Re: 10/07/05: Do we belong on bike paths?

>>I read somewhere that the minimum width of a one-way "bike path" is 
>>6 feet; two-way width is 10, but often is only 8. But walkers often 
>>walk 2-abreast, and even if they anticipate being passed by an 18" 
>>wide bike, the idea of being passed by a trike probably never 
>>enters their minds. Therefore, they won't be thinking that they 
>>must allow all that much room on the path for a trike.
>
>That is what bells/horns/voice are for... The accepted call in these 
>parts is 'on your right' (or left) depending on which side you 
>intend to pass. Likewise when passing other cyclists so that they 
>know you are coming through.
>
>6 feet wide!? Luxury! The paths I commute on are that wide in places 
>but in other spots they are pretty much the width of my GTO...
>
>Anyway, I've just scored a victory on my local bike path. I pick up 
>a railway path from my village and run a mile or so along it before 
>an 'off ramp' takes me down onto a canal side tow path (there aren't 
>any roads nearby, only cycle/pedestrian routes). Unfortunately there 
>is a big 2 panel offset fence panel style barrier across the route 
>at this point. With the right approach it would be passable by trike 
>but there is a steep drop off to the side on the way to work, and a 
>wall with earth bank in the way on the approach for the return trip. 
>After discussing the issues with my local council, the canal 
>operating company and the railway path maintenance company they have 
>all, rather bizarrely agreed that none of them own or installed the 
>barrier and that it can be removed and be replaced by bollards with 
>a 1.2 metre spacing :)
>
>So now all I have to do is wait for the works to start....
>
>Yay me!
>
>Only one more barrier left on the route and I've got a meeting about 
>that one at 7am (!?) on site on Tuesday morning... Lets hope that 
>one goes the same way

-- 
Westcountry Recumbents - Riding in the East Riding of Yorkshire, England
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