We were out on the Burke-Gilman Trail in the U District yesterday afternoon to see how people are interacting with our summertime trail safety campaign signs and on-trail stenciling. 
With messages such as “Slow down and give more space”, “Bring your furry friend closer” and “Free your ears”, the campaign features a series of friendly reminders to be a respectful trail user.
The Burke-Gilman is a multi-use trail, and to avoid incidents and conflict, we’re urging people to slow down, be aware and simply look out for each other.
“I think they’re pretty, for one. It’s a nice design and I agree with all of the messages. It’s a nice idea,” said an UW employee who bike-commutes daily from West Seattle.
The signs are part of a pilot program, and we wanted to hear from you what other messages you want to share with your fellow trail users.
“’Three is too many,’” said a bike commuter of 30 years. “People really shouldn’t walk three abreast.”
“Don’t text while you’re walking,” suggested a walker who also frequently bikes on the trail. “In fact, get off your phone altogether when you’re on the trail.”
“Don’t pass without calling out,” added another walker. “I walk this trail multiple times a day, and I’ve been hit once. There’s room for everyone. Slow down!”
Other passerby expressed concerns about inconsistent signage, lack of enforced speed limits, and trail conditions. Some even preferred to see the trail be split in lanes, separating the bicyclists from the pedestrians.
While our Bicycle Ambassadors offered to pump people’s bike tires and handed out Seattle bike maps, we observed a high number of bicyclists zipping by with dual headphones in who couldn’t hear what we were saying.
KOMO News also stopped by yesterday. See their coverage, here.
The messages will be posted throughout Seattle this summer so be on the lookout. Our next Energizer Station is slated for Sunday, July 29 at Log Boom Park in Kenmore, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
In the meantime, leave your suggestions for more signs in the comment section below.
Another useful tip, “Lock the leash.” Too often dog owners have the expandable leashes and when an excited or spooked dog lunges after a bike it’s a disaster waiting to happen!
“Buy a Bell!”
Bicyclists are so oblivious! You don’t even realize that, because of its high frequency pitch, a bicycle bell conveys little or no spatial information. Ringing your bell and shouting “on your left!” two seconds before whizzing by someone at 20 miles an hour with two feet to spare might satisfy your twisted view of trail etiquette, but it doesn’t even come close to actual courtesy.
Hi, I’d like to know what you feel would be actual courtesy from a bicycle passing a pedestrian. When you are walking on the trail, what do you need from a bicyclist to feel safe when the bicycle is overtaking and passing you? (Honest question, feed back will be thoughtfully considered. )
Verbal warning (voice or bell) AND a minimum of 3′ (not inches) separation.
Slowing to <15mph is also desirable. (10mph even better). 22mph silent passes definitely have a "startle" effect (read, "heart attack" potential).
I try to remember to thank people as I pass them, and sometomes I hear them thank me. It’s not a safety requirement, but helps as all remember we’re human.
All Traffic Keep Right Except When Passing
Signal IN ADVANCE When Passing: At Least Three Spaced Bell Rings
Speed Limit: 15MPH
Two-Way Traffic: Don’t Walk Three Abreast
Short Leash All Dogs
Don’t Use Your Phone While Cycling
Oh my gosh, do I have to sound like the gormless country dweller when I express surprise that people use their phones while riding their bikes on the BGT? That’s…wow. Just wow.
As an early morning bicycle commuter once or twice a week, I’m on the trail well before sunup. I am surpprized at the number of pedestrians wearing dark clothing without a sinlge refective item. Even with a headlight. I can’t see them until I’m on top of them.
Other cyclists wit super bright lights in the darkness, when oncoming, I can’t see a thing until they’re past. I find the lowest setting on my light is sufficient in the pre-dawn darkness.
a bell ring or an “on your left” or “passing left”, and slowing to my pace if it is not yet safe to pass with a couple feet to spare. If I am less than 10 years old, how about slowing to my pace even if it looks safe to pass, because I might suddenly change direction and dart out in front of you for absolutely no reason that you might think of.
When I’m walking, sometimes with the kids on the trail, the biggest thing I want is slower speed around us and behavior that acknowledges kids are somewhat unpredictable. They don’t want to collide with bikes, and you don’t want to collide with them. Bells from a distance give me a chance to remind them (again) to stay on the right.
As a runner, I loath the close pass. I often wonder if people are trying to make a point, like “I can pass you with inches to spare then zoom away and you can’t catch me.” It’s plain rude. If you’re close enough that I could reach my arm out and touch you, you’re too close to me. Then there are the stealthy riders who suddenly say “On your left” right in my ear. That’s very startling and unpleasant.