Katie & Scott's Rules of the Bike Path

OK, first let me explain that we really like our bike commute. It's a wonderful way to spend an hour or so before work…watching the sun rise, getting an hour of exercise, chatting with each other, and taking in the birds and deer we see along the way.

This morning was another lovely morning, but the commute reminded us that there are a lot of people who have no clue about pathway etiquette!!! It started out with a motorist who quite obviously doesn't consider our bikes as vehicles and virtually stopped in the middle of the road (almost causing an accident) to let us go by. This brings me to Rule 1…


Rule 1 – Bicycles are vehicles too. There is a reason people over the age of 12 are not allowed to ride on the sidewalk! Treating bicycles like pedestrians not only causes confusion for you and the biker, but also frustrates other drivers and as a result gives us bikers a bad name. I wrote my learners test and I even have a driver's license so I do understand the rules of the road…and I do abide by them.

Rule 2 (this rule is directed at the other extreme of drivers) – We are riding on the road because we are supposed to! Please don't roll down your windows and yell at us (or honk at the very moment you pass to scare the $@#% out of us) or throw eggs at us…or try to run us off the road. Sure I'm little slower than you, but I also don't take up very much room – it is possible to go around me. Just be thankful I'm usually on the side streets and I'm not the size of one of those slow moving tractors you see out on Deerfoot!

The next rules deal strictly with the use of Calgary's bike path system. Calgary has an unbelievable network of bike/pedestrian paths to help us get around and enjoy nature in the city. During our training we have spent a considerable mount of time on these paths and have experienced all kinds of users.



Rule 3 – Slower moving people/bikes should be on the right and passing should be on the left. This one is common sense to me, but it isn't to a LOT of others. In conjunction, travel in a consistent and predictable manner! I thick the Running Room groups are a great idea and it's awesome to see such a large number of people getting out and being active…BUT…please learn that "on your left" is actually on your left and not on your left once you have turned around (which is now "on your right") …and…it doesn't mean I will come to a complete stop and get off my bike because of the mad stampede I've caused by telling you exactly where and when I plan to pass you!


Rule 4 (this one is directed at the Dog Park users) - When in a group or with your pets, use no more than half the path so you don't block the path from other users…or if you plan to stop and chat with others maybe you should consider the 20 acres of space on EITHER side of the path available to you! Oh, and if your dog likes to chase bikes, maybe you should consider keeping your dog on a lease even in the dog park…your dog will likely thank you when I don't have to throw my bike at it or kick it in the head when it comes charging at me snarling and barking!





Rule 5 – Look before entering a bike path! I realize that telling your best friend that little Johnny lost his first tooth is all consuming, but in the interest of personal safety you might want to consider having a look to see if anyone is about to run you down if you step out on to the bike path at that very moment. This rule reiterates the point in Rule 2 that asks you to travel in a consistent and predictable manner!







Rule 6 – If you plan on using the bike path in the dark get a light!!! When it's dark outside and you are dressed all in black, we can't see you!!!! We have both front and rear lights for our bikes, but it is still very difficult to see you. If you can't afford one let me know and I'll buy you a little flashing LED next time I'm in MEC (there only $3).






Rule 7 – Please, please, please be a responsible iPod user!!!!!! If you are walking, running, rollerblading, or biking down the center of the bike path with your headphones blaring out the latest New Kids on the Block tune, don't act surprised when I pass you and you don't know I'm coming!!! I have been saying "on your left" or ringing by bell (or maybe both) for quite some time…you just can't hear me because Jordan Knight is serenading you! I have no problem with people listening to their iPods, but don't turn them up so loud that you have no idea what is going on around you…and then blame me for being an irresponsible bike path user!

If you are more of a visual leaner we also found these handy videos to walk you though pathway etiquette!


http://www.expertvillage.com/video-series/847_bike-paths.htm


To be fair I do realize not all cyclists out there are courteous or abide by their own pathway rules – cough, cough, mainly couriers, cough – but most of us are aware of the "rules" and abide by them. Hopefully, by being a little more aware of each other, we can share the road and pathways and still have a great time.