Roorootofast4u

Tue, Apr 9, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.

KYLE FELDSCHER plays a cruel role as the make the alleged "victim" to be of innocence which is obviously not the case nor the point at hand yes it is terrible thing have happened yet both party's are at fault including the city like a previous comment has stated . I just hope that people understand from the article that there is no good vs bad guy here at all and more of less a discrepancy that happened due to city officials and the people had to suffer for . lets make a example hmm what do they show you on animal planet about sharks in the sea ? there will hurt you and even cause death to a human being ... so what do people do ? be cautious and aware of the fact when they swim or are in the zone with sharks am i right ? yes so who forgot to ill inform the person on the trail about what type of people use this trail for biking also ??? hmmm nuff said *_* and my condolences to both families <3

shepard145

Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.

Oh yes, the martyrdom lawsuit designed to generate income at the same time it "saves others"! We know this well in Ann Arbor. As with many, the victim seeks a cash prize and lifetime of Social Security benefits paid for by the 63% of Americans who continue to bother working in the dead obama economy as the list of freebees grows longer. I have known people who have suffered truly devastating injuries, who go through the surgeries and physical therapy and return to work as soon as they can. Sometimes at a somewhat diminished capacity, but they return. We have no way of knowing the true extent of this person's injuries from this piece, but I hope the insurance company mounts a vigorous defense of the bike rider and result is justified either way. Too many people of this generation hope that if they suffer an injury, they are rewarded with a lifetime vacation paid for by those still working.

Laurie Barrett

Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 9:27 p.m.

A friend and I were walking his dog on the sidewalk. A guy came tearing down the sidewalk on a bike and the dog crossed over in front of him and he went ass over teakettle and got pretty banged up. He tried to sue my friend for not having control of his dog, but instead he got cited for riding his bike on the sidewalk. Bike enthusiasts have the right to ride on streets and roads. Period.

shepard145

Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 3:14 p.m.

This is more about a lack of common sense – something Ann Arbor with a high percentage of the UM entitlement left is famous. I ride for exercise at one speed: FAST. Years ago I rode on similar mixed paths, but after a few times it was clear that pedestrians are dangerous, annoying, unpredictable obstacles that can be difficult to avoid – especially crowded Gallop Park on a weekend. Even if they wear helmets and padding, which should be mandatory for all pedestrian walkers in Ann Arbor, they can cause themselves to get injured. Other paved paths are fine – such as Hines Park or M-14/ 275, though that can be tricky for other reasons. The answer is simple and obvious: The City should ban pedestrians from the Gallop park trails - make them for cyclists only. Problem solved. Pedestrians can walk on the side in the grass/mud or frolic thru the trees – they don't need paved paths in a park. ...but they should still be required to wear helmets and padding - this is Ann Arbor after all.

Milton Shift

Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 3:47 a.m.

He added, "A high-speed bike going at a very, very fast rate of speed can do just as much damage as a car." The average car weighs 4000lbs. Momentum = Mass X Velocity A person on a bicycle weighing a combined 200lbs would need to break the sound barrier to have the momentum of the average car traveling at 35mph.

Laurie Barrett

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:33 p.m.

Bikes are not legal on sidewalks. They are allowed on streets or on dedicated bicycle paths. Not on any kind of pedestrian walks. This is pretty much universal law anywhere in the country.

Richard Carter

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:52 p.m.

As a cyclist, I do see need for greater education and enforcement of existing laws. Many people will get away with as much as they feel they can with impunity. I don't think we need to be more of a police state, but I think the town would do better, and the hatred of "not mine" forms of transportation (bicyclists and/or pedestrians for people who only drive, for example) would be reduced if drivers had the same confidence that that cyclist who blew through that four-way stop and you had to screech on your brakes for was just as likely to be ticketed for it as if you had done it in your car.

Chris Bird

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:41 p.m.

Just about any time I walked my dog and daughter in a stroller around gallop there was usually an episode of a bicyclist either angrily mumbling "excuse me" or outright yelling to get out of the way. Usually this would happen while walking down the side that's pretty much a portion of the drive, right under the bridge or thereabouts. I guess the option to move on to the drive is asking too much. How many times driving down Huron River drive on a Saturday afternoon is met with a "wall" of bicyclists clumping together "sharing" the road. I've done both long distance biking and long distance running fairly extensively in the past. In both cases the option to take the path of least resistance is the method that I've always taken: stay out of the way of others. If this were followed none of this would be happening and everyone would be getting along peacefully. Instead it takes a few with an overblown sense of self entitlement to ruin it for everyone.

towncryer

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 6:50 p.m.

It seems odd the bicyclist would try to pass BETWEEN two people vs on either side, imo.

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:38 p.m.

