Rules of the trail  − 6 August, 2008

Hikers and bikers can be friends, or they can be adversaries. For the most part I have found cyclists to be polite and respectful of hikers. The rare cyclist is so polite as to be almost comical.

On my favorite trail, up until this week the cyclists have been very well mannered. The last four or five, however, are beginning to make me cranky. I politely step aside, and get no acknowledgment. If this happens once but the other cyclists are polite, I write it off as one bad apple.

Unfortunately, enough cyclists have been rude this week that I’m not going to step aside any more until I hear the words “excuse me”. This is not forever; this is just until I start seeing some better trail manners.

So, cyclists, listen up:

1. When approaching a hiker, say “excuse me”.

2. When a hiker has stepped aside for you, say “thank you”.

3. If you can’t manage either 1 or 2, then at least give the hiker a big friendly smile.

4. If you can’t manage any of 1, 2, or 3, then you are a lout with no manners.

Advantages to following these rules include:

1. Increased goodwill on the trail.

2. An increase in your good karma.

3. An overall population of hikers more likely to step out of your way.

Repercussions for not following these rules could include:

1. An overall image of cyclists as being rude.

2. An aggravated hiker sticking a large branch in your spokes or simply refusing to get out of your way.

These rules are easy to follow. In my long experience, most cyclists are able to follow them. If you’re not following these rules, you are making the world a worse place instead of a better place.