Cycling Specific Signs - Cheers and Jeers
#27
meh
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Two signs close to my house:
I'm happy to see this, but it's kinda disappointing that you need a sign to explain this to people driving
File this under ???? What is "Safe Speeds"? These popped up earlier this year on either side of a new seniors apartment adjacent to a rail-trail. I'm sure the seniors are complaining about those 'fast cyclists', but there are no speed limits on these trails. Additionally, I wonder if these same seniors use 'safe speed' when passing me riding my bike on the road while they are driving their minivan?
I'm happy to see this, but it's kinda disappointing that you need a sign to explain this to people driving
File this under ???? What is "Safe Speeds"? These popped up earlier this year on either side of a new seniors apartment adjacent to a rail-trail. I'm sure the seniors are complaining about those 'fast cyclists', but there are no speed limits on these trails. Additionally, I wonder if these same seniors use 'safe speed' when passing me riding my bike on the road while they are driving their minivan?
#28
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Two signs close to my house:
File this under ???? What is "Safe Speeds"? These popped up earlier this year on either side of a new seniors apartment adjacent to a rail-trail. I'm sure the seniors are complaining about those 'fast cyclists', but there are no speed limits on these trails. Additionally, I wonder if these same seniors use 'safe speed' when passing me riding my bike on the road while they are driving their minivan?
File this under ???? What is "Safe Speeds"? These popped up earlier this year on either side of a new seniors apartment adjacent to a rail-trail. I'm sure the seniors are complaining about those 'fast cyclists', but there are no speed limits on these trails. Additionally, I wonder if these same seniors use 'safe speed' when passing me riding my bike on the road while they are driving their minivan?
Yeah, if senior housing really is right next to the path, you really probably should slow down for a small stretch. Big deal. If the sign makes the seniors feel a little bit more secure using the path, what's wrong with that?
#29
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They put up a bunch of signs about using appropriate speeds on the Minuteman after a rider got killed in a head on with another cyclist. I think this is pretty innocuous, and actually gives cyclists some credit for using their judgment to determine what speed is safe. I wouldn't complain about them posting this instead of posting an arbitrary speed limit--it's really an acknowledgment that the safe speed is going to vary from section to section.
Yeah, if senior housing really is right next to the path, you really probably should slow down for a small stretch. Big deal. If the sign makes the seniors feel a little bit more secure using the path, what's wrong with that?
Yeah, if senior housing really is right next to the path, you really probably should slow down for a small stretch. Big deal. If the sign makes the seniors feel a little bit more secure using the path, what's wrong with that?
Like I said, file under "???" - It's not terribly helpful, except to give the old people the opportunity to shake an angry fist at a person biking 'too fast'. A better sign would alert trail users that there are elderly trail users and use additional caution while passing (and that's what I do).
To the credit of Three Rivers Park District (managing this trail), the backs of the signs remind trail users to stay right and share the trail.
There's another seniors building a few miles east of this new (huge) building, it's had no issues with residence using the trail safely. I frequently pass a vision-impaired elder man, if he's not having issues, I'm sure the new seniors will be just fine.
To be totally honest, the new seniors apartment has caused me and others a lot of heartburn in the short time the building has been there ... these signs just flare up the pain of past issues.
Last edited by Hypno Toad; 10-18-19 at 06:45 AM. Reason: typo - of course
#30
I used a short section of a MUP this Summer and it was the most over the top thing that I've ridden. Signed with pavement markings like a road. Solid yellow for no passing, dashed for passing and all kinds of Nervous Nellie signage.
#31
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No big deal, it'd be a much bigger issue if somebody tried to force a speed limit on these trails.
Like I said, file under "???" - It's not terribly helpful, except to give the old people the opportunity to shake an angry fist at a person biking 'too fast'. A better sign would alert trail users that there are elderly trail users and use additional caution while passing (and that's what I do).
To the credit of Three Rivers Park District (managing this trail), the backs of the signs remind trail users to stay right and share the trail.
There's another seniors building a few miles east of this new (huge) building, it's had no issues with residence using the trail safely. I frequently pass a vision-impaired elder man, if he's not having issues, I'm sure the new seniors will be just fine.
To be totally honest, the new seniors apartment has caused me and others a lot of heartburn in the short time the building has been there ... these signs just flare up the pain of past issues.
