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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To think people walking their dogs on cycle paths should make sure they don't run up to bikes!

62 replies

bettycocker · 30/06/2013 20:28

I live in a part of the countryside that is quite popular with tourists. So, there are plenty of special cycling trails, walkers only and running trails.

I like to go out cycling on the designated cycling trails. When ever I go out on my bike, there is always that one dog walker who doesn't seem to care that they are on the cycle trail. They just let their dogs run towards bikes.

Don't they realise that this is a little bit dangerous and inconsiderate? It's dangerous for their dog as much as anything. There are loads of routes they could take if they want to let their dogs run about. Why do it on the cycle trails?

I almost went into someone's dog today. She didn't even call it back when she saw it running head on towards my bike. This isn't an anti dog gripe, just a gripe about clueless dog walkers on cycling trails.

AIBU to think people like this could just use the other trails?

OP posts:
NUFC69 · 30/06/2013 20:34

I have a problem with this, too. I don't mind dogs, but I just wish the owners would call them to heel when I am approaching on my bike. I try very hard to be considerate of other users on the paths (and the paths I use tend to be multi-use) - l just wish it was reciprocated. My DSis was actually knocked off her bike by a boisterous dog, so I think I am right to be cautious.

Justforlaughs · 30/06/2013 20:37

I had this as well, the dog went totally mad and jumped up at me - his owners excuse was ...wait for it..." he doesn't like bikes"!!!!! WTF are you doing on a cycle path then - you arse!!!

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 20:43

NUFC69 That's shocking about your DS! I agree about being considerate on multi use paths. Then again, I use the cycle ones so I can just happily bimble about on my bike.

Justforlaughs, what a tit!

It's not even as though people don't know they are on the cycle path. The little diagrams of bikes and cycle trail signs usually give it away.

OP posts:
ForTheLoveOfSocks · 30/06/2013 20:49

I am a careful dog owner who always recalls my dog when bikes approach.

But tell me this, do you have a bell on your bike and ring it when approaching dog walkers/pedestrians from behind? Because that happens quite a lot to me. Bikes do not generally make much noise so it's a surprise and danger when they don't warn me.

Oh and by the way, the last time I looked cycle paths weren't for the exclusive use of bikes.

Justforlaughs · 30/06/2013 20:52

Fortheloveofsocks yes I have a bell and yes I ring it when approaching from behind, and yes I get out of the way for everyone else, cars on the roads, pedestrians and other cyclists on footpaths etc, etc. No, cycle paths are not for the exclusive use of cyclists, but they should have priority, and neither are they for the use of idiotic dog walkers, or even walkers with young children or large groups of people who do not move for cyclists.

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 20:54

I've not got a problem with sensible dog walkers, just the ones who see people on bikes and think it's fine to let their dogs run towards them. Obviously cycle paths aren't just for cyclists, but I just think it seems silly to let dogs jump up at bikes or to let them run towards them.

Yes, I do use my bell. I don't want to be involved in a collision!

OP posts:
MrsBertMacklin · 30/06/2013 20:58

I was just in the middle of posting, that I get on my bell at the first sign of a dog up ahead: 6/10 times it works, 2/10 times it works if there's no movement from the owner but I follow it up with a cheery bellow of 'bike coming through', but there are still owners who are in their own little world, unfortunately.

OP YANBU, but I think this applies to everyone who wonders into cycle paths, not just dog owners.

imademarion · 30/06/2013 21:00

I love walking my dog on the path that cyclists also use. We have a sign at the entrance reminding users that it is to be shared and we must show each other courtesy.

In the six years I have been using it, the most fabulous displays of ignorance have come from cyclists who do not use their bells and who wobble off shrieking indignantly after shooting up silently from behind.

We dog walkers (who moonlight as cyclists with bells and a positive IQ) laugh at your blustering crossness and snigger if it looks like you might fall off.

Team Woof ftw.

MothershipG · 30/06/2013 21:01

And I have a dog who is petrified of bikes because he was chased down a canal tow path, water on one side, thick bushes on the other, by a twat of a cyclist.

There are idiot dog owners, there are idiot cyclists and life would be much easier for all of us if there was a bit more mutual consideration.

Justforlaughs · 30/06/2013 21:02

MothershipG but do you take your dog for walks on cyclepaths?

LillethTheCat · 30/06/2013 21:04

Was coming on here just to ask the same question Fortheloveofsocks has asked. Or more a request.

Please can all bike riders ring their bell when approaching a dog walker from behind.

I live in the country too and walk my dog down the country lane. Its not a cycle path, but just a normal country road. Yesterday when out walking a bike came from behind me. Now obviously I did not hear this and I hadn't looked round at that point (I usually do try to keep looking behind me to check) and the first I knew of this when my dog (who was on a lead) tried to chase said bike. The rider gave me a right dirty look as if I had no right to be there.

Anyway I agree with the OP in saying that dog walkers should be considerate to other people, but so should other people. Dogs should be called back whoever they run up to whether they are on a bike or not.

ForTheLoveOfSocks · 30/06/2013 21:04

No, cyclists are not a priority. You have an equal right of way with pedestrians FFS.

So now dogs and children are not permitted?? How bloody ridiculous

Alisvolatpropiis · 30/06/2013 21:05

Yanbu.

If my dog is off lead I'll call her back to me and stop walking until the cyclist has gone by. I'm as much worried for their safety as I am for hers. I'd hate for her to run in front of a cyclist and them come off their bike trying to avoid her and hurt themselves/her.

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 21:05

I enjoy walking and cycling. I do assume that in areas with cycle paths, the idea is that it keeps paths clear of bikes for walkers, and the cyclists get their areas for cycling.

The funny thing is, that all the issues I've had with errant dogs have happened when I'm oncoming.

OP posts:
Alisvolatpropiis · 30/06/2013 21:06

Agree with the bell ringing though. Helpful for everybody.

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 21:09

Yes, people should always use their bell when approaching from behind.

OP posts:
BrianTheMole · 30/06/2013 21:11

Our paths are multi use. I cycle on them and walk with the kids and dog on them. I always slow up behind groups of people and ring the bell, but plenty of people don't. Its quite scary when bikes speed up behind with no intention of stopping. Toddlers can't always get out of the way in time. I don't think one group has more rights than the other, it should be equal respect for other users of the path, walking or cycling. I always keep the dog on the lead though.

MothershipG · 30/06/2013 21:12

Just Are there country cycle paths for the exclusive use of bikes? I've only seen mixed use ones but I stand ready to be corrected.

We avoid the tow path now, I always used to call my dogs to me to ensure they didn't get in the cyclists's way but I can't count the number of cyclists who seemed to think I have eyes in the back of my head, coming up behind us with no warning and not even saying thank you for getting out of the way.

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 21:15

MothershipG We have cycle paths round here. There is also an area that is meant to be for the use of bikes only. There is also an area that is meant to be just for walkers. There are also mixed paths. I think the idea is so that various outdoors enthusiasts get to enjoy their hiking or mountain biking unabated.

OP posts:
Wholetthedogin · 30/06/2013 21:17

I have the opposite problem. We live along a canal path in the middle of town. It's very busy with dog walkers, children on the way to school and cyclists.

DD, the dog and I are walking there almost every day and it's an almost daily occurrence that DD, the dog and I are almost knocked over by someone on a bike going too fast.

DD is now petrified of bikes. Either that or they frighten the bejesus out of you by ringing their bell behind you and then whissing past.

Burmobasher · 30/06/2013 21:21

Agree that dogs shouldn't run up to cyclists, i am a considerate dog owner who will call my dog over and pop them on their lead whilst waiting for bikes or walkers to pass.
Not so easy when said cyclists zoom up silently behind you, ring bell impatiently at the last minute expecting you to leap out of the way then shake their head disapprovingly when dog accidentally wanders near bike.
Must try harder to explain to my bewildered dog that cyclists are much higher up the pecking order than we lowly creatures who travel by foot and we should always defer to their right of way

MothershipG · 30/06/2013 21:21

So are there signs up saying it bikes only? No walking? Maybe some visitors don't realise?

Although really that's beside the point, to reiterate what I said earlier, dog walkers shouldn't allow their dogs to be a hazard to cyclists and vice versa, consideration all round is what is needed, unfortunately what we have both experienced is that the world is full of numpties!

Original poster
bettycocker · 30/06/2013 21:21

Wholetthedogin that sound just as bad. I think this is why some places have cycle paths. I've also been on the other end when someone speeds past you on a bike like that.

OP posts:
freddiefrog · 30/06/2013 21:22

Yanbu, but our local cycle ways give me the rage.

All the cycle paths near me are for shared use, with big signs at the beginning and end, and in several places along the path that it is shared use, and everyone should treat each other with courtesy

There are always several cyclists who display extreme twattishness down the path, they think they have priority and we're all expected to jump out of their way. They don't. My wobbly, still learning to cycle confidently 7 year old, and dog have as much right to be on that path as they do

It would be lovely if they could use their bells to warn us of their presence, instead of mowing down anyone in their way.

Surely on a shared path, it would be sensible for some of these cyclists use their bells and to slow down when approaching pedestrians, wobbly kids on bikes, families walkin dogs, etc, rather than charging down it like a bat out of hell, hellbent on beating last weeks time, shouting and swearing at anyone else who dares to set foot on the path and get in their way.

Canidae · 30/06/2013 21:23

My dogs are trained to sit by my side at when bikes or horses are passing by and will even do so if I haven't seen the bike but they have! But I don't have eyes in the back of my head so a bell ring from a suitable distance is helpful for everyone.

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