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Now what I find myself worrying about is we're treating pedestrians and other vulnerable users in much the same way as motorists are treating us on the roads - us being the faster heavier and ultimately more dangerous objects.
I know this isn't a new thing but I reckon there's a lot more the cycle community can do to be courteous in shared spaces.
100% agree. Peds are more vulnerable than cyclists, we should treat them as we'd wish to be treated by cars. A lot of cyclists don't do this.
Now I'd describe the cyclists as riding comfortably within their abilities but it was definitely enough to unnerve the Mum.
This is a big part of the problem. You can be absolutely confident that you can stop in time and are giving pedestrians enough space, but they clearly still find it disconcerting.
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Fox
@Gustav
A couple of things have got me thinking recently.
One of them was someone speculating that the growth in gravel/all road was people looking to take advantage of riding on spaces where there aren't motor vehicles with the associated dangers, with gravel bikes providing you with the opportunity to ride out (as opposed to drive) out to these spaces - something that's harder to do on a MTB).
The other point was taking part in an organised all road/gravel event recently where I found myself riding through a public park with a group of random 20 somethings (bearing in mind I'm definitely closer to 50 than 40) who managed to trigger a Mum who had a child nearby. Now I'd describe the cyclists as riding comfortably within their abilities but it was definitely enough to unnerve the Mum. Some of the cyclists seemed to almost laugh off the situation although a chat with some of did get them reflecting on why she might have been concerned.
Now what I find myself worrying about is we're treating pedestrians and other vulnerable users in much the same way as motorists are treating us on the roads - us being the faster heavier and ultimately more dangerous objects.
I know this isn't a new thing but I reckon there's a lot more the cycle community can do to be courteous in shared spaces. Suggestions include calling out when you're approaching so you don't seemingly land out of the blue, lower your speed to something that's not only safe but is going to leave other shared space users feeling safe particularly when there's children about.
I do feel like centrist Dad with these comments (despite the fact that I've got no kids of my own) having done alley cats and other tomfoolery in my yoof. That being said, I do believe we need to look out for the more vulnerable both because it's right also because we may face increasing limitations on the used of shared spaces if we don't.
Keen to hear other peoples thoughts on this...