Like I said, file under "???" - It's not terribly helpful, except to give the old people the opportunity to shake an angry fist at a person biking 'too fast'. A better sign would alert trail users that there are elderly trail users and use additional caution while passing (and that's what I do).
To the credit of Three Rivers Park District (managing this trail), the backs of the signs remind trail users to stay right and share the trail.
There's another seniors building a few miles east of this new (huge) building, it's had no issues with residence using the trail safely. I frequently pass a vision-impaired elder man, if he's not having issues, I'm sure the new seniors will be just fine.
To be totally honest, the new seniors apartment has caused me and others a lot of heartburn in the short time the building has been there ... these signs just flare up the pain of past issues.
I don't get the "heartburn" bit. When I ride a path, I know there are places where I have to slow way down and other places where I can ride fast. That's true of just about any traffic artery.
#32
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In fairness, though, you wouldn't necessarily know who they were trying to reassure with what are essentially "go slow here" signs because they would probably be people who were too nervous to use the path.
I don't get the "heartburn" bit. When I ride a path, I know there are places where I have to slow way down and other places where I can ride fast. That's true of just about any traffic artery.
I don't get the "heartburn" bit. When I ride a path, I know there are places where I have to slow way down and other places where I can ride fast. That's true of just about any traffic artery.
These signs have the same purpose as school zone signs on the roads, the signs explain the reason you need to drive with extra cause, not just 'slow down'. Or a curve sign that's warning you to slow because of the road conditions. Simply "slow down" isn't helpful and just a little annoying.
Three Rivers manages over 240 miles of bike trails. I live where 5 of these trails come together, so I ride most of these 240 miles. Oddly, this the only place I've seen these "safe speed" signs, so they stand out as unique. Like I said before, there are many other seniors facilities along these trails. Funny enough, slow down sign near the middle school would be better, dozens of kids spill on to the trail that runs past the school as classes lets out and they are not paying attention to anything ... ever. (I avoid riding this trail in the afternoon hours, distracted drivers are less dangerous )
Rabbit hole, off topic, long story:
The heartburn is related to the builders of this seniors apartment forcing leases to be broken to accelerate the construction of this apartment (all about the $$$). One of the businesses was where I boarded my dogs, small locally owned business that I'd worked with for years. I had a trip planned and dogs booked, when the developers forced the boarding house to close, leaving me to scrambling to find another place for our dogs on Thanksgiving week. It took that boarding house over a year to find a new location and get back in business. That sucks, it's nothing to do with the people that live there, but was the start of the heartburn.
The next heartburn is it's own thread - Advocating new Single-tracks in my town ... so much ignorant hate - see the pic in post 5, you can see the apartment in the background.
Lastly, I've been caring for a few elder women in my life during the last few years. To be clear, I am an advocate for the elder (as well as people biking). OTOH I have an issue with the way some are trying to force changes to long existing trails and parks to conform to their wants instead of adapting to the place they picked to live. This article is related, but not directly connected to this issue - Progressive Boomers Are Making It Impossible For Cities To Fix The Housing Crisis
In summation, the signs are just ??? - not a cheer or a jeer, just kinda WTF? and yes, there's a lot of baggage that I bring along this assessment, I'm certain nearly no one else has even noticed the sign.
#33
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Like you, I know my routes well and know when I can put down the power and when the route can hide a danger. I have never crashed with another trail user, ever. And to that point, I don't know of any crashes at this location.
These signs have the same purpose as school zone signs on the roads, the signs explain the reason you need to drive with extra cause, not just 'slow down'. Or a curve sign that's warning you to slow because of the road conditions. Simply "slow down" isn't helpful and just a little annoying.
Three Rivers manages over 240 miles of bike trails. I live where 5 of these trails come together, so I ride most of these 240 miles. Oddly, this the only place I've seen these "safe speed" signs, so they stand out as unique. Like I said before, there are many other seniors facilities along these trails. Funny enough, slow down sign near the middle school would be better, dozens of kids spill on to the trail that runs past the school as classes lets out and they are not paying attention to anything ... ever. (I avoid riding this trail in the afternoon hours, distracted drivers are less dangerous )
Rabbit hole, off topic, long story:
The heartburn is related to the builders of this seniors apartment forcing leases to be broken to accelerate the construction of this apartment (all about the $$$). One of the businesses was where I boarded my dogs, small locally owned business that I'd worked with for years. I had a trip planned and dogs booked, when the developers forced the boarding house to close, leaving me to scrambling to find another place for our dogs on Thanksgiving week. It took that boarding house over a year to find a new location and get back in business. That sucks, it's nothing to do with the people that live there, but was the start of the heartburn.
