I ask this question respectfully. I wonder what the goal of the trails really is? Is it for enjoying nature, hiking with family including strollers or for commuter bikers? How can the two worlds - relaxation and enjoyment biking and hiking vs the commuter - be reconciled?Originally Posted by bae
Gandhi: Happiness is when what you think, what you say and what you do are in harmony .
The trails I used were in northern Wisconsin and for recreation. One was next to a river. They weren’t commuting trails.
I think that is a big issue - there are clearly different sorts of trails you'd want to construct to cover the "recreation/nature" use, and the "bicycles as efficient transportation" uses. Using the same trail for both purposes seems problematic - the commuter-trails presumably want to be efficiently-connected to destinations, for instance.
The trails I referred to in my post generally are recreational in nature. There are several "trunk lines", if you will, which are purpose-built as connectors or are converted abandoned railroad right of way. Pedestrian traffic is permitted on those, too, but the combination of pedestrians, recreational cyclists, and commuters seems better -- the pedestrians are not on that path to dawdle and enjoy the sights, and the faster and slower bicyclists can sort out speed differences as car drivers do.
But so many roads here are poorly set up for bicycle use. Despite their being considered vehicles, bicycles almost always take the hindmost relative to cars and trucks unless there is at the very least a painted stripe (plastic bollards or such on the road help more). Many roads are one or two lanes in either direction and the shoulder very often is where bicyclists end up -- a shoulder with lots of debris and, too often, broken pavement. So cyclists go after the paths that expose them (and their bikes) to less potential damage. Not a happy combination. And this in a region largely renowned for the quality of its bike transportation.
Success is to be measured not so much by the position that one has reached in life as by the obstacles which he has overcome. - Booker T. Washington
Our dedicated bike/walking trails here have plenty of use from bike racers, electric bikes which I see going really fast, and recreational walkers and bikes. It's not a good situation. I avoid weekends, but early mornings and off-seasons are very nice. As far as compatibility goes, it's probably subjective.
Congratulations Bae on what sounds like a great ride in the United Kingdom on a Brompton, one of the best folding bicycles. I rode a folding bike in Philadelphia during a prolonged transit strike and managed well. Philadelphia now has a system of rental bike stations which allow the rider to pick up and leave the bike at the tart and end of their rides. That's a good option for getting around as well.
Had a car to the mechanics last week and on the way passed someone riding up the hill on what looked to be an electric bike. As it turns out, it was the wife of my mechanic and I asked her about the bike. It was a Pedego electric bike and I really liked it. Went home and looked it up on the internet... Wow! I have expensive taste! LOL.
To the world you may be one person, but to one person you may be the world. - Anon.
Be nice whenever possible. It's always possible. - Dalai Lama
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