Paths are not treadmills. Pedestrians will make unpredictable moves while enjoying being outdoors. Cyclists, if they want to share these resources, must travel at a speed low enough that they can avoid hitting pedestrians. I find, reading the comments from cyclists on this item, that the problem isn't paths or bike lanes or any other accommodations made for cyclists. The problem is the entitlement mentality of a certain percentage of cyclists. They want to go as fast as they want, wherever they want. If drivers acted that way, we'd have a high body count on the streets every day. We don't because the police ticket reckless driving and we insist on a long safety course and tests before we give out a license. It's time to do the same for cyclists.

MRunner73

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:22 p.m.

The Gallup park sidwalk is VERY narrow to accomodate walkers, runners, cyclist and rollerbladers. Peak useage times, either mid morning or late afternoon are hazardous. Let's see how this plays out. Walkers two and three abreast pose as much a hazard as a pair of rollerbladers or cyclists. Again, the Gallop Park paved pathway needs to be at least twice as wide and even then, we must all use common sense.

shadow wilson

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.

Why does AA.com refer to the court as a trial court? There are district courts of which the 15th is in A2. And there is circuit court . District court hods trials as does the circuit court for more serious crime i.e felonies etc...I don't get the trial court reference.

lumdum15

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:17 p.m.

I see serious near misses whenever I walk my dog at Gallup. Many bicyclist act like Lance- Armstrong -wannabees in the worst sense. I fear also that my leash is going to trip a cyclist also. My main concern are the babies in strollers. A change to the physical structure of the path is warranted to separate these two non compatible groups.

Paul Wiener

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:11 p.m.

I wish the best of luck to the suing party and hope she extends it to the county and whoever else is responsible for creating the idiotic walk-if-you-dare pedestrian path in Gallup Park. We can thank god that cars aren''t also allowed to drive on that pathway. This is only one of many blatantly absurd, stupid, intrusive, brain-dead impositions of bike paths on pedestrians and drivers all over Ann Arbor, which can barely accommodate the automobile traffic it was designed for. There is nothing sacred or especially safe or healthy about bicycles, bike riders - who often court child endangerment by carrying or attaching young children to their machines - that doesn't apply to any other responsible form of mobility. The day of the bike nazi is approaching an end. Woe betide the bike rider who tries to crowd me off my space on major downtown sidewalks, as has often happened. It may give a new meaning to stand your ground.

djacks24

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:04 p.m.

Better call Sam...Or his son Richard.

jns131

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:49 p.m.

What I find interesting is the fact she is suing a government based entity and yet from what I was told when we hit a squad car that we cannot sue the police, the city or the county. So, who is this attorney who is suing a government based entity? Interesting. Even when we had a accident on an AATA? Told it is government, can't sue. Wish I had her attorney.

Woman in Ypsilanti

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:09 p.m.

Wow. I have to admit that I am surprised that a bicycle could cause that kind of injury. I will certainly keep that in mind when I ride my bike through Gallup Park.

OLDTIMER3

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:01 p.m.

@ DEEDEE You make it sound like walkers are the only ones paying taxes for the paths. Just because they are bikers doesn't mean they are from outer space or some other place where they don't pay taxes.

Top Cat

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:39 p.m.

I've had way too many close calls at Bandemer. Cyclist's atttitude seems to be that they tell you to move and you damn well better jump. Cyclist should be allowed to walk their bikes on these paths and nothing more.

Julia Herbst

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:36 p.m.

I walk at Gallup Park and Parker Mill all summer through fall, THIS IS A MAJOR PROBLEM. It would help if even they marked a line down the center of the pathway, Bikes on one side, Walkers on the other. We were with my 2yr old nephew, in his stroller, But he had got out to walk for a while, When a group of bikers came zipping past us, No notice, No Yell, No excuse me, just zipped past, to when My nephew was almost hit. I appreciate the bikers who yell "On your Left. On your Right, Coming through" etc to let us know they are coming from behind us and gives us time to move. Alot of them wear earplugs, which block out the sound of us, so they cant even hear us yell at them. Something has to be done about this.

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:31 p.m.

What's with the pedestrians who, even on downtown sidewalks, block the sidewalk by walking shoulder to shoulder? Many of them expect you to jump out of their path - like they own the entire sidewalk, or are more entitled to the sidewalk. And if you walk faster than them, you have to find a way around or through them. You see that same behavior on park paths.

Tammy Mayrend

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.

This may be a silly thought, but why wouldn't a biker coming through verbalize that they are "coming through" so that anyone in the way can get out of it? When I was working as a bus-person in a restaurant as a teen, I always told whomever I was behind, that I was in fact behind them. Never had any problems with collisions.

cricketrunner

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.

Additionally, as Mitch Albom said, "Common sense is becoming all to uncommon."

cricketrunner

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.

I frequently run in Gallup Park. I really appreciate it when bicyclists use a bell or say "on your left" when passing. Most of the time the cyclists I see are riding at an appropriate pace, but sometimes some go speeding by, which I find quite dangerous. Those are the ones that need to become more respectful of the path and others.

JimmyD

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 11:52 a.m.

Driving. Biking. Skiing. Walking. "The person ahead has the right-of-way".

Orangecrush2000

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:46 a.m.

