Rude Sidewalk Bicyclists

 

Question

Euallia asked (Stated):Bicyclists are RUDE, sophomoric and dangerous to those of us walking on sidewalks.  They come from behind us, making no noise, expecting – no arrogantly demanding – that WE move off the “WALKWAY” so they can breeze through.  When walking a dog, they have an almost challenging desire to come up behind us to scare the dog into going after them.  Don’t they KNOW that a dog will defend its master if they perceive an attack is pending?  HOW STUPID ARE THESE self appointed anarchist of the side WALK!  It would be called a bicycle path, a roadway for bikes rather than a WALK way or sidewalk!  The LEAST a bicyclist can do is say something like “coming around” loudly at some 30 feet before they get to us.  ARROGANCE is a stupid behavior when you want ME to do something for YOU!!  And YES, I DO ride a bike!

Answer

Bicyclists are not the cause of your concern.Some are polite and slow before passing and say “passing on your left please” then wait until you acknowledge their passing.That is what I do when on the sidewalk.  I know others that do the same.

Your problem is people who are rude and obnoxious.

You will encounter similar people driving motor vehicles when you are riding a bicycle in a narrow lane and legally impeding their progress (“Get on the sidewalk where you belong!”). You will also encounter them if you are driving a motor vehicle and they believe you are not going as fast as they would like and they can’t pass (Tailgating and unsafe passing at inopportune times). If you have ever walked the busy sidewalks of New York you will know that you can’t slowly meander and enjoy the scenery. You will be impolitely ushered to the gutter by those who are in a hurry. You will also find them if you ride a bicycle on a bike path and hinder their passage.

If you want to solve the problem of rude bicyclists on the sidewalk, you only need to ignore them. Pedestrians on the sidewalk have the absolute right of way. Bicyclists must yield to them. You are not required to move out of their way.

s. 316.2065 – Bicycle Regulations

(10)A person propelling a bicycle upon and along a sidewalk, or across a roadway upon and along a crosswalk, shall yield the right-of-way to any pedestrian and shall give an audible signal before overtaking and passing such pedestrian.

That means they must slow or even stop to avoid colliding with a pedestrian.

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