LETTER: Respecting All Users Of The Chester Valley Trail

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While reading through some of the articles on the Patch this morning, I stumbled across the letter posted here: http://patch.com/pennsylvania/te/letter-speed-limit-ignored-chester-valley-trail-cyclists

I have a few issues with it, the first being it makes very broad assumptions. As a cyclist who uses the path, typically for easy rides or to connect west to more quiet roads, I do not enjoy being tossed into a bucket of lawless "racers" who have little disregardful for safety.

For one, I ride responsibly and as respectfully as possible. Often times cyclists encounter dangers including long leash or even off leash pets, runners with earphones in making them unable to hear an audible passing request, or large groups that walk the width of the trail.

Every time I encounter something that could cause a collision, I do the same thing: I reduce my speed, say something hoping the other trail user will hear me, and pass when it's safe at a slow speed, and then even if the person ignored me throughout the entire process, I say “Thank you." I act essentially the same way I wish a car would overtake when I ride on the road.

Why?

I know what it is like to fall off a bicycle. It hurts. Striking a runner or walker on a multi use trail will certainly result in a crash, which will hurt everyone involved. Like most people, I am a decent person who actually cares about others well being.

We can argue how dangerous each offense is, but one thing is held in common; lack of respect. Trail users need to respect each other.

If you see somebody on the trail do something irresponsible, may I suggest you calmly and politely say something to them.

-Mike Festa