My opinion: There's already practical rule in place - pedestrians have the right of way, unless the pedestrian does something ridiculous, like "jump into the path of a byciclist." With that said, enforcement of this "right of way" rule is needed. The byciclist who hit the pedestrian needs to be cited, at least, for "failure to yield right of way." The pedestrian appears injured - her ability to earn a living appears impeded, at least for the near future. If true, a lawsuit, and hopefully a settlement, is in order.

Lisa

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 10:41 a.m.

I Our road signs have not been updated since the 70's or 80's .Make absolutely no sense 40 mpg 25 - 50 The Bike Paths that cost millions in the 80's and then some I have asked why do they not have a biking license or class if one is to ride charge a fee on the road or in the way of walkers. There are suppose to be rules and regulations which go everyday with no purpose. The bikers don't use or know the hand signals for riding into the road .I had to update myself on these rules , and hand signals. Now we have someone a Mother that has a brain injury and loss of work and I know that pain she is experiencing our children at great loss No one has any idea's how this impacts your life unless it affects and effects your life . Why did the bicyclist not stop ? These are shared spaces . Richard how we are the only no fault state but yet my insurance rates were raised , I had to stop driving due to a head on collision, lost my job , brain injury people do not realize the impact of such an aggravated situation how this family will suffer .While your at it place some Deer signs and signs that state bike/walk path People think they are above the laws, rules and regulations once again another life in shambles because a biker felt they owned the rights to the bike/walking paths as well as the roads with no proper testing to do so. I guess we should also not charge driver lisc fees and let it be a free for all: From the City of Ann Arbor Web page :.... 35 mile long non-motorized (biking, walking, etc) path along the Huron River. ... that of the trail are completed - almost the entire length of the river within Ann Arbor .... So since the biker did not realize they are both for walking and biking non motorized. The bicyclist needs to have a driver responsibility fee and ticket. Oh that right Ann Arbor forgot to create a program ??????

jen777

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 9:49 a.m.

The paths need to be wider and marked with lanes. Walkers tend to think of a "stroll in the park" and the paths seem to fit that - i think the growth of cycling, roller skating adds an aspect to enjoying the park that was not really planned for. Some modifications would serve all formthe better.

Tom Joad

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:21 a.m.

I go jogging in the early morning for one very specific reason: to AVOID cars, and pretty much have the sidewalk to myself. I have found it FAR SAFER to run on the left side of the sidewalk/or bike path. Bikes generally stay to the right by habit, and if they pass me there is no need myself or them to move over. Just like when you walk or run along a highway you are supposed to go opposing traffic but ALWAYS ride with traffic on a bike. I ride and run so I follow these rules religiously. If a pedestrian or biker is headed toward me on a path I can see them farther ahead and I cautiously move to the right (after checking over my shoulder) so as not to confuse them or make them move. Whatever you do, whether you are driving, walking, running or cycling you have to be 100% on your game and observant for all these eventualities. Otherwise you might as well stay home.

grimmk

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 8:12 a.m.

How about we just make the paths in Gallup BIGGER? They are rather narrow. And many people are distracted by watching the wildlife, plants, talking to each other, lost in thought, listening to music, etc. So let's just have a bike path and a pedestrian path and be done with it. And seriously? Speed limits? There is no speedometer on a bike! I hate all this bad rap bikers are getting. I'm sorry that Mrs. Hahn was hurt and it seems clearly that it was the biker's fault in this instance, but how often has this type of collision occurred? I thought the rule of thumb is that pedestrians keep to the right and people going faster pass on the left. If you see a bike coming go off to the side as much as you can. Kinda a hassle, but better then being run over.

S.Black

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:51 a.m.

When a path is called a sideWALK, not a bike lane or jogging path, I expect not to be bullied by joggers or bikers. Paper covers rock, rock covers etc. That is, walkers get for dibs, then runners, then bicyclists if it's a shared pathway. Bikers and runners need to slow down substantially near walkers, especially when children are around. I should not be startled by runners coming up behind when I am walking on a sidewalk. It's really not so hard.

Frustrated in A2

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 4:32 a.m.

I've never seen bikers be on the bad end of things in this town.

Solitude

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:52 a.m.

No amount of government intervention will prevent inconsiderate or ignorant people from causing harm to others. A law already exists that gives pedestrians the right of way, and it did not stop this accident. The answer is not to regulate everything and everyone. Address the people who are the problem; don't create layer upon layer of unenforceable rules and regulations, especially when state law already exists that addresses the issue. You can't legislate consideration for others into people or selfishness out of them. and no amount of regulation will ever prevent the occasional accident, even among conscientious and considerate citizens.

Macabre Sunset

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 3:28 a.m.

