, but don’t want to battle heavy traffic. Popular areas like Golden Gate Park or Lake Merritt in Oakland can attract a lot of people, so being prepared for the crowds can be a big help.
Knowing other details, like hours, terrain, and even weather, will set you up for success on your trail ride so when you do encounter others you’ll already have your best foot forward.
Interacting with walkers, hikers, and runners
Most commonly on trails, cyclists will encounter pedestrians. Sharing trails and using proper etiquette is important for everybody’s safety, so keep these pointers in mind:
- When to yield: Traditionally on trails, especially hiking or mountain biking trails that are multiuse, mountain bikers yield to horses and foot traffic. Just as knowing the rules of the road in traffic with vehicle drivers is important, so is the case on the trails where cyclists can easily overpower pedestrians.
- Pass on the left: If you’re going to pass a walker, runner, or hiker, make yourself known — a quick “hello” or “on your left” will do — and keep to the left to pass them before returning to the right side of the trail. Make sure you’re not causing unsafe conditions for anybody traveling in the opposite direction.
- Check your speed: Keep your speed appropriate for the environment. If it’s a busy trail with lots of people who are moving slowly, think about slowing down. If you’re approaching a lone walker or hiker on a trail, ease off your pedals until you’re sure they’re aware of your presence. Pedestrians can sometimes be unpredictable and move quickly, which can create a dangerous situation for a cyclist.
- Stay friendly: One of the most important parts of trail etiquette is keeping it friendly. Everybody visits the outdoors to have a good time, and most will return a greeting or wave.
- Be alert: Avoid wearing headphones or doing anything that may distract you from the trail. Especially in busy areas you’ll want to make sure your full attention is on your surroundings.
Pedestrians should also be polite and keep to the right, stay aware of their surroundings, and move over when possible. It takes everybody to keep a safe trail, especially in a busy environment.
Navigating popular dog areas
Cycling around people with dogs can sometimes be tricky, especially when those companions are excited and not in a familiar environment. Seeing a dog on or near the trail should signal cyclists to be extra aware. Are they on a leash? Is it a long or short leash? Is the owner paying attention to their surroundings? How is the dog behaving?
In a perfect world, all dog owners keep their pet under control and close by — but that is not always our reality. When you see a dog and owner, travel at a safe speed and try to avoid spooking the animal, especially if you’re going to be passing by. An excited dog could easily lunge and create a crash or unsafe conditions.
Managing crashes when they do happen
Over 100,000 pedestrians and cyclists are injured in crashes each year in the U.S. and while most of those cases are because of cars, there are instances where cyclists and pedestrians (or cyclists and cyclists) hit each other and cause injuries. These can even be serious, especially when factors like speed are involved.
Since bicycles are not covered by insurance in the same way that cars usually are, you’re probably curious what happens if you are in a pedestrian v. bicycle crash. In most cases, personal liability coverage will be the answer. An at-fault person’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance will cover bodily injuries and damages in these instances.
Just like in any sort of crash, be sure to take photos of damages, talk to witnesses if you can, seek medical attention for any injuries, exchange information with other parties in the crash, alert police, and file a claim with your insurance. These steps are all important in handling a crash.
Navigating a bicycle crash related legal case, even when another car isn’t involved, can be complex, nuanced, and even frustrating at times. This is why Bay Area Bicycle Law specializes in cycling and the law. We will learn about your case and always act in your best interest.
After a bicycle crash, reach out to us for a free consultation.