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Originally Posted by Table 5
I don’t mind sharing the road with skaters etc, as long as everyone is going generally the same speed and direction. It’s when you have a wide disparity that trouble starts.
Can we at least agree that unchecked dogs on pathways are the worst? I almost had a Ken-type incident yesterday along the river in Inglewood when some random dog came running at my bike out of nowhere. 50 feet up ahead, the owner yells “Sorry, I told him not to bother bikers!” Like the dog is supposed to be some sort of human who takes nuanced directions?
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To be fair, there is already a pretty big speed differential amongst cyclists...rollerbladers and longboarders are pretty similar to slow pedalers on cruiser bikes, and I think it's great that any of the above use the infrastructure. It's simply a matter of courtesy and respect, regardless of your conveyance and travel speed.
Another consideration on joggers - running on asphalt is a million times more pleasant than concrete for anyone with foot/knee/leg problems (but still way worse than dirt, gravel, or wood). I don't run nearly as much as I used to and never used the cycle tracks, but outside of rush hour I don't see much of a problem with it (assuming they're aware of the surroundings and respectful).
I also can't stand riders who whip through busy areas. The funny thing about Peace Bridge to Eau Claire to Fort Calgary is that there is a much less busy pathway running parallel the whole way (other side of the river along Memorial)...really no excuse to speed through the south side.
Dogs can be annoying, but I think we need to be cognizant that we can be just as disruptive to others' enjoyment (which is to say minimally)...in general if I'm passing another user and I'm not 100% confident they are predictable I'll let off the 'gas' and be ready to brake. Dogs are cute, so I really don't mind the few seconds I lose to slow down and pass them safely. My closest call in a while was last night - one goose chased another straight towards me from out of nowhere. Pathway hazards are everywhere!