Coexisting on Shared Use Paths

But first, a word about about where to ride:

Path vs. Road? Many people prefer to ride on paths, because cars. Understandable. But in my opinion, riding in the road is the medically safer option for everyone during this pandemic time. Even in normal times, paths can be pretty crowded, and more so now that exercise is one of the few socially acceptable reasons to leave the house. Can you always keep proper distance on a path? At bicycle speed? It can be difficult. On the road, you have plenty of room to keep your distance from any other people you may encounter outside of cars. And you'll be leaving a bit more space on the multi-use paths for the pedestrians.

Scared of cars? We'll talk more about how to keep a safe space around you on the road in later posts, or you can cut right to the chase here. But if you still want to incorporate a path into your route, read on...

I was emailing this week with a local bicycling friend about the "Riverwalk" path we have here in Westbrook, Maine. It's a relatively old paved path, and pretty narrow in some places. She comments that friction can sometimes arise between path users, from misunderstandings of intent, or lack of knowledge about path etiquette. So I thought it would be a timely topic for this blog.

Who's Allowed on the Path?

Unless there are signs saying otherwise, you should assume that a path is open for anyone not using a motor vehicle:

• people walking or jogging, maybe with kids, baby carriages, or dogs,
• wheelchair users,
• roller skaters and skateboarders,
• bicyclists, or even
• horseback riders.

Yielding and Passing

The standard yielding rules for multi-use paths and trails are:

Because horses can be skittish and unpredictable if surprised, everyone is required to yield to horses. Only approach and pass a horse if you have established contact with the its rider and gotten permission. Bicyclists, go slowly, or dismount and walk!

Bicyclists (and roller skaters and skateboarders) are required to yield to all other types of users.

Wheelchair users count as pedestrians for purposes of yielding.

Bicyclists Passing Pedestrians

Remember, bicyclists, that since you are required to yield to pedestrians, it is not their job to get out of your way! It is your job to pass them carefully, moving over yourself if necessary, at a reasonable distance and speed. If you are coming up behind them, you should call out or ring a bell if you have one, to let them know you're there. I prefer to call "bicycle passing" or "bicycle on your left". Give them plenty of time to hear you and respond, at least 4-5 seconds. If you are unable to get their attention, or are uncertain, slow way down, to about walking speed, and give them plenty of  room. If there is oncoming traffic, stay back until it clears before passing (just like driving a car). Don't squeeze through!

Pedestrians, you can help us by not wearing earbuds at such a high volume that you can't hear a bicyclist ringing a bell or calling out to you. You should not, in theory, need to move over for them, but it can be frustrating for them trying to let you know they are there, but being unable to get your attention. We don't want to startle you!

Tips for Everyone

• Be aware of your surroundings at all times. 
• Both walkers and cyclists should walk or ride on the right side, to facilitate passing. Walking or riding side by side for sociability is okay if no one else is around, but please move to single file if others want to pass.
• If you stop for any reason, move off the path so you are not obstructing others.
• Dogs must be on a leash!
• If there are speed limit signs posted, all bicyclists, eBike and traditional alike, must obey them. For example, the Eastern Trail from Scarborough to Saco is posted for 15 MPH.
• Where paths cross roads, observe any stop signs, and do not proceed until you have checked that it is safe. If there is a pedestrian signal, use it. Even if the motorist is supposed to yield to you, verify that they are doing so. Communication is always helpful.
• You can search for multi-use paths ("MUPs") and trails in Maine at https://www.mainetrailfinder.com/ and https://wheretoride.bikemaine.org/findaride/. The MaineDOT has compiled a large list of suggested on-road routes at http://www.exploremaine.org/bike/.

FREE CyclingSavvy Mastery Video  Topic #14: Shared Use Paths

eBikes

Pedalcycles with any kind of internal combustion engine are not allowed on multi-use paths, nor are mopeds. However, many bikes with electric assist are now being sold, and they can be a great solution for people with less physical ability, or for transportation over longer distances or carrying kids or other heavy loads.

What are the rules for them?

About a year ago, thanks to advocacy led by the Bicycle Coalition of Maine, Maine's laws regarding eBikes were clarified. The new state law defines the following kinds of eBikes:

• Class 1: Provide electric assist only when pedaling, and only up to 20 MPH.
• Class 2: Assist without the need for pedaling, and only up to 20 MPH.
• Class 3: Assist only when pedaling, but go up to 28 MPH.

Unless there are signs stating otherwise, Class 1 and 2 eBikes are generally allowed on paths and some trails, while Class 3 are not. However:

• All classes of eBikes are prohibited from "single track" mountain bike trails (defined as places where "significant portions of the trails have a natural surface, including gravel, stones or wooden bridging"), unless the owner or governing authority specifically allows them.
• The owner or governing authority of any path may specifically prohibit Class 1 and 2 eBikes.
• The owner or governing authority of any path may specifically allow Class 3 eBikes.

Where allowed, riders of all eBikes follow the same yielding rules as other bicyclists: yield to everyone. We suggest you dial back your power setting a bit when on a path, to keep the speed down. Note there may be speed limit signs posted.

Much more information about eBikes and the new law has been written up here by Laurie Boxer-Macomber, a local lawyer specializing in bicycle law.

If you are an eBicyclist, you may want to read this cautionary tale about the trouble you are now capable of getting into with your newfound power. Executive summary: Be careful! 😉

Covid Concerns

This could easily be its own post, and maybe it will in the future, but for today, I'll just stick to bullet points. I am not a medical professional, and this should not be taken as official advice. These are my opinions only. If you have questions, call your doctor.

• Exercise only in family groups. Group bike rides with friends are not a good idea right now.
• Try to keep more than the recommended 6 feet between yourself and other people outside your family. The harder you exercise, the harder you are breathing, so the minimum 6 foot recommendation may not be enough. Even if you are not breathing hard, others may be.
• Bring a mask. The very basic research I've done suggests that it is probably okay to exercise with a mask on if you are healthy and have no underlying respiratory condition, but otherwise you should not. If you are keeping more than six feet between yourself and others, it may not be necessary to wear while exercising, but you should consider putting one on if you encounter others, or if you must go inside for some reason.
• Bring water and food with you, to minimize the need to go inside anywhere.
• To reiterate what I said in the beginning, I am personally trying to stick to roads when biking, to allow greater space around myself, and not contribute to path congestion. Of course you are free to make your choice, but please keep these recommendations in mind if you use a path.

Safe safe, and enjoy being outside!