Bike Path Rules

Unfortunately for cyclists the term Bike Path is a misnomer.

In very few communities are there paths that are set aside exclusively for cycling. In almost all cases they are really multi-use recreational paths for bikers, runners, inline skaters, dog walkers, and strollers walking two, three and sometimes four abreast.

So like any complex system, we need rules to insure safety and avoid chaos.
Since we cyclists are the fastest moving, we can easily injurer others. Simultaneously, we are also easily vulnerable to the lack of consideration of others. Thus, we have a vested interest in following the basic core rules of path use:

1. Travel in the right hand lane.
2. Pass on the left.
3. Announce your passing to other path users.
4. Move off the path when stopping.
5. Travel at speeds which are safe and appropriate.
6. Pay attention to the other path users.

And please be smart - wear a helmet. Your kids may be required by law to wear a helmet, and you should be required by good common sense to wear one as well. Even at slow speeds, a fall of 3 or 4 feet to the macadam of the path can cause serious injury. And if you get hurt, who will care for your kids?