Cycling on busy trails like Platte River or Ralston Creek comes with the headache but necessity to engage with pedestrians who are walking, also riding bikes, skating, or are walking their dogs, for example. We've even seen horses and donkeys before. To both show respect and ensure safety it is crucial to communicate as you approach to pass them. We know you know this, but we just want to emphasize the importance. Passing pedestrians has it's own unsaid rules, first you must slow down. It doesn't matter if you have enough room to speed past, it is common courtesy to slow down just in case they step left instead of right or a child or dog wanders in your path by accident. Give pedestrians time to acknowledge you are there and also move out of the way if needed. Second, you must announce your approach using one of the methods below. We like to try to announce when we are within 10 feet so they can hear of and gives them time to move out of the way if necessary. Third and also optional, as you pass say "thank you" or "have a nice day." When you are approaching pedestrians to pass and there is an oncoming cyclist it is your responsibility to wait and pass once the other cyclist has passed.
Ways we can communicate we are approaching and passing on the left, always the left!
Saying "on your left," "coming up on your left," "passing on your left."
Using a bell
What does not count:
Playing loud music
Having a loud chainring
Cursing or shouting to get out of the way
Saying nothing
Thanks for reading and have safe fun out there!
-CGN
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