It's really an incredibly dumb idea to yell "on your left." It's useful for cyclists when they're in a race against other cyclists. It may be useful in a world where all cyclists are educated in safety rules. But it doesn't translate to the pedestrian world. Your speech is garbled at the distance required to make any difference in behavior, and most pedestrians aren't educated in what cyclists are thinking. It's like dog owners who say their dog is the safest, friendliest dog in the world who would never hurt anyone. Then it bites a stranger. Well, the stranger may not know dogs and may accidentally react to what the dog does in a way that makes the dog feel threatened. Dogs should never be left in public off-leash and cyclists should never travel so fast when they're on a shared path that they can't react to an unpredictable move from a pedestrian.

EyeHeartA2

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:14 a.m.

Ambulance chaser Berstien on one side and entitled cyclists on the other, with Mayor Lieftje passing the buck. Whats not to love about this?

Nicholas Urfe

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 2:10 a.m.

Having biked in cities with split pedestrian and bike paths, I find some pedestrians still walk on the bike paths. Sometimes they don't want to walk the extra 25 years to the parallel walking path. Some people even let their young kids wander on it.

BHarding

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:57 a.m.

I've been hit by a bicyclist, knocked into the brush, while the bicyclist just sped on while yelling at me. The worst time was when a bicyclist shouted something just as he was about to come between me and my old dog who was on a six-foot leash. I had to let go of the leash or see my dog's neck broken. This was a path in the woods only three feet wide. I thought I was going to have a heart attack. Where can I go with my dog, for a leisurely walk, where bicycles are not allowed?

KateT

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:41 a.m.

I walk, bike, (canoe and kayak) through that park and don't remember any close calls. I call out "on your left", and that usually works. I also seem to remember a peds only section over by the mill. But as many people report problems, we should put stripes down the middle of the paved part of the path and have everyone stay right except to pass. (This could be part of a Scout or other volunteer project. ) Bikes should slow down around peds. Maybe we also needs signs telling people the rules. Sometimes, unfortunately, we need to legislate common sense.

Townspeak

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:39 a.m.

Bernstein is right. Bicyclists, including me, should have lanes, or their own lane. Good example of city neglecting sensible spending in our big parks for needless spending on the countless others that are not used. Get on it parks commission, Ms. Grand. Spend the money in the big parks only and we would have better, safer city parks, not just a park in every neighborhood (except for some) that only a select few get to use.

Joe

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:17 a.m.

How about making Packard and Washtenaw safer for cyclists so fewer cyclists need to use Gallup as a highway?

MARK

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 1:07 a.m.

You can't outlaw stupid(reckless behavior ) but I guess you can sue it. Apply common sense and good manners and that will regulate the pedestrian and bike traffic. This can be done with out 30-50% going to a lawyer

Mike

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:49 a.m.

So somehow the park is responsible for the irresponsible behaviour of a bicyclist? Wow! Please follow this and let us know if we need to elect a new judge in the next election if this goes through.

golfer

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:43 a.m.

You know what will change bikers to make them think first. TICKETS BY POLICE.

Dog Guy

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:26 a.m.

This high speed collision demonstrates the pressing need for a national ban on bicycles having more than three speeds.

MyOpinion

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:16 a.m.

I am y walker, runner, and bicyclist. The paths at Gallup Park are relatively narrow so that means the faster folks need to slow up when they come upon walkers or the stray kids/dogs. If you can do that, there should be no collisions. The eastern edge of the park is less traveled and gives bikers the opportunity to ride faster. But, slow up on curves, etc. It would help if there were dual paths with dividing lines on each. Usually, the signage on those paths is for runners/bikers to be on one path and walkers on the other. There isn't really room at Gallup for two separate paths and a grass divider between the two. Given the narrow space available, the path should probably be widened by 4 feet and then signage should be painted every 25 yards or so with this: http://bit.ly/17fWKUK

63Townie

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:15 a.m.

It always amazes me when common sense needs to be legislated. A good dose of common sense and this accident probably doesn't happen. I am a bicyclist and walker, and I would never consider riding my bike along the Gallup path, especially on a summer day when all manner of pedestrians are out with children, dogs (some on leash, others not), rollerbladers, etc. There's just no way to ride safely at "bicycle" speed if you need to slalom between obstacles. If you absolutely need to ride on the Gallup path, ride at a reasonable speed and slow down when you approach pedestrians. Announce your presence (I use "bike left" or "bike right" and I find it works well) and pass slowly.

TommyJ

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:14 a.m.

I ride my bike at the metro parks (Willow, Lower Huron, Oakbrook) and the paths there are very wide, have lanes painted on, and there are speed limits posted all over the place. Bikers and pedestrians manage to coexist there nicely. But I won't ride in the AA parks because the paths are just too narrow and there are too many pedestrians in those parks.

dancinginmysoul

Fri, Apr 5, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.

I don't walk in Gallup park, but I do drive a 2 lane road where bicyclists frequent. The speed on the road is 45-50, depending. There are no sidewalks or usable shoulder. Yet I have traveled this road where 3 cyclists traveled across an entire lane, and wouldn't give to traffic. It's nerve wracking to be traveling 45 miles an hour and come across cyclists who refuse to yield or get over in any way. Sometimes, in order for the automobile to travel at the posted rate of speed, they are required to travel in the opposite lane. Very unsafe.

