Fit City

By austincyclist

September 27, 2010 2:01 PM | Link to this

Let’s remember, loud music belongs in a motorized vehicle. Not on the trail. A 10 speaker 1000 watt, hear it a mile away, thumper car with a protective metal cage, airbags all around, crumple zones, seat belts, 5 star crash rating.. they are 100% protected. The only ppl they can hurt are those pesky cyclists (unless cyclist is wearing helmet, they they are 100% safe) and pedestrians (when they cross the street from the hippie trails they’re on).. but no worries, America doesn’t have strict liabiliity laws, so in many cases, if the motorist just says “I didn’t see em”, they get the same fine as hitting a deer.. so more bonus points to the motorist.. listen to the music, text, chat, eat, drink and drive.. hit anything ya want.. worst case you’ll have to take the car to the shop for a bit.. in fact, just get these so-called runners and cyclists off the trail, lets pave it and put some vehicles there..

But seriously.. isn’t it kinda a car vs bicycle type deal? but now its bicycle vs. bicycle w/ headphones.. either way, one is getting held up and wants to pass.. trail rage? at least in a ped-vs-ped or bike vs bike.. less chance of death..

By Jeff S

September 27, 2010 2:19 PM | Link to this

I enjoy music while I bike and run, and will continue to do so. I listen at a level which allows me to hear what’s going on around me. What you’re basically asking is for people not to be stupid. Unfortunately, that’s just not possible.

By rg

September 27, 2010 3:19 PM | Link to this

I’ve noticed a different side effect - I no longer say hello to people on the trail, because 9 times out of 10 (yes, it really is that prevalent), they are in their headphones and ignore me completely.

It’s just lame.

By Jim

September 27, 2010 8:42 PM | Link to this

I see what you’re saying, and there are plenty of people with a lack of trail etiquette or courtesy. However, you also have to remember that safely passing is your responsibility and it’s not a big secret that the hike and bike trail isn’t the place to be doing any type of speed.

By Rusty Shackleford

September 27, 2010 8:55 PM | Link to this

While I agree with you that it’s rather annoying when large groups of people all walk side-by-side on the sometimes narrow trails, I have to disagree with you on the headphone issue. I run Town Lake 3-4 times a week with headphones on and have never had a problem hearing anything in my surroundings.

The majority of the responsibility falls on bicyclists (who generally are riding way too fast on the trails, mind you) to watch out for runners, and not the other way around.

My suggestion would be to ditch the bike and just hoof it…. and to please not worry about us responsible adults who can run and listen to music at the same time.

By Pam LeBlanc

September 27, 2010 8:55 PM | Link to this

Jim I totally agree. The hike and bike trail is a slow biking zone. But it’s still problematic when there are people in the middle of the trail and I need to go around them. Pam

By Rusty Shackleford

September 27, 2010 11:19 PM | Link to this

Apologies for the tone of my previous post. Didn’t mean to come off like a jerk…… guess I just get a little worked up concerning trail etiquette, as well.

By Pam LeBlanc

September 28, 2010 7:16 AM | Link to this

No worries Rusty. I have to take the Lady Bird Lake trail for the last mile of my commute to work. Rest of the time I’m on the road or less populated trails.

By austincyclist

September 28, 2010 8:00 AM | Link to this

Sorry my initial comment took it on a bike vs car rant.. I reread it, and it was some poor writing on my side and deviated off topic.. I meant to initially make the point.. that in cars, ppl jam out and somehow survive, while can’t trail users do the same?

By Kahn Souphanousinphone

September 28, 2010 11:51 AM | Link to this

As Pam stated, walking three abreast is a massive hazard on the Town Lake trails. I try to make it to the trails early enough that the traffic is light, but once I’ve made it to the Longhorn Dam and crossing back to the trails, everyone is oblivious to others. Walking three abreast and chatting, while runners, joggers and bikers are queued up behind you is NOT cool. Share the trails and you’ll be saved from numerous “rude” runners, joggers and bikers who are trying to pass you. If not, walk your trio to a coffee shop and talk…it’ll save everyone from becoming frustrated, especially if they have to encounter your trio multiple times on the trails.

By Mike

September 28, 2010 1:11 PM | Link to this

When I’m running I like to listen to upbeat music. It keeps the tempo of my run up and is motivation. Headphones aren’t a bad thing and their fine for the trail. People should be more aware of running on the right side of the trail and not taking up the whole path, than headphones on others.

By nicole

October 8, 2010 9:52 AM | Link to this

The trial is for everyone, and some people absolutely need to be reminded of this. I was in Vancouver, BC recently and their trails were very well organized. Stripe down the middle, walkers and runners on the right, bikers and roller bladers on the left. And there were signs everywhere stating what side you should be on.

Perhaps Austin could put up some signs reminding walkers and runners to to stick to the right and allow faster traffic to flow by on the left.

As to your desire to do away altogether with headphones on the trail … I’m sorry, but no. Bike riders must yield to pedestrians, period. It’s a safety issue. It amuses me that the bikers in this city expect everyone to bend over backwards for them.