The Weymouth dog walker v cyclist war lol

sigorman85

Found this in my local paper to be honest it's a predictable out come but worth a read if you have time

There is a number of cycling shops in Weymouth and lots of people have bikes here this path is smooth Tarmac and is flat and it does have "strava " segments on it. It's a direct route to Portland frkm weymouth or Portland to Weymouth and takes about 10 mins to do rather than riding through the towns potholed roads and stupid traffic light system ....

So let me no what you would say or add to the comments

http://www.dorsetecho.co.uk/news/haveyo ... mmentsList

Hollow-legs

I think we as cyclists should ride expecting dog walkers and dogs not to move ,be deaf ,be generally inconsiderate towards us !
If am on a cycle path or shared walkway ,i am aware of others in front of me and slow down, wait for them to notice that i am behind them,,sometimes a loud cough helps,if they are not wearing headphones!

We have a limited number of shared cycle ways/paths here ,what we do have has a line down the middle ,but that does not stop dog walkers ,walkers from straying!

I have thought about carrying a water pistol with me to squirt at walkers with headphones on in the back or at dogs who try and chase me ,thinking i am a large lycra hare!!

On the question of dogs ,why do little dogs always bark or are scared of cyclists!!

I think we should all live together in peace and harmony!

danlikesbikes

Its a tough one really.

The letter writer is quite clearly anti cyclist, but does make a good point that dogs ought not to be forced to be on a lead.

We have plenty of similar paths in MK and most users being runners, cyclists, walkers and dog walkers (though many are also horse bridal ways too) are pretty sensible and understand that we all have to get along.

Think the issue is that some dog walkers hate cyclists (as per the letter writer) and see us a menace & that some cyclists hate dog walkers as they are considered to be ignorant.

I see plenty of ignorant walkers & dog walkers wether I am on my bike, running or walking. You know the type the ones who take up all the path, don't bother to move and often see you coming and just don't have the plain decency to retract their extendable dog lead rather than leave the dog on one side & them on the other with the lead across the path. But I also see cyclists who never thank walkers or dog walkers for moving over who perhaps ride too fast & too close to people.

If I were to add to the comments in the link it would be as Hollow-legs says 'we all need to get along and live together'

teisetrotter

The problem is there are too many of us humans in general. The solution is to chill, smile, hold your hand up and apologise or say thank you, your fault or not. You then own the moral high ground .......... I do this with all motorists and in fact put my hand up to say thank you when I am on my bike, when in my car, when I am crossing a zebra crossing etc at every opportunity whether it is my right of way or I have been a bit thoughtless or or if I have made a mistake.

It is amazing how you see 99% of peoples frustration melt away.

It is the same issue with those people who tail gate learners, beep old people who get a bit indecisive, or get angry when somebody has the temerity to make the slightest mistake. Just smile, wave and move on. You win and humility is a sign of ultimate self confidence.

Hear endeth the lesson