I don't understand why cyclists seem to have such a hard time warning us when they're coming up behind my mom and I while we're walking the dogs on the multiuse trails. I don't think I could count the number of time we've had bthe coming flying past at full speed from behind, with absolutely no warning. It's so scary and dangerous when people do that, there've been several time where Gracie, who is my avatar, has been seconds away from stepping in front of an oncoming bike, which would be horrible for all three of us. You'd think people would want to give some kind of warning so we can get the dogs under control.
I've also had other cyclists do the same thing while I'm out on my bike. I almost clotheslined a guy a few weeks ago, because he came flying up behind me with no warning just as raised my arm to check my watch to see what time it was. If he had been just a few seconds faster I'm pretty sure would have elbowed him right in the throat.
And a couple of the horseback riders I've talked to said cyclists do the same thing to them, which is really fucking stupid. Yeah, most of the people who are riding out on the streets and trails are going to make sure their horses are OK with bikes and things like that, but even the best horses could spook under the right circumstances. And yes, I understand not everyone knows about horses, but you'd think when people saw a person riding on a 1000+lbs animal, they'd want to be careful around them. All it would take is one mistake and the horse could spook and run into the cyclist or throw the rider, and it could just be a complete disaster for everyone involved.
I always make sure I tell people I'm coming up behind them with enough time to react. I always try to give a little extra time and go a little slower if they have dogs. And when I'm going in the opposite direction of a person walking or riding a horse, I always stop until they pass me, and if I'm passing from behind I call in a way that won't spook the horse, and go past extra slow.
