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What's the rule on bikes?

Discussion in 'Broadlands Community Issues' started by jwf, May 24, 2020.

  1. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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    Can people ride bikes on the nature trails? I am walking my dogs and at least a couple times a week almost get knocked over by kids riding bikes on the nature trail.
     
  2. cjfj

    cjfj Member

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    I found this on the VA DOT website: "Bicycles may be ridden on sidewalks unless prohibited by local ordinance or traffic control devices. While on sidewalks and shared use paths, bicyclists must always yield the right of way to pedestrians and give an audible signal before passing a pedestrian." Yielding to pedestrians seems to be the issue a lot of the bikers - especially older teens and adults- don't seem to understand. Most of the children we encounter make a point to go off into the grass to go around us. We've been almost ridden over several times ourselves on the sidewalks and paths in Broadlands.
     
    Jeddie Busch and jwf like this.
  3. BDLNDLVR

    BDLNDLVR Active Member

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    Very true, most of the bike riders I encounter while walking my dog on the trails are considerate, but I have on occasion, also been almost run from behind without any warning by some speeding older kids as well. It causes your blood pressure to suddenly spike when it happens unexpectedly. Maybe we should consider hiring a neighborhood teen or retiree as a"Trail Marshall" who could patrol the trails on a Segway issuing warnings to speeders and while he/she is at it, ensuring dog walkers clean up after their animals. Wouldn't cost much, would provide gainful employment for some of our energetic neighbors with free time available, and would make the walkways safer and more enjoyable for all (except the bike speeders:) and people who do not clean up after their dogs).
     
    jwf likes this.
  4. Capricorn1964

    Capricorn1964 Well-Known Member

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    Nice idea but people ain't gonna listen to a teen. Just sayin'.
     
  5. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for looking that up. I find most of the time they do try to give way but it's when you are coming around blind corners that usually is there worst issue.

    Personally I don't think bikes and pedestrians on the same path work well together unless the bikers take extra caution but sometimes that isn't always the case.
     
  6. Genco

    Genco Active Member

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    It's not always the biker's fault as there are just as many rude and careless pedestrians on the pathway. You can shout "passing on left" to alert them, but when they have headphones in they can't hear you. Also, the inconsiderate people who let their dogs roam/walk over the entire pathway and grassy area with the retractable leash while on their phone. I ride on the road when by myself or other riders, but with the younger ones in tow we ride on the pathway. In the end people will be rude, inconsiderate, and distracted just like they are when driving a car.
     
  7. vacliff

    vacliff "You shouldn't say that."

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    Well, I walk the trails, on average, 2-3 miles, 3-4 days a week. For the past 20 years. I have not felt threatened by a bike a single time. Not once. Guess I am lucky.
     
  8. Steve Campot

    Steve Campot Broadlands Real Estate Broker

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    I agree as I use the paths daily for walking and riding and have not had any issue.
     
  9. cjfj

    cjfj Member

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    Our concerns haven’t been on the paths as they are mostly wide enough. It’s the sidewalks that are the problem. Just this afternoon we were walking and had 2 bicyclists come up from behind, with the warning made by the 2nd bike rider as the lead bike was passing me, missing me by mere inches. Most bicyclists don’t seem to recognize how quickly they move compared to walkers and don’t allow enough reaction time - theirs or the walkers.
     
    jwf likes this.
  10. Rhaegar

    Rhaegar Member

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    I used to get mad, then looked it up and realized it was legal, so now I don't. Be careful of bikes on trails; we're sharing the space. Usually the fast ones are in the street though.
     
  11. jwf

    jwf Well-Known Member

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    With the bikes and the scooters it almost safer to walk in the street. At least I can hear a car coming.
     

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