Matthew Albert

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:38 p.m.

I obviously do not know the details of this story, but I consider myself a reasonably polite/safe cyclist who makes every effort to share bike paths with pedestrians. My take on this is basically: -accidents happen, they're unfortunate but get over it. -Pedestrians as well as cyclists need to be aware that they are sharing the path, and be aware of their surroundings. I've crashed pretty hard, messed up my bike and was injured pretty bad because an inconsiderate runner (wearing headphones and not heeding repeated calls of 'on your left') was weaving unpredictably in front of me. -If you are running so hard/so out of shape that you are weaving across 6 feet of path: slow down or better yet, try walking, and don't wear headphones. -If you're a family taking a walk: that's great, kids don't spend enough time outdoors nowadays, but don't take up the whole path, and teach your kids to pay attention to cyclists and make sure they know what to do if we ask to pass. Make sure you know what to do too. A separate bike lane is probably a good idea, but this story's comment section piss me off a lot. There are apparently a lot of people who hate cyclists who read AnnArbor.com

eldegee

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:33 p.m.

A bit off the beaten path, but WHY do bicyclists insist on wearing dark clothing? It makes them very difficult to see when they're in the shadows or at dusk. Twice in the last couple months I came close to hitting a bicylist while driving - once on Huron Pkwy and once on Scio Church Rd.

grye

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:30 p.m.

How about all city walkers wear helmets and other protective equipment. Then if they get hit by a bke, slip on ice, or trip over unlevel ground, they'll be less likely to get hurt. The number of incidents that occur in relation to the number of people walking and riding bikes has to be extremely small. My guess is the potential outcome of this incident will be unneccesary laws and a very frivilous and expensive lawsuit (based upon the Berstein's law suit happy business).

Ben

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:13 p.m.

Also a problem on sidewalks around town. Can't folks use the bike path that's just 2 feet away?

Brad

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:11 p.m.

The Bernsteins never met a personal injury lawsuit they didn't like. The fact that one of them is now a UM Regent notwithstanding.

Jen Conrad

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 11:11 p.m.

As someone who walks to the Mitchell lot on Fuller, I agree that most bike riders just whizz close by, without any sort of warning or anything. Wondering when something like this will happen to me.

Bcar

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 10:10 p.m.

PS. Its a people problem. There are rude/stupid/ignorant/bad; drivers, walkers, runners, bikers, jugglers, and kite flyers... we can't fix stupid

Kevin Maloney

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.

The pedestrian always has the right of way. However as a runner and cyclist I can recall many, many personal incidents where both walkers and cyclists who are unfamiliar with the etiquette on path have actually moved into the path of the other trying to get out of the way. There's no excuse for a cyclist to hit a walker, except if the walker accidentally moves into the cyclists path moving in an unpredictable way. Most cyclists use caution when approaching a walker/runner by announcing themselves and slowing down and passing on the left. A completely different issue is the cyclists and runners who think they own the whole path. No cyclist or runner/walker should be expected to have to come to a complete stop and ask permission to pass because people are walking or riding in a way that blocks everyone coming and going. It's no excuse for running someone over, but it's something the slower people need to consider as well. Having a middle line on the path might help.

Bcar

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.

There are two sides to every story, this woman may have swerved as well..we don't know. We don't need to ban bikes on these paths, just some simple signs saying yield to PEDs and hold riders who do hit and injure someone responsible. We canNOT legislate out stupidity or rudeness... I ride my bike along that path all the time and never have issues unless its a dog or someone not paying attention jumping out in front of me. I use a bell and call out when passing, oh, and slow down. Its not hard people. Walkers also need to stay right and just be aware of your surroundings, if you're going to change direction just glance behind you, is that so hard?? To the person hard of hearing, just stay on your intended path/direction, if you change either it is YOUR responsibility and your handicap that should make you just glance behind you to make sure it is safe to change directions. It is not hard to share people... And make ALL USERS responsible AND accountable.

AnnieWood

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:43 p.m.

Everyone needs to practice safety. Walkers take out your earphones and stop talking on the phone so you can hear bikes, parents keep an eye on children, dog walkers keep those pets close on a short leash, and bikers slow down when walkers are present. We all have to share.

drewk

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:32 p.m.

Before any changes are made, we should see what they do in Boulder.

Andrew Claydon

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:21 p.m.

Maybe pedestrians should start wearing helmets too.

Greg

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:18 p.m.

My personal experience is that many bikes are being ridden way to fast for mixed traffic. Also bikes on the streets - many, especially those in racing attire, seem to think they own the road.

Ryan Bowles

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:12 p.m.

The fundamental issue is the need for more recreational options for bikers, hikers, walkers, and other users of Ann Arbor parks. We'd be a lot less likely to see conflict if the facilities reflected the demand.

CynicA2

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 9:03 p.m.

