Multi-Use Paths, Not Just for Walking

Below is the text of my letter to the editor of the Woodbury Bulletin, published in the Sep 15, 2003 edition. I really wish I could link to it, as well as the letter which prompted me to write, but they don't have that content on-line. 

(I had to shorten it from 425 words to hit the 300-word limit, and even then, it ran about 20 words long.)
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I am writing in response to Rich Ericson’s letter complaining about having to share Woodbury’s paths with bicyclists. I completely agree with Mr. Ericson that the paths are wonderful, and make a major contribution to the quality of life in Woodbury. It’s funny though—I always thought they were bike paths! After all, mere sidewalks are common in many localities, and are generally too narrow for safe biking. So my conclusion was that the paths in Woodbury were made deliberately wide, in order to accommodate bicycles.

Okay, obviously they are not just for bikes, they are clearly multi-use paths. They are wide and well laid-out, there is plenty of room for all. I am sure there are a few rude or inconsiderate people on the paths, but I haven’t personally encountered any of them. I have found people to be refreshingly courteous and thoughtful.

I really don’t want to pick on walkers, but frequently I see people walking two or three abreast, taking up the whole path. Nonetheless, the bikers I have seen are courteous when encountering this, probably unintentional, “path hogging”; we merely call out “passing on the left”, or yes, maybe toot a horn. Of course, if everybody just kept to the right, such signaling wouldn’t be necessary.

Mr. Ericson concludes “Bikes, rollerblades and scooters are especially dangerous when…you are walking a dog.” Let me get this straight—people who ride bikes should be banned or restricted, so that dogs can use the path comfortably? I have nothing against dogs or dog owners, and in fact, I have been impressed with how careful dog walkers have been to restrain their pets, so I don’t mind sharing with them. But surely we aren’t going to put dogs before bikers?

The paths are wide enough for everybody to share. And the sharing will go best if everybody pays attention, behaves courteously, and maintains discipline. Oh yes—a cheerful outlook and a cooperative attitude will also help.