For all the new bike riders - Should cyclists say "on your left?"

[NNN0LHI]

http://featuresblogs.chicagotribune.com/features_julieshealthclub/2008/06/shhh-im-passing.html

Originally posted: June 24, 2008

During a recent discussion about whether Trikkes belong on the lakefront path, Adam B. admitted he regularly commits this cycling faux pas:

"I never warn anybody when I pass them, because that gives them enough warning to jump out in front and get nailed," he wrote "(People) hear 'on your left!' and then move to their left! Better just to slip by and be out of the way before they know it."

[SeattleGirl]

1. I always warn those I am going to pass.

And I've never had anyone move in the direction I say I am passing on. But that's probably because I bike on a path, and everyone seems to know the "rules".

[DS1]

2. What an odd argument

everyone's used to it. even a new person should figure it out pretty quick. It's usually tempting to not shift left into traffic, and you're not often chased by carless heads talking to you .

[Carnea]

3. Let me tell you last time I ran over a cycylist I had to replace two tires and my windshield

Lesson learned....

[Gormy Cuss]

4. Never had someone move to the left when I said that.

Become startled, yes. It's also common to see no reaction at all.

Some of the regional trails around here require announcement before passing pedestrians, either by bell or by voice.

It hardly matters, though. As the person on the moving vehicle it's my job to minimize the chance for a collision with a pedestrian.

[taterguy]

5. I bought a polite air horn

Our local multi-use path is popular with joggers who jog two or three abreast on a narrow trail. Saying something just confuses them, if they even hear me over their MP3 players.

[underpants]

6. Yes

and this person clearly doesn't know what they are talking about

[InternalDialogue]

7. Make enough noise before you're close enough to startle

I've been on both sides, and when I'm being passed, I'd rather get a heads up someone's behind me before they're right on my tail. Too many times I had no idea and got the bejeezus scared out of me by someone passing without warning or warning me when there's no time to react.

When I ride, I'll whistle, clear my throat, or start my warning when I'm far enough back I can at least catch their attention. When I'm closer, I'll call "on your left" when they already know I'm there.

[Roon]

8. i was zipping along on my inlines on a bike path

I said,"On your left" to a cyclist towing a baby and he crashed!...the baby was fine, but the bike's front wheels were bent beyond repair.