The next heartburn is it's own thread - Advocating new Single-tracks in my town ... so much ignorant hate - see the pic in post 5, you can see the apartment in the background.
Lastly, I've been caring for a few elder women in my life during the last few years. To be clear, I am an advocate for the elder (as well as people biking). OTOH I have an issue with the way some are trying to force changes to long existing trails and parks to conform to their wants instead of adapting to the place they picked to live. This article is related, but not directly connected to this issue - Progressive Boomers Are Making It Impossible For Cities To Fix The Housing Crisis
In summation, the signs are just ??? - not a cheer or a jeer, just kinda WTF? and yes, there's a lot of baggage that I bring along this assessment, I'm certain nearly no one else has even noticed the sign.
These signs have the same purpose as school zone signs on the roads, the signs explain the reason you need to drive with extra cause, not just 'slow down'. Or a curve sign that's warning you to slow because of the road conditions. Simply "slow down" isn't helpful and just a little annoying.
Three Rivers manages over 240 miles of bike trails. I live where 5 of these trails come together, so I ride most of these 240 miles. Oddly, this the only place I've seen these "safe speed" signs, so they stand out as unique. Like I said before, there are many other seniors facilities along these trails. Funny enough, slow down sign near the middle school would be better, dozens of kids spill on to the trail that runs past the school as classes lets out and they are not paying attention to anything ... ever. (I avoid riding this trail in the afternoon hours, distracted drivers are less dangerous )
Rabbit hole, off topic, long story:
The heartburn is related to the builders of this seniors apartment forcing leases to be broken to accelerate the construction of this apartment (all about the $$$). One of the businesses was where I boarded my dogs, small locally owned business that I'd worked with for years. I had a trip planned and dogs booked, when the developers forced the boarding house to close, leaving me to scrambling to find another place for our dogs on Thanksgiving week. It took that boarding house over a year to find a new location and get back in business. That sucks, it's nothing to do with the people that live there, but was the start of the heartburn.
The next heartburn is it's own thread - Advocating new Single-tracks in my town ... so much ignorant hate - see the pic in post 5, you can see the apartment in the background.
Lastly, I've been caring for a few elder women in my life during the last few years. To be clear, I am an advocate for the elder (as well as people biking). OTOH I have an issue with the way some are trying to force changes to long existing trails and parks to conform to their wants instead of adapting to the place they picked to live. This article is related, but not directly connected to this issue - Progressive Boomers Are Making It Impossible For Cities To Fix The Housing Crisis
In summation, the signs are just ??? - not a cheer or a jeer, just kinda WTF? and yes, there's a lot of baggage that I bring along this assessment, I'm certain nearly no one else has even noticed the sign.
Sign 1: Lookin' good
Sign 2: In your jersey and bike pants
Sign 3: Watch your speed
Sign 4: This ain't Tour d'France
A few problems with this--
It's actually distracting, taking your eyes off the path multiple times
The signs are temporary on stakes, so oftentimes one or more out of the series gets knocked down, making the whole thing pretty confusing
The only guidance on them is "watch your speed", so it's not especially helpful.
Personally, I find that "cute" gets annoying with repetition
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#34
Senior Member
So just wondering, on any “sidewalk” anywhere?
You’re lookin’ good
In your wedges and “bike” shorts
But watch your step
This isn’t a fashion course
(p.s. Cary didn’t crash “head on,” they clipped handlebars. There is NO evidence that speed was a factor. Lexington plans to post 15 mph speed limit signs, but Cambridge, Arlington and Bedford...? And Lexington’s “Burma Shave” signs predate the crash.)
-mr. bill
You’re lookin’ good
In your wedges and “bike” shorts
But watch your step
This isn’t a fashion course
(p.s. Cary didn’t crash “head on,” they clipped handlebars. There is NO evidence that speed was a factor. Lexington plans to post 15 mph speed limit signs, but Cambridge, Arlington and Bedford...? And Lexington’s “Burma Shave” signs predate the crash.)
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 10-18-19 at 10:59 AM.
#35
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So just wondering, on any “sidewalk” anywhere?
