Rant- People walking/ spacing out on the bike path on Alki.

[bcollins]

apologies WSJ

[Sue]

There was one day earlier this year, after my knee surgery, that I decided to try walking a bit at Alki. I parked in one of the spots parallel to the bike lane. So to get up into the walking lane I needed to cross the bike lane and walk up the curb without a curb-cut (like you’d see at an intersection). Not an easy talk right after surgery. So I had to walk nearly a block in the bike path to the next intersection where there was a curb cut. So sometimes people have reasons for why they do what they do.

And real nice, CMP – I love how you self-police the bike lane by running people over with your bike and yet don’t like being called on running a red light. Are rules only good when they convenience you? If anyone so much as threatens me with a bike, let alone hits hit me – no matter where I’m walking – I will be taking their photo with my cell phone and calling the police.

[CMP]

Just to clarify, I didn’t intentionally hit this person. I was trying to squeeze through a tiny little opening between this punk and his buddies that were taking up the entire bike lane. I was riding slow, said “coming through” and they chose to ignore me and I ran into something he was carrying. This brat then mocked me as I rode away, like I was in the wrong.

As for my Fauntleroy experience, had I been riding on the sidewalk, this driver would have had no justification to yell at me b/c it would not have been illegal since I wasn’t crossing another road. I’m riding a bike for god’s sake. It’s not as if I was going to do bodily harm to another person like a car could do. I’ve seen cars blow through this same pedestrian signal and another one further south (a silver VW, surprise) and that’s a lot more dangerous than me riding through slowly on bike, actually looking for out for peds. At least I acknowledge what I did wasn’t exactly proper, but someone having the nerve to pull their car over to reprimand me is insulting and it pissed me off.

Oh yeah, if you’re walking in the bike lane b/c of health issues, that’s totally fine. I think we’re referring to healthy, fit people that are oblivious to the fact that they’re in the bike lane. We are an understanding bunch even though it sometimes doesn’t sound like it. I’d just like to see some consideration towards other people and I’ll let you know if you’re not.

[JoB]

I am hearing an undercurrent here…

and that is the same one that commuters in cars make about bikes on the road.

It’s not as though you can’t slow down when you are on a bike and thread your way around people who are blocking the bike lane..

it’s not as though you can’t veer off the bike lane to avoid them.

They simply slow you down… and impede your progress.

isn’t that what commuters in cars say about bikers?

[austin]

It’s sort of like cars vs bikes, the main difference being bikes have a legal right to be on the road with cars while pedestrians have no real reason to clog up the bike path. A different analogy would be it’s like when a pedestrian steps off the curb into the street outside of an intersection or crosswalk, wandering around and impeding traffic, but that’s not quite accurate either.

As a biker I have no problems, physically or morally, with slowing down for or dodging walkers, strollers, joggers, rollerbladers, or slower bikes. I find that a lot of these people are in the bike lane because they’re moving faster than walking speed and don’t want to get tangled up with the meanderers. There are exceptions to this, such as the daydreamy walker moseying down the bike path oblivious to all but the lovely view and echoes of recent memories. These people aren’t deliberately out to get you, not trying to piss you off, ruin your mash or wreck your swifty vibe. There are a lot more productive ways to spend your energy than getting pissed off at people for spacing out when they’re relaxing.

[WSMom]

Just FYI, I found Harbor Ave from the bridge to Alki is a less busy but nice spot for biking and walking. I’d like to ask that bikers let walkers (especially dog walkers) know when they’re coming up from behind. I couldn’t hear them coming and my dog would jump every time.

[Sue]

CMP, I’m sure you didn’t go out looking to hit people with your bike, but the fact that you said “I’ve hit people in the bike lane who are walking b/c they’re in my way and I don’t feel bad about it whatsoever.” is what I was reacting to. If I was in your position and hit someone accidentally, I would’ve apologized for hitting them (sincerely) and then afterward pointed out that this was the biking lane and maybe they’d be safer over there. Sounding like you didn’t have any remorse for hitting them is what I took issue with. I know sometimes that internet speak can come across differently than real life intent, so I’m going with the assumption that you’re not a malicious person; just wanted to point out what it sounded like.

And as for it being okay to walk in the bike lane because of health issues, you have to take into account “hidden disabilities.” If you looked at me walking in the lane that day (or most days), you’d probably not realize I had a disability – my issue that particular day was with walking up a curb, not walking in general. So we can’t always make assumptions on how a person looks versus how their body works.

