Madison’s extensive networks of bike paths are part of what makes this city such a great place to live. An excellent resource for cyclists, joggers, inline skaters, pedestrians and more, the bike paths make getting around town a pleasurable experience. However, if safety precautions are not followed the paths become less of a pleasure and more of a hassle.

I know many people who have had collisions or near misses on the bike paths with pedestrians or cyclists. Most of these incidents occurred because one or more parties were not paying close enough attention to their surroundings. If all users followed a few simple rules our bike paths would be safer for everyone.

Staying to the right side of the path, particularly for slower traffic, is the standard for bike paths, whether on foot or wheels. Getting off the path to check phones or talk with friends can keep congestion down. It is good manners to avoid walking or riding more than two abreast so that a group only takes up one lane. Keeping headphone volume down to such a volume that a spoken warning can be heard can also help keep the paths safe. Controlling dogs and teaching small children to follow the rules protects both them and others.

It might help if we all thought of bike paths as small streets. Most people would not stop their cars in the middle of a busy street to talk to a friend going in the other direction or drive down the center line of a road when there is oncoming traffic. We follow rules and guidelines on the street for a reason: to keep others and ourselves safe. In most cases, violating bike path etiquette does not have as serious repercussions as violating traffic law, but the spirit is the same. On the street or on the bike path, a little common sense and courtesy can go a long way to make everyone’s bike path experience safer and more enjoyable.