You’re lookin’ good
In your wedges and “bike” shorts
But watch your step
This isn’t a fashion course
(p.s. Cary didn’t crash “head on,” they clipped handlebars. There is NO evidence that speed was a factor. Lexington plans to post 15 mph speed limit signs, but Cambridge, Arlington and Bedford...? And Lexington’s “Burma Shave” signs predate the crash.)
-mr. bill
You’re lookin’ good
In your wedges and “bike” shorts
But watch your step
This isn’t a fashion course
(p.s. Cary didn’t crash “head on,” they clipped handlebars. There is NO evidence that speed was a factor. Lexington plans to post 15 mph speed limit signs, but Cambridge, Arlington and Bedford...? And Lexington’s “Burma Shave” signs predate the crash.)
-mr. bill
Never actually got the details on the crash and I now see it was coincidence that I first saw the Burma Shave signs right after it, thanks for the info. I'm having a hard time imagining clipping handlebars at a slow speed, AND landing hard enough to be killed under those circumstances. I seem to recall the initial reports were they were going in opposite directions--is that not true?
I can see why Lexington would be more prone to putting the speed limit on--that stretch by the old Lexington train station is a lot of people going in different directions on foot, in cars and on bikes.
I think the pedestrian equivalent might be to tell people to wear sensible heels.
#36
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No pic, but the Stone Mountain Trail (and other metro Atlanta MUPs) all have signs forbidding (by state law#) any motorized vehicles except wheelchairs.... Channel 46, Stone Mountain City employees, and an uncountable slew of contractors (trucks) can't arse themselves to read or givadamn.... Likewise the authorities....
#37
genec
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Motorists don't see those bike lane signs... and they then wonder "why is this cyclist suddenly in "my" lane?
So "BIKE LANE ENDS" should always have a "CYCLIST WILL USE FULL LANE" with it... just so the drivers get a clue.
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#38
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#40
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#41
Senior Member
This time of year I get a blinding reminder that I should avoid looking directly at traffic signs when my helmet light is on. Reflectors send the light directly back to its source, and when the source is a few inches from your eyes you get the full blast.
#42
Senior Member
That's what I do to check my light is aimed properly. So when I stare into the driver's window, I know my light would be shining directly into his face making it more difficult for him to drive forward if he can't see what he's driving into. So I hope.
#43
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#48
meh
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We seem to have a battle of "no bikes on sidewalk" and "bikes use sidewalk"
Risking an A&S side conversation, it's easy to see why people are confused about where 'bikes belong'. Every town treats bike infrastructure differently.
In the Twin Cities, you can ride a contiguous rail-trail from Minneapolis to Chaska (~25 miles). The trail runs through 7 cities (and 4? changes in trail's name), each city treats trail crossings at roads totally different. In Minneapolis, at some of the crossings the bike route has right of way (no stop) and cross traffic on the road has the stop sign; but in neighboring St Louis Park trail crossing is treated like jaywalking - crossing mid-block with no rights and minimal road markings. I will make it a project of getting pictures of each of these diverse crossings and post them here.
Risking an A&S side conversation, it's easy to see why people are confused about where 'bikes belong'. Every town treats bike infrastructure differently.
In the Twin Cities, you can ride a contiguous rail-trail from Minneapolis to Chaska (~25 miles). The trail runs through 7 cities (and 4? changes in trail's name), each city treats trail crossings at roads totally different. In Minneapolis, at some of the crossings the bike route has right of way (no stop) and cross traffic on the road has the stop sign; but in neighboring St Louis Park trail crossing is treated like jaywalking - crossing mid-block with no rights and minimal road markings. I will make it a project of getting pictures of each of these diverse crossings and post them here.
#49
Senior Member
This one always has left me puzzling.
What if I have two or more bikes? (N+1?)
If I walk, can I walk WITH my bike?
Can I *carry* my bike across as I walk?
Or is it just NO BIKE FOR YOU!
-mr. bill
What if I have two or more bikes? (N+1?)
If I walk, can I walk WITH my bike?
Can I *carry* my bike across as I walk?
Or is it just NO BIKE FOR YOU!
-mr. bill
Last edited by mr_bill; 11-04-19 at 01:19 PM.
#50
You will have to check your local laws, but here in California a person is considered a pedestrian if they are walking a bicycle. They only become a vehicle if they are riding it.