I read the one-sided attitude concerning safety on our bike paths in the July 30 paper.
While it is unacceptable that people be hit by bikes on our paths it is also everyone’s responsibility to look out for their own safety and not blame others when they are not following the rules of the road.
Safety is everyone’s responsibility, not just some of us.
Some walkers seem to think the bike paths are for their own private use without any consideration for others. Some walk three and four abreast, taking up the whole path, and do not respond when bikers ring their bell. Then they look at you as if you are infringing on their personal space. When they do respond, some go left and some go right, confusing the biker.
Others walk their dogs on long leashes on one side of the path and the dogs are on the other, causing a safety problem for both the dog and the bikers. This problem is even worse when they are walking two or three dogs.
Some bikers travel at the maximum posted speed to keep their heart rates up in their target zone for exercise purposes, which is perfectly legal. However, this means they can come up on walkers very quickly.
To ensure the paths are safe for all us, please walk on only half of the trail and follow the rules of the road. Do not take the whole road. Stay on the right side, keep your dogs on the same side you are on and leave the other side for other traffic, the same as you would do on the highways in your cars.
Some parts of the bike paths have yellow lines indicating that you stay on half the path; walkers also ignore these. If walkers follow these simple rules there will never be a problem with bikes.
If we all use our heads and show consideration to our fellow man, the bike paths will be a great and safe experience for all.
Jess Olson
Red Deer