There was some local London Ontario news I meant to share 2 months ago but only remembered today. Among multi use path people, groups of joggers really slow cyclists down. Especially when you have to literally run them over. All that annoying bumping, you know...
From a local CTV article:
A 65-year-old London man is facing a number of charges after a woman who was running on a trail was struck from behind by a cyclist and then run over, causing serious injuries.
Wayne Morrison has been charged with assault causing bodily harm, assault with a weapon, mischief and common nuisance in the incident.
London police say the woman was running on a Thames Valley trail in December 2012 when Morrison allegedly rode directly into her back, causing her to fall to the ground and then rode over her.
The 37-year-old woman suffered a concussion, broken ribs, a pulled neck and severe bruising on her face including two black eyes. The incident appears to just be the latest in a string disruptive behaviour involving a cyclist and area runners.
When I'm riding the paths, groups of runners present some of the biggest slowdowns and I find it a little vexing when I have to deal with lots of them, as I'm sure they do when it comes to lots of bicycles. The path is meant to be shared and they have every bit as much right to the path as I do.
In addition, groups of runners (and individuals too) are among very few users who seem to get the whole "on your left" idea. Although they often spread out across the whole path, when I announce "bike on your left" they very reliably spread the word amongst themselves and move over.
Even then, I never blow by a group like that because it just isn't safe. Instead I pass at fairly low speed. We often share a few thank you's and a wave and sometimes even a "have a good run" or "have a good ride". I really like that part, because in most day-to-day travel, that kind of civility and goodwill NEVER happens. It happens with joggers and me. I like joggers.
My name is Patrick Cormier. I am 44 years old. I do not own a black leotard, although at 200+ lbs and 5'10", I bet I would look awesome in one.
Yer Free of Pending Charges Pal,
R A N T W I C K 
9 comments:
Rantwick: If you ever decide to look awesome in a leotard...you MUST post pictures. Not doing so isn't even an option.
Happy Riding!
Your strategy differs from mine in excitement level, though not in collision avoidance:
http://dfwptp.blogspot.com/2012/01/path-passing-on-darkest-mornings-of.html?m=1
Would a cyclist get the same gratifying list of charges from law enforcement if struck by a motorist on the street? Assault with a weapon. Yeah, Jack.
Nope. Likely, all that would happen is a careless driving charge. No criminal charge at all. And that is for killing someone on a bike with a car.
Hang on a second, everybody. I did not quote the entire article. This dude has a long, like decade long, history of abusing runners and doing weird stuff at running races. He is a singular nutjob who likely hurt this woman very much on purpose.
I appreciate the irony pointed out by Cafiend and Anon and agree in many ways about the double standard applied to cars vs. bikes, but I don't think this is a particularly good opportunity to make that point.
Sounds like a job for Mr.Wayne...Mr.Bruce Wayne, go make the trails safe for us all Batman, please. =) lol (leotards required, but photos not requested) LOL Ride-on
On Your Left, Rantwick! Have a nice ride!
I'd like to extend my apologies, I thought this story was a joke. Further research reveals it to be true. Link below from London Police Service.
http://www.police.london.ca/d.aspx?s=/Newsroom/2013103.htm
Thanks Annie! And John, no worries! Truth is often stranger...
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