Hi,
Whilst peds may be perceived in being more vunerable? Its the cyclist I believe that are more at risk to harm from falls due to lazy dog walkers.
Out yesterday and dinged my bell as approaching a ped from behind (many do have dogs of course) I saw dogs there, so continued to warn the dog walker with my bell until some attention is seen, not much so continued by first dog slowly, second dog turned around to look and ignored my presence which is normal....................it seemed content with sniffing the grass whilst moving slowly in front of me. This Is Normal Dog Behaviour and its just instinct and natural.
I attempted to pass (I am one side dog is other with a gap of 8') as I slowly passed the dog 8mph, dog switched sides with no warning and I was forced to brake through fear of collision and dismount
Its not the dogs fault, I have owned two dogs for nearly 25 years, but the perceived danger by cyclist hitting peds is over played I.M.O.
I am constantly scolded by peds and dog walkers for speeding..................this is mostly a retort from peds and dog walkers after a very minor or even non existant encounter..................
Giving peds priority just fuels their selfish self importance on any path even when they jay walk on highways.
Just like the 1.5 M safety pass by cars on cyclist, which has been proved to be effective just by publicicty, a standard on mixed paths would help?