[pct-l] Bikes on the PCT

[Stephanie Best]

I have to agree, Lindsey, and I wish I had an answer but I don't now how it's 
supposed to work--I would think, if bikers are to yield to hikers then they 
should slow on the approach of a blind corner in case there might be someone 
there.  My general opinion is that they feel as though they are the only users 
of the trail and completely disregard the fact that someone may be around the 
next corner.  Of course, I have no concrete statistics but stats mean nothing 
when you are out there worried (or scared) that you are going to be hit.  It 
completely takes away the serenity of being out in nature.  And, yes, there are 
always those exceptions but, for me and where I live, it's best to stay away on 
weekends.

Stephanie


________________________________
From: Lindsey Sommer <lgsommer at gmail.com>
To: Stephanie Best <stephintahoe at sbcglobal.net>
Cc: PCT-l <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Wed, October 10, 2012 11:49:20 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Bikes on the PCT

Here's something I don't understand, trail damage aside (which is obviously a 
HUGE concern), I'm wondering how safety works in a hike/bike situation. Bob and 
Stephanie might have some input. I'm less concerned about areas that offer 
easier viability, but how do blind corners work in a hike/bike situation?? 


I was watching some YouTube videos earlier, and I know from my own experience 
that they can FLY around turns and trees etc. Does the courteous biker just slow 
down at every turn? It would really freak me out to have to constantly be 
listening around corners for speeding bikers. So much so that I'd just as well 
NOT hike there. The logistics of this just don't seem to add up...

Lindsey

Sent from my iPhone



I have to strongly disagree with you Bob.  I live in a town (in CO) with a huge 
mountain bike presence (the town is dubbed "Mountain bike capital of the USA"). 
 It has gotten to the point where my friends and I simply do not hike during the 
weekends because we have the added bike traffic from the Front Rangers who take 
over the trails.  We have been bumped with handle bars, our dogs have been 
injured and we have been cussed out for not hearing them behind us.  It is not 
my job to constantly be looking behind me to see if I'm in a bikers way.  Not 
once has a biker yielded to me.  

I hope you will reconsider your position.

Stephanie