Bikers need to be pedestrian-friendly, too
March 9, 2010 · 12:42 PM
In light of the city’s review of the Pedestrian and Bicycle Facilities (PBF) plan, I wish to add to the dialogue.
My husband and I are walkers who use the Island’s trails and sidewalks regularly. We often cringe in fear of our lives as bicyclists whiz past us on the trails without any courtesy warning at all. I note that you wish the Island to become more bicycle-friendly. Might cyclists consider being more pedestrian-friendly as well?
If bicyclists are not allowed on sidewalks — does this include our walking paths connected with the LID project? These are troubled walkways, where a mix of walkers, cyclists and dogs must protect themselves from tangled chaos.
Could there be intermittent signs posted to state the rules of the road? Who has the right of way? Could bikers be asked to give a shout as they approach walkers from behind? Maybe a speed limit? Where should walkers rightfully walk — on the right-hand edge of the pathways, single-file? What about dogs?
We could model after the Greenlake loop, where there’s even more foot and bicycle and pooch traffic — even roller skaters. Yet, they provide us some help with directional signs and painted path lines.
I’m almost certain that on my tombstone it will read: “Snuffed out before her time by a rabid bicyclist.”
Nancy Gould-Hilliard
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