Bicycles are fun to ride, but a no-win proposition as a form of urban transportation because if they ride in the street, they are at odds with motorists, and if they ride on the sidewalks they are at odds with pedestrians. Even with bike lanes, the risk of collision with a motorized vehicle is several times what it would be if riding on the sidewalk, and similarly with pedestrians if riding on the sidewalk. I feel relatively safe driving, and relatively safe walking, and relatively unsafe biking, regardless of where, so I sold my bike. Works for me...

arborarmy

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.

I ride frequently at the Metroparks. Their paths have yellow lines which mostly solve the problem. Everyone keeps right except to pass. Seems a simple solution.

joe golder

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:56 p.m.

Looks like its time for two separate lanes. One to stroll and one to roll!

a2phiggy

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:51 p.m.

I absolutely agree with the ideas behind this lawsuit - it is an accident waiting to happen every day, especially with the number of families with children on the path. Kudos to her for seeing this through - I wish her great progress in her long recovery.

arborarmy

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:50 p.m.

Cyclists: wanted neither on the city's streets nor on its paths. As a frequent rider on the paths that run through Gallup (there specifically to avoid problems with traffic), pedestrians there are oblivious to bladders, runners, and cyclists who share the paths. This is not to say that this is what happened here. But pedestrians are not absent fault in that park.

onemoreminute

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:45 p.m.

I don't see any reason why cyclists and walkers can't use the same path. All it takes is the bicyclist calling out "Passing left" or whatever, and giving people a chance to move. Seriously, where is the common sense here? I, too, am tired of rude cyclists on park paths and have been almost run down, or had one of my dogs injured, multiple times, but I think trying to have separate paths is not feasible, and with a little effort, not necessary.

Lonnie

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:29 p.m.

We stopped many summers ago walking at Gallup Park after our little girl was nearly crashed into by a bicyclist. You can't stroll along the path without being constantly fearful of what is approaching behind you, and speeding towards you as well. The bikes go too fast and swerve close to people with no consideration of the walker moving to the right or left suddenly to look at something like a duck or rock or the river.

capersdaddy

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:24 p.m.

my experience in Gallup and other parks in NYC is roughly 2 out of 5 bicyclists are responsible and "share" the road. i disagree that the majority of bicyclists in Gallup are responsible, which then makes me laugh when they whine about sharing the road with cars. I hope she wins.

DAN

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:23 p.m.

I fdisagree with the commenter who said most cyclists are polite. I think many of them are rude and scoflaws who don't observe simple safety rules on sidewalks,... further, they don't observe red lights and stop signs. I had a friend who was run down by a cyclist in downtown Ann Arbor who did not stop at a stop sign I don't know what thye solution would be for making them more aware The best cyclist seem to be young teens who haven't yet learned that Ann Arbor disregards sidewalk safety when it comes to bikers.

justcurious

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:21 p.m.

It makes no sense to have bicycles and walkers use the same walkway, whether it is a city sidewalk or a park walkway. Ann Arbor is just waiting for a lawsuit to happen. Bikes don't belong on city sidewalks. Every person who is hit by a speeding bike should file a lawsuit. Maybe then someone is this bend-over-backwards-to accomodate-bicycles city will wake up. I don't care if the mayor rides a unicycle. Someone needs to use their head and not allow bicyclist's to break people's heads, like this woman. Maybe the answer at Gallup is to make some pathways off limits to bicycles.

Dawn

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:15 p.m.

Maybe instead of separate paths we need more responsible riders. Making more paths and more rules will not change the behavior of the riders. Bicyclists need to be held responsible whether they are on the roads, sidewalks, pathways or other routes. It is the cyclists that are not obeying the rules. They cross at red lights, go through stop signs, ride at high speeds in shared spaces, do not signal, do not have lights and a horn or form of letting others in their path know they are there. Being a responsible bicyclist would go farther than more rules and more paths. I am sorry she was injured, no one should fear going into the parks or driving on the roads.

UncleMao

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:06 p.m.

Why don't they install crosswalks with flashing lights all along the river?

Ed

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 8:03 p.m.

I am sad to hear of this incident. I am a frequent cyclist and avoid bike/walking paths, even those with signs saying walkers stay to the right etc. Pedestrians simply refuse to move over, even with a bell, even with yelling "on your left". Especially if it's crowded, the pedestrians rule. This is not to place blame in this particular situation, rather, to point out that these paths are inherently dangerous, in my experience.

leezee

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:57 p.m.

I've been running and walking in Gallup park for over 20 years and I've never had a problem. Know why- because I treat the path like a road and stay to the far right......yes, even when I have headphones on. I'm the runner who tells people out there all the time, "it's like drivin' a car - stay to the right." As tempting as it is to walk abreast when there is more than one of you, use your head - be aware of your surroundings OR walk single file.

Alan Goldsmith

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:56 p.m.

"When reached by AnnArbor.com on Thursday, Hieftje said he was aware of the lawsuit but directed comments on it to City Attorney Stephen Postema. A noted bicyclist himself, Hieftje said there is a strong interest in the safety of city parks. "I'm certainly interested in making sure our parks are the safest they can be," he said" You're really going out on a limb there Mayor with such a brave statement. Lol.

