Bike Trail Etiquette

Kip and biking buddy Simit, getting ready for a ride.

Since the start of the pandemic, many more people have taken up cycling for recreation and transportation. So much so that there’s currently a shortage and long lead times on new bicycles since so many are backordered. Cities like London and New York have seen cycling traffic on streets and bike paths skyrocket; and with so many people utilizing Atlanta’s relatively scant bike facilities, you’re bound to encounter plenty of fellow cyclists. And as with anything popular, a little etiquette always helps to avoid friction:

1. Make yourself known well in advance – A bell or the standard “On your left” [when passing on the left] are always appreciated, but one thing I find isn’t expressed clearly enough is that these missives are only as good as the time they leave to react. Some newcomers to Atlanta’s more touristy trails need an extra moment to remember which way is left, and then hopefully step to the right. Too many times I see this tragedy unfold where a cyclist approaching will ring or shout with only a few seconds space between them and the party they’re about to overtake, and the frazzled walker, hearing ‘left’ steps left and then it all hits the fan.
2. Develop a pavlovian response to bells – But instead of salivating, it would be more helpful to start thinking of bike bells as little radar pings – That ‘ding’ tells you the direction and approximate distance of a speedy object. If you’re not already hugging the right side of the trail, make your way there in a deliberate and predictable way – looking where you’re headed is an easily readable readable body-signal.
3. Situational awareness – When walking or riding on a well-populated trail, even just turning around requires more than normal attention to traffic. Look behind you for human comets approaching and signal your turn with body language or your hands if there’s any doubt, simply pointing where you’re heading may feel silly but could avoid a collision.
4. Keep your distance – In the COVID-19 atmosphere, everyone is a little more protective of their personal space than usual, and this goes double for panting runners and cyclists – Give your fellow trail users a wide berth and wear a mask if there’s even a slight chance you’ll be near other humans on your outing.
5. Ride where you feel safe – On the road or on the sidewalk, whichever you feel comfortable with, but you’re going to have to share the space in either setting; so follow the rules and be courteous. Riding on the sidewalk in Atlanta isn’t strictly legal, but if you’re riding at a reasonable speed you’re unlikely to arouse any attention, and in certain contexts trying to remain in the street might not be worth the hazard.

Hopefully these words of wisdom help keep you safe and active in these crazy times. For further reading in a less Atlanta-specific context, check out this WaPo article that inspired us on the topic. And let us know your experiences – Are you experiencing crowded trails and sidewalks when you ride? And where are you riding?

Be sure to log your rides this #Biketober, and check out our short series of YouTube videos on common bike maintenance jobs.