A bicyclist rides along the Mary Carter Trail in Littleton. (Anya Semenoff, Denver Post file)
Re: “Give us a break, bicyclists, and tell us you’re approaching,” June 28 letter to the editor.
Letter-writer Ed Kraynak writes that nine out of 10 cyclists fail to provide pedestrians an advance warning on bike trails and asks cyclists to give pedestrians with dogs a break. As both a cyclist and a former dog owner, I agree with being considerate of pedestrians by slowing down to a running pace and giving a friendly warning. However, there have been several occasions while riding my bicycle in which the dog became startled at my warning and jerked to the side, nearly colliding with me. On one of these occasions, the pedestrian was running with two large dogs and fell to the ground after tripping over them.
If walking or running with dogs on a bike path, please keep them on a short leash, only take as many dogs as you can control, and consider if the dog may be too skittish to be on a busy bike path.
Aaron Smith, Centennial
This letter was published in the July 5 edition.The solution to fast bikes on trails isn’t more irritating “courtesy” calls of “on your left” (sometimes a demand), but of obeying basic rules of the road. When skiing in Colorado, the downhill skier has the right of way. When driving, we’re obligated to drive under control, so we’re able to stop safely for any obstacle. I wouldn’t think of honking at a slow car, instead passing them when safe.
The bike trails are a wonderful regional asset and are used by many people — walkers, skaters, strollers, and inexperienced and experienced cyclists. I ride every day, but don’t don the costume of the racer, so am often mistaken for an erratic cyclist (I am not), but calling out “on your left” is no substitution for responsible riding. The right of way belongs to the slower user of the trails, and the responsibility for slowing for obstacles belongs to fast cyclists.
Chris Wing, Denver
This letter was published in the July 5 edition.
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