America

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:55 p.m.

I love bike riding and always shout "ON YOUR LEFT" when approaching a walker/runner. But I also yield and wait to see if they heard me and what they are going to do next. Some pedestrians (especially really young ones) don't travel in a straight line and we cannot anticipate what they are going to do next. A bike is to a pedestrian as a car is to a pedestrian. The bike should yield to the pedestrian. Gallup Park is a thorough fair for me and many like me riding home from work. Still we are not in a real race. There is not a medal waiting at home for us if we clip the old lady and ollie over the kid on the trike. So fellow cyclist show some love. Ride in a park like we are in a park. Then you can ride "balls out" next time we are racing on a local road ride or mountain bike ride.

avida2reader

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.

This is definitely a problem that needs to be addressed. I take walks on NON-PAVED paths in many of our parks and I have almost been run-down or just scared to death multiple times by people on bikes. The worst was on a very narrow, non-paved, wooded path in Black Pond Woods nature area - 2 guys on bicycles came so close to knocking me down - I was clearly lucky. I also see people on bicycles using the boardwalks and paths in Furstenberg Nature area all the time. There are signs saying biking is prohibited. They are ignored.

antikvetch

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:53 p.m.

We need a city ordinance that states the if either a car driver or a pedestrian spots a bicyclist, the car driver and/or pedestrian will IMMEDIATELY pull over to the side, bow their heads, and allow the bicyclist to proceed. Let's make this HAPPEN, people!

smokeblwr

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:50 p.m.

Who needs a sign? There is no sign that says cars can't drive on the path and cars don't. Cyclists need to realize they can't go anywhere they want.

Trouble

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:49 p.m.

So Simple... Bicyclist Trump Motor vehicles; Pedestrians Trump Bicyclists. End of Story!

tom swift jr.

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:48 p.m.

I am constantly nearly run down by bike riders who come up from behind with no warning going WAY too fast on a shared path. I also understand the frustration of bike riders who DO try to warn walkers/joggers and are ignored or not heard. The answer is separate paths.

Steven and Kathy

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:46 p.m.

My wife and I are hearing impaired. We had enjoyed walking the Gallup and Bandemer parks but we had hard times that we can't heard cyclist's shouts and cling rings to us. They did near shovel us out from pathway. They did not know about any handicapped tried enjoy walking the parks.

Sunshine26

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:45 p.m.

I ride my bike at Gallop Park. I also walk the paths at Gallop Park. One day while walking on the path near Huron Towers, I was hit very hard by a roller skater, going very fast. I agree the bikers and the roller skaters need to be separated from the walkers! For years, I have thought the paths at Gallop were dangerous for walkers. So sorry to hear about the walker's injury.

a2cents

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.

With all due respect to the injured, bicycles riding 2 abreast on roads catch all kids of flack... peds monopolizing a trail, not so much. Shared use, ain't (& don't get me started on trail use by dog walkers with free-roaming fidos or 20' leashes.) Shame on the cyclist, but ever try to warn a headphone-wearing off-in-the-ozone jogger? Cyclists: Avoid shared-use like the plague for your own good. They are insidious.

An Arborigine

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:41 p.m.

Now Ann Arbor's privileged pedestrians are fighting with one another over turf. Somehow this will further impact motorists in this town. How about dedicated walking lanes running parallel to dedicated biking lanes, separated by a wall. We can just cannibalize space from the pesky autos, leaving room only for "smart" cars and golf carts, limited to 10mph.

Napalm.Morning

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.

I will concede that the bicyclist was apparently reckless. . .but. . .why do pedestrians have a compulsion to walk on paved surfaces? Are they afraid their shoes will get dirty? With the exception of hard-core mountain bikers, bicyclists are generally relegated to paved surfaces. If you want a bicycle free experience then don't walk on a paved path. Simple solution: don't walk on paved paths. . . Furthermore, if there is true concern for one's safety then acquire a treadmill and walk in the safety of your house. There is a slippery slope looming here where then every category of locomotion (wheelchair, tricycle, baby stroller, rollerblader, wagon-puller will, in the name of entitlement, expect a dedicated paved surface. . . and then you have yet more laws, or accommodations that must then be policed and probably unenforced to the hyper-expectation of the perceived aggreived.

KJMClark

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:35 p.m.

"The reason this is so important, and the reason we're so passionate, is people have a right to go to the park … and the challenge here is, as in Central Park, the cars and vehicles are more responsive to lights and traffic laws," he said, "and bikes have a tendency to not do that because law enforcement has not made this a priority." Besides the obvious that it's "motorists" and "bicyclists" (I'll never understand how all these inanimate objects end up making decisions when the people controlling them have nothing to do with it!), the problems with shared-use paths are that no one follows any rules, in part because there aren't many (the only real rule is don't hit anyone else). Pedestrians don't keep to the right; bicyclists don't slow down when they can't see around curves; if you yell "on your left", 1/3 of the pedestrians will just stop, 1/3 will move to the left; etc. And, as usual, many motorists break the speed laws just as many cyclists treat red lights as yields. They're both breaking the law to get to their destinations faster, and both problems are equally bad.

Crusader 53

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:33 p.m.

Police report filed ? Injuries this serious you would think would require an ambulance/police services at the time of the incident. They are just a cell phone call away.

Tom Joad

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:31 p.m.

As a pedestrian and biker I'd like to point out that on most shared bike/pedestrian paths people couples tend to walk side-by-side taking up the entire path. It's a shared path, meaning you have to expect that cyclists will be approaching from behind. The correct protocol is for the cyclist (or faster pedestrian) to announce his/her presence "on your left" but it's incumbent on the pedestrian to be watchful for others and not hog the entire path. I've experienced this phenomenon when couples walk on the sidewalk; they seem to expect the single walker to either walk off the sidewalk or squeeze past the couple. Don't hog the sidewalk or bike path is all I can say. It's called courtesy.

Ren Farley

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:30 p.m.

I am a bicyclist and I often ride in Gallop. I am frequently surprised by the very large number of people who do not respond to a loud bicycle bell. Some are wearing headphones. Others, apparently, either do not pay much attention to their environment or seem to believe that others should get out of their way. Quite a few parents let their children and dogs go wherever they wish without thinking about bicyclists who would also like to enjoy warm summer days in Gallop Park. Should the city require a license to use Gallop Park? To get that license there might be a test similar to a driver's license. Would that make the park much safer for everybody?

BobbyJohn

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.

I have had a number of close calls with bicyclists. The city has made no effort to make sure that bicyclists ride safely and follow all rules and regulations. In general, I hate lawsuits, but this is one that is needed to protect the walking public. I thank my lucky stars that I have not been seriously injured by one of the too numerous reckless cyclists.

JRW

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:29 p.m.

Very sorry to hear about the injuries in this collision, but I am VERY glad to hear about the lawsuit and pressure to bring changes to the path at Gallop Park. I often walk there in the summer, as do my family members. The bicyclists are racing through the path, not braking, nearly colliding with pedestrians, runners, people walking their dogs and families. It is unconscionable that all the pedestrians have to share the path with out of control bicycles. Many times, the bikes travel in groups, making it even worse, and none of them slow down or move over for pedestrians. My family has had several close calls with rude bicyclists, who feel they own the path. It has become worse in recent years as there are more and more speeding bicycles on the path who ignore everyone else walking or running. Very sorry to hear that it has taken a bad accident to call attention to this issue.

Nice in A2

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:28 p.m.

A sad story to be sure. If new laws are needed make them against reckless behavior and not outright banning of area's where walkers and bikes can, and have for years, co-existed well. It would be a very sad day if I could no longer ride my bike (respectfully and with the safety of those around me in mind) in city parks. Oh and cyclists GET AND USE A BELL (I have two!). I ride my bike in Gallop Park and get thank yous from walkers for using my bell.

KJMClark

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:25 p.m.

The bicycle coordinating committee looked at this problem over a decade ago (it covered a lot of these questions before the city disbanded it.) The findings were along the lines of: - The city doesn't do a good job of following AASHTO recommendations on the widths of shared-use paths. - The city should consider putting in lanes on the paths. As it is, pedestrians don't think of it as a transportation facility, and often wander all over the path, take up the whole path, and stop without warning. Bicyclists often think of the path as an alternative to the roads, and travel as though it's an uncontrolled roadway. - The city should put up signs at the entrances of paths, spelling out the rules. I think they actually did this in one location, though they basically said "yield to pedestrians", without giving the pedestrians any rules. - The rules should be keep right, never use more than half the path, pass on the left, pull (walk) off the side to stop, etc. Basically the same rules as the roadways.

Mike D.

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:20 p.m.

Richard's personal experience in NY and his family's deep personal injury expertise mean this bicyclist will be held accountable. I'm tired of the pervasive cars evil/bicycles good mentality in Ann Arbor and, tragic as it is, this incident may spark thinking and policies that are more sensible.

DeeDee

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:19 p.m.

A friend of mine was knocked dowm, and her arm was broken by a hit and run bicyclist while running in Bandemer park not too long ago. There are way too many dangerous cyclists in this town who act as though they don't have to obey either pedestrian or automobile traffic laws, but are a law unto themselves and free to endanger others as they choose. Far more aggressive enforcement of traffic laws ifor cyclists is needed in Ann Arbor.

Linda Peck

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:13 p.m.

It is unfortunate that it has come to this, that bicyclists and pedestrians are sharing the same pathway, but so it is. Most bicyclists are polite, but the ones who are not are dangerous. Bottom line. Both on the road and on the sidewalk.

Kyle Feldscher

Thu, Apr 4, 2013 : 7:04 p.m.

I will update this story if Mss. Hinesly gets in touch with me.