Appproach attitude - ?

[simongt]

Working with the TCV today, we were clearing weeds and overgrowth vegetation around a former station site on Marriot's Way in Norwich. It's a very popular shared pathway for cyclists, joggers, walkers with and without dogs and anyone taking a shortcut.
What we all noticed was that with the cyclists, although most went past us at a sensible speed for the circumstances; bearing in mind our work entailed us moving randomly around the site, there were a few who went past at speed, one nearly colliding with one of the volunteers.
What was particularly concerning though was that not one of the cyclists; fast or slow, gave any audible warning of their presence, either bell or vocal. They all appeared to assume that we knew they were there, even those of us with our backs to their approach.

 

[Cycleops]

Irresponsible cyclists. Never.

 

[Slick]

Working with the TCV today, we were clearing weeds and overgrowth vegetation around a former station site on Marriot's Way in Norwich. It's a very popular shared pathway for cyclists, joggers, walkers with and without dogs and anyone taking a shortcut.
What we all noticed was that with the cyclists, although most went past us at a sensible speed for the circumstances; bearing in mind our work entailed us moving randomly around the site, there were a few who went past at speed, one nearly colliding with one of the volunteers.
What was particularly concerning though was that not one of the cyclists; fast or slow, gave any audible warning of their presence, either bell or vocal. They all appeared to assume that we knew they were there, even those of us with our backs to their approach.

Such is life, you get them in all walks of life, and anyone working with the public in general will be able to share loads of stories that would disappoint.

One thing though, I'm not sure I would have my back to any kind of oncoming traffic.

 

[PK99]

Working with the TCV today, we were clearing weeds and overgrowth vegetation around a former station site on Marriot's Way in Norwich. It's a very popular shared pathway for cyclists, joggers, walkers with and without dogs and anyone taking a shortcut.
What we all noticed was that with the cyclists, although most went past us at a sensible speed for the circumstances; bearing in mind our work entailed us moving randomly around the site, there were a few who went past at speed, one nearly colliding with one of the volunteers.
What was particularly concerning though was that not one of the cyclists; fast or slow, gave any audible warning of their presence, either bell or vocal. They all appeared to assume that we knew they were there, even those of us with our backs to their approach.

Remind me, why do some people hate cyclists?

 

[Mike Ayling]

Working with the TCV today, we were clearing weeds and overgrowth vegetation around a former station site on Marriot's Way in Norwich. It's a very popular shared pathway for cyclists, joggers, walkers with and without dogs and anyone taking a shortcut.
What we all noticed was that with the cyclists, although most went past us at a sensible speed for the circumstances; bearing in mind our work entailed us moving randomly around the site, there were a few who went past at speed, one nearly colliding with one of the volunteers.
What was particularly concerning though was that not one of the cyclists; fast or slow, gave any audible warning of their presence, either bell or vocal. They all appeared to assume that we knew they were there, even those of us with our backs to their approach.

Usually on road bikes. These persons believe that they are entitled to do as they please

 

[Drago]

I'm sure they behave in the same way when driving their cars.

It's a problem of driver/rider bellendery, not of the nature of the vehicle.

 

[Punkawallah]

I stopped using a bell (which scared the shoot out of people) and went with ‘morning!’ or similar - seems to get a positive reaction.

 

[sheddy]

Can be completely unexpected when walking paths.
Has the recent craze for off-road racing bikes made it more common ?

 

[Electric_Andy]

IME there's a level of confidence required to shout or ring a bell. Lots of peopleare too "British" to alert their presence, as they think it's rude

 

[Dogtrousers]

So, in other words, nothing of note happened. But something nearly did.

 

[PK99]

IME there's a level of confidence required to shout or ring a bell. Lots of peopleare too "British" to alert their presence, as they think it's rude

In that case don't ride a bike.

 

[T4tomo]

Working with the TCV today, we were clearing weeds and overgrowth vegetation around a former station site on Marriot's Way in Norwich. It's a very popular shared pathway for cyclists, joggers, walkers with and without dogs and anyone taking a shortcut.
What we all noticed was that with the cyclists, although most went past us at a sensible speed for the circumstances; bearing in mind our work entailed us moving randomly around the site, there were a few who went past at speed, one nearly colliding with one of the volunteers.
What was particularly concerning though was that not one of the cyclists; fast or slow, gave any audible warning of their presence, either bell or vocal. They all appeared to assume that we knew they were there, even those of us with our backs to their approach.

I think you have a H&S issue here. You need to think more like road repair gang, you should have formally closed the trail for 3 weeks and done the work in 4 hours on 2 separate Tuesdays....

 

[albion]

IME there's a level of confidence required to shout or ring a bell. Lots of peopleare too "British" to alert their presence, as they think it's rude

Exactly. You also have to monitor where they jump to after the bell ring. If space permits I often pass slowly and safely.
And horses all react differently too. I try a light bell ring from distance, sometimes then getting 'why did you not ring the bell'.

 

[Dogtrousers]

I think you have a H&S issue here. You need to think more like road repair gang, you should have formally closed the trail for 3 weeks and done the work in 4 hours on 2 separate Tuesdays....

Seriously, even if you didn't go through formal processes, then a bit of H&S style thinking wouldn't come amiss.

Maybe inform workers not to go onto the path without first checking that it's clear. Also common sense would suggest that if you're going to obstruct the path then some signage is in order. Those simple precautions should prevent workers from (nearly) colliding with users of the path.

 

[Punkawallah]

A horse is typically a half ton accident waiting to happen. The only thing worse than one oncoming, is coming up behind one. Getting off and waiting is the usual tactic for me, or passing slowly in the opposite gutter.