From before ever riding a bike or running, until now, I've noticed a very stark difference in the type of person I encounter in sharing a public space.
Whether it's on the road, a multi use trail, gravel trail, greenway, sidewalk, or otherwise.
In general I feel the dedicated endurance athlete community follows the rules and etiquette of these areas at a higher rate than "joe public".
We usually complain about each other when we see someone in "the community" do something dumb. Yup, they're out there. I don't feel we acknowledge all the times they get it right though.
On the whole, when I come across what appears to be a well-together endurance athlete doing their thing in public.........I generally have fewer issues. They generally hear and respond to passing requests. They generally stay to the right. They've got their crap together. They might be deep in their zone, but still are aware they are sharing the space.
I think once you invest that much effort into something, you take it more seriously, including the etiquette.
So, thank you.
Whether it's on the road, a multi use trail, gravel trail, greenway, sidewalk, or otherwise.
In general I feel the dedicated endurance athlete community follows the rules and etiquette of these areas at a higher rate than "joe public".
We usually complain about each other when we see someone in "the community" do something dumb. Yup, they're out there. I don't feel we acknowledge all the times they get it right though.
On the whole, when I come across what appears to be a well-together endurance athlete doing their thing in public.........I generally have fewer issues. They generally hear and respond to passing requests. They generally stay to the right. They've got their crap together. They might be deep in their zone, but still are aware they are sharing the space.
I think once you invest that much effort into something, you take it more seriously, including the etiquette.
So, thank you.