[swimcat]

What is so difficult about this? If you’re walking, get in the walking path (and if you’re pushing a stroller, you’re still walking), if you’re on any kind of non-motorized wheels, you need to be in the bike path. WHere is the common sense in this town???? It seems to be lacking in even the most simple situations. No wonder nothing gets done around here.

[angelescrest]

This is re: the Alki stretch–a well-marked with bike pics, separate lane or two. W/Harbor, you gotta share; there is no separation of walkers/bikers, etc. Back to Alki: There are pedestrian crossing, which I hope are well heeded. People crossing from their cars or the restaurants to the beach. And you always have to be aware of car doors opening onto the bike lane(s), people loading cars, peeps unaware that they are stepping out into “traffic”. Anyone who bikes Alki knows this. But how about the four guys playing hacky-sack last week in the bike lane? They really weren’t gonna budge for me–and I’m moving slowly, generally toting a child. Do I hit ’em? Ask them politely to move? Which face do I muster?

One day, one instant, one example of the frustration we face oh, too many times, and not just on the bike lane. There are people whose lives seem to center on challenging others…and in the summer, like sunscreen, you can smell it in the air.

And, I can’t just bike elsewhere…this is my neighborhood and my transportation.

[acemotel]

On Saturday a bike rider in the street caused me and every other driver to maneuver around him in HEAVY traffic and narrowed lanes where the sewer construction is taking place. BIKERS: USE THE BIKE LANE, NOT THE STREET!!! I have a few choice thoughts about that selfish behaviour.

[angelescrest]

I agree…on the street, it’s another story. We’re talking about an entirely different scenario: car lanes for the cars, bike lane for the bikes/wheels, pedestrian lane (ooh–and well landscaped and meandering in some parts) for the pedestrians. This is not the same bike vs. cars story. No brainer, as I said before.

[villagegreen]

CMP, m, angelescrest – thanks for the common sense! It’s amazing to me that the overly PC, let’s share everything, no one is at fault, Seattle mentality could extend even this far. The bike path is for bikes and the walking path is for walkers. Of course there are exceptions (as there are for all situations in life) – sometimes walkers have to cross the bike path from the road, etc.

But I think what glocson and others are referring to is a blatant disregard for the rules and common curtousy. I’ll slow down and weave around the occasional person crossing for good reason, but it’s the kids hanging out in the bike lane or the moms chatting with their strollers that really get me fired up. But being the average uptight Seattleite, I usually don’t say anything – just ride around them and feel annoyed. If I accidentally hit someone, though, I probably wouldn’t apologize. OK, being a Seattleite, I probably would.

[SA]

Angelescrest wrote: “The bike lane is clearly marked for bikes; running parallel is the walking lane.”

It is? While I see painted markings on the paths’ surfaces I must have missed the signs that say “Bicycles only, all others forbidden.”

What about roller bladers? Surely you don’t expect them in the “walking lane” as they can take up the width of three or four walkers. And how fast do you need to be jogging/running before you’re no longer considered walking? Is an 8 minute mile fast enough? What about the cyclists that are moving slower than the runners… should they be demoted to the walking lane? And then what about the dogs on leashes… there isn’t much width to the “walking lane” and people regularly need to use the grass to pass… if you’re having to constantly step off the “walking lane” perhaps then you can use the “bike lane?”

From a runners’ point of view I use the “bike lane” because:

1. It is less congested and I can maintain a pace easier when I don’t have to keep stepping off into the grass to pass the walkers on the narrow “walking lane.”

2. It is easier on the knees to run on the asphalt than the concrete.

3. When concrete gets wet it is more slippery than asphalt.

4. It is much easier to maneuver around dogs on the “bike path” than on the “walking lane.”

I do find this whole “dedicated bike lane” discussion ironic… we’re talking about 1.5 miles… two miles tops? Whatever happened to the cyclists’ mantra of “Share the Road?”

[Irukandji]

Confession

When I’m at the grocery store or Target, I sometimes bump shoppers who are clogging up the lanes while trying to shop and talk on their cellphones at the same time, completely oblivious to other shoppers who don’t want to be there ALL DAY waiting for them to get their brain cells to effectively engage in a single task.

Oops, sorry!

Get your items, put them in the cart, and mosey. Really, it ought not be too hard to let others pass by if you’re paying attention.

Men shopping for tampax or baby items are exempt.

[Anonymous]

Irukandji –

Thank you for paving the way here for complete disclosure! Lol.

I cannot stand the aisle blockage either. What’s even more amazing to me is when someone is blocking the entire aisle, who is NOT on a cell phone, and looks right at you, acknowledges you and still seems oblivious to the fact that you are standing there waiting for them to move out of the way, just so you can get by!

K. I feel better too.

Also, I notice sometimes the aisle blockage gets carried outside into the parking lot. Have you ever been driving down the aisle in the parking lot right behind people walking right in the middle of the aisle?

How can people be so oblivious?

[villagegreen]

SA – Again, common sense and courtesy. I run down at Alki quite a bit and have used the bike lane on occasion when the walking path is too busy. However, I stay as far to the right as possible and always remain aware of what’s going on around me – when bikes approach I move off the path when necessary. It just seems so easy to understand.

[angelescrest]

SA: to me, it’s about in your face people who are out for some antagonism…purposely blocking the way. This is not about runners, skaters, etc. Guess I should have explicitly given a mph minimum to the bike lane, huh? Shoot, you probably run faster than I bike. Yoo do know what I’m talking about; I’m sure as a runner, you face the same kind of people, blocking your way and perhaps looking for some confrontation.

It’s all over the blog: how to deal with those kind of people when you’re not that kind of person!?

[angelescrest]

Thank you, VG. Clarity!

[keleeso]

The only time I feel claustophobic is when my thumbs are held down (weird) or when I am blocked in, whether it is by slow cars, walkers in the bike path or slow walkers/chatters blocking a walking path.

My neighbor suggested putting one of those canned fog-horns on my bike handlebar. He said he used to do that when he rode his scooter and a car started to cut him off. It worked wonders! (for HIM- I haven’t tried it … yet)

[SA]

Angelescrest wrote: “I’m sure as a runner, you face the same kind of people, blocking your way and perhaps looking for some confrontation.”

Yes, I know this person all too well which is why I try to avoid confrontations when at all possible. Better to run around them than to try to run thru them. :)

A runner receiving an “accidental” shoulder check isn’t going to hurt much… whereas it could be devastating to a cyclist.

[Jiggers]

I almost got hit by a biker who didn’t even bother to stop when the light was red as I was crossing the crosswalk at Lincoln Park. I am sure he didn’t want to stop because he would have had to huff and puff his way back upto speed. I also think that cyclist’s who use the same roadways as a four wheel vehicle, and get monie’s from the state to build pathways on the road, should pay tab fees to help pay for the improvements like a real car does. Why should they get a free ride? F..them and their go green motto. they are the most arrogant, law breaking citizens on the road.

[acemotel]

about the grocery aisle blockers: I just put something expensive in their carts while they seem to be so totally oblivious to everything going on. sheeesh. I suppose this should be a new thread. The commonality is people blocking others, be it the bike lane, the running lane, the grocery aisle, or the street.

[JanS]

ah, Vincent…always interesting to see your over the top perspective. I really could care less about how many house, cars, bikes, property taxes you own/pay..civility is pretty much lost on you, isn’t it? No one is evil, no one dumped on you. You really need to try some deep breathing exercises ;-)

Being aware of what goes on around you may help, thinking that you’re owed something, or you’re better than someone because “look what I do, how good I am, how much I have, I contribute more than you do” doesn’t cut it…at least not with me.

I hope you have a wonderful sunny, relaxing evening :)

[vincent]

Well keep caring less then. My whole point is someone like jiggers complaining that bikes need to pay taxes is absolutely ridiculous, as he doesn’t pay the tax in question himself. The end.

you seem to have gone off on some tangent where you thought I said I was owed something, Maybe you should re-parse my rant and start over. Unless you can point out a section where I actually said I was owed or better than you or anyone else.

ps: I am hoping to get out of work soon so I can ride home in this glorious weather.

[JanS]

OK, Vincent, I’ll give you that..what I first read in your post was “I ride a bike, I own two cars, and two houses, I bet I pay 10x the taxes your sloppy, cant find a cheap enough rental house does. So your half assed straw man about bikes needing to pay taxes because they get a free ride can go back into the same hole where you thought you had a voice on road taxes DESPITE THE FACT YOU DON’T OWN A HOME AND ARE NOT PAYING TAXES ON THE ROADS ANYWAY.” In my eyes, that had nothing to do with anything…it just stated what you “had”..and I was guilty of assumption, something I try not to be. It just smacked of…I have this, so how dare you have an opinion of something that you have no right to have. mea culpa..my perception was wrong.

simply stating what you disagree with, leaving out those “I am/have” things, would not have sent me on a tangent at all..

enjoy the ride…

[Author]

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