A cyclist has shared her experience of a tense encounter on a shared walking and cycling trail after issuing a brief, polite warning to a pedestrian who was blocking her path. Living in a bike-friendly mountain town known for its strong cycling culture, she was riding responsibly on a path used by both walkers and cyclists when she ran into trouble.
The cyclist noticed a woman, seemingly in her mid-60s, walking right in the center of the pavement, fully occupying the trail. Despite there being enough room to pass safely, the woman appeared indifferent to the shared nature of the path. As the cyclist approached, she called out the customary reminder, “On your left!” — a standard alert to signal a safe passing.
What followed was unexpected. The pedestrian reacted dramatically, jumping and shouting “HEY!” as if startled by something far more severe. The cyclist stopped, asking calmly but with growing frustration if the woman had heard the warning. The pedestrian became visibly angry, explaining she couldn’t hear because she was listening to an audiobook. When the cyclist pointed out the impracticality of being upset for missing the warning while distracted, the pedestrian retorted by accusing the cyclist of wearing headphones too.
READ MORE: Man Arrested for Indecent Exposure on Riverside Path in Bath
READ MORE: Charming Historic Somerset Farmhouse Features Stunning Party Barn
The cyclist admitted to having one earbud in but said she wasn’t playing anything and could hear perfectly. The pedestrian insisted the cyclist should have stopped instead of passing. The cyclist found this unreasonable, explaining that maintaining momentum and giving verbal notice is standard and safe trail etiquette, and that the pedestrian’s inattentiveness was the real hazard.
The disagreement escalated as the cyclist suggested the pedestrian consider using only one earbud or lowering the volume to stay more aware of surroundings. The pedestrian called the cyclist rude and inconsiderate before the cyclist rode away. This incident went on to stir debate, with some criticizing the cyclist for stopping and engaging, while others supported her stance on trail safety and etiquette.
This episode underscores the tension that can arise when shared spaces are used without mutual consideration, especially when distractions like headphones impair awareness. The cyclist’s story raises important questions about responsibility and respect on multi-use trails.