A goal we in Bakersfield should target: Making our bike path experience safer
It was not quite 24 hours after I read Jose Maciel's Jan. 9 column ("Use common sense on bike path") that his words were perfectly illustrated. As I was running the path with my dog, I saw a group of five adults, one with a double baby stroller, standing in the middle of the path. As I continued, I saw a woman with her two small children. The kids were running and zig-zagging across the path. A little farther, a group of adults was walking in the right lane of the path.
Unfortunately, they had a very large, friendly and curious Lab, off-leash, that romped back and forth on the path. The owner would call the dog, but I had visions of a bike rider plowing into the dog, or swerving to avoid a collision -- possibly resulting in injuries to the rider and others. I realized all of these people were participating in a Sunday-morning walk for some cause.
Do I think all of these people were discourteous and blatantly disregarding the rights of others on the path? I do not. On the contrary, I would guess that people who are infrequent users of the path are unaware of the potential dangers and consequences of their actions. Conversely, those of us who are frequent users tend to be self-appointed critics of those who err.
I have resented the cyclists who race through the underpass of Highway 99. Even more so, the cyclists who assume you know they are approaching, at a high rate of speed, without taking a moment to say, "On your left." Cyclists are trusting souls if they believe a runner or walker might not cross in front of them without warning. That simple phrase can alleviate many potential accidents.
Runners and walkers could be much more considerate of cyclists by looking over their shoulders before crossing lanes of the path. Dogs should be kept on leashes at all times while on the paved path. When merging with the path, runners should look both ways before bolting into a lane. All of us should try to be considerate of the errant soul who makes a poor choice on the path. I have heard both runners and cyclists confront and berate the users who are not adhering to these basic tenets. Such behaviors serve to reinforce the stigmas attached to the path.
I have noticed on paths in Orange and San Diego counties that signs posted at regular intervals remind users to walk to the right and that dogs must be leashed. They warn cyclists to slow at heavily trafficked areas. I wonder whether we could implement a similar system on our path. Possibly, various cycling and running groups could contribute to the costs associated with the signs. Organizers of walks/runs that utilize the path could educate their participants about basic safety issues prior to the start of the event.
Individuals such as Rich O'Neil, who worked diligently to realize the vision of a path that would serve all of the residents of our community, deserve our gratitude. The least we can do is strive to ensure that the vision continues. By working together to educate others, being patient with fellow users and demonstrating courtesies to all who enjoy the path, we will continue to benefit from this gem in our community.
Pat Bentley of Bakersfield has been a runner for the past 25 years. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist in private practice. Her Community Voices article, originally published Jan. 16, was selected letter of the month for January.
