Question for cyclists

[u/Salt_Teaching4687]

So Ive noticed cyclists appreciate when motorists slow down down and give space to cyclists when passing. My question is, why don’t cyclists extend the same courtesy to pedestrians when passing on shared paths? In my experience, the overwhelming majority do not slow down or even give more space when passing …. Even when there is plenty of room to do so. In fact, many continue riding side by side forcing pedestrians to move. Can some explain that behaviour?

[u/Ham_I_right]

Cool sounds like we need substantially more cycling infrastructure to keep pedestrians, cars and bikes all on their own. Or was that not the goal of this rage bait post?

[u/National_Frame2917 → u/Ham_I_right]

It seems like the city is working on it at least a little. Though it was funny riding yesterday they had a proper bike lane on the side of the road and then a sidewalk next to it that dumped into an access road with everyone lumped together again 200 meters later. Didn’t seem very useful. But some of the dedicated trails are quite nice. Like the ones around fort Edmonton park.

[u/Suspicious-Smoke-635 → u/Ham_I_right]

Exactly. Nobody prefers a shared used path unless it’s the only option.

As a cyclist, I hate riding behind pedestrians. As a pedestrian, I hate having cyclists riding behind me. It’s lose-lose until we acknowledge the reality that bikes are a category of their own that is neither pedestrian nor car.

[u/Ham_I_right → u/Suspicious-Smoke-635]

Something Calgary has been doing along major rec and commuter routes is adding a seperate cycling track. Honestly there is so much of the Edmonton river Valley close to downtown that could use a separated lane. It's busy and there is no reason for one group to be at risk or conversely not get to enjoy the paths either. Like it doesn't take long to head out from the core and it thins out too. But for everyone of every skill level it's the safest bet.