Cycling in Waterloo Region

[danbrotherston]

I tend not to ride on MUTs for the similar reasons- it's more because I am hesitant to ride close to people on foot because I think it could feel unpleasant for them. But, yes, there's always the possibility that someone just steps out in front of a bike, too.

danbrotherston's explanation of why someone might prefer King Street North to the trail is a pretty good one.

You're required to have a light during "unfavourable atmospheric conditions"? I never knew that...

As Jamincan and MidTowner point out, some cyclists prefer not to ride so close to pedestrians.  I feel this way sometimes, I'll sometimes avoid the IHT for this reason--even if I don't, I don't travel as fast as I would on a road.  Separating Peds/Cyclists is best as is being done in Waterloo Park (except at the most congested point for some reason), however, extra width and proper pavement markings (and pedestrian awareness) can help too.

I have seen shared facilities like this work (especially when they're linear), there must be sufficient ROW and there has to be clear markings, but most of all users have to be aware of each other.  There do seem to be a number of people using the IHT who are just shocked out of their boots to see a cyclist.

That being said, I don't think it's such a big issue for the MUT along King (as well as some other places, like Ira Needles or Fischer-Hallman), as it is not very busy either with pedestrians or cyclists, so you're unlikely to pass anyone, let alone a big crowd.


That section, there's a good chance I'd ride on the MUT as well, because well, highway interchange, but many other places I'm inclined not too, especially when the design is poor.  

I utterly hate hate hate the Weber St. MUT for this reason, the crossings are designed for a narrow sidewalk, nobody put any thought into it being a bike facility, but on the other hand, I'm also inclined not to ride next to the concrete wall of the underpass.