On Your Left Part 2 – Feedback From Post in September QR
Respectfully submitted by
Ann Morrow
Last month I shared opinions in an article about the practice of saying, “on your left” as you approach other cyclists or pedestrians from behind. Responses are below and it’s obviously a conundrum.
Don’t say it when you’re too close to the cyclist or pedestrian you’re passing. Have your hands poised on the brake lever just in case. Shout it out; I’ve heard it mumbled – not sufficient. Pedestrians especially misunderstand the cue, and may move left. Be aware of cyclists following you and be prepared to loudly shout “stopping” or “slowing”.
I hope this helps.
Alan Mevis
I say coming through also
Or if not certain they know I am there, I need to slow down a bit too.
Then say Good morning!
Eileen Holtzman
Well thank you for writing this piece! It’s Tuesday night and I’m still exasperated about all the riders on Saturday who failed to do the tiny task of using the cycling community’s accepted warning. Saturday my husband and I rode the 59 mile Deception Pass Classic (MS fundraiser) in Skagit Valley/Fidalgo Island. This was our 11th year. Ridership was way down on every team. That was kind of depressing in itself, but more depressing is that saying On Your Left or ANYTHING to warn others you are passing…..seems to have gone out of fashion. We determined that about 50% of riders say something and the other 50% are too cool to give fellow riders a warning or are maybe so self-involved, they forget they are out there with many others. In an organized event that lasts all day, a person (me) is reluctant to call them out for this negligent behavior, which I will also say is selfish. (You see these people at every rest stop.)
I did however, call out a woman for passing on the right. That is a HUGE NO NO and super dangerous. For Cascade Bicycle Club, my home club, it’s in the bylaws. Never pass on the right.
When passing, I, myself tend toward the friendly: “Hi, mind if I pass?” “Good morning!” “Hi, right behind you!” or something similar and of course, sometimes just “On your left!”
When the courteous riders do give a verbal warning to me, I always say “Thank you!” I believe courteousness begets safety for all, not to mention a more fun and pleasant ride. Let’s face it, these marathon rides are work. If everyone can just ride like everyone else’s life is on the line….which it is, we can all enjoy more and feel we’re working a bit less.
Thank you so much for bringing this important aspect of cycling into the light! I don’t know if it will change anything, but I sure hope it motivates folks to do the right thing.
Ride well and ride safe!
Claudia Lawrey (new to PDX and the club here)
on your left puts a direction in the listeners ear.
I found during my years of commuting that people i approached would sometimes turn left, look over their shoulder, and veer left.
i stopped using the phrase many years ago.
Now, I have a bell on most of my bikes and i use the phrase “Passing”.
Note that during my years of commuting I met many retired walkers exercising. They relayed to me that with age comes a reduction in the frequency range one is able to hear.
Some said they had trouble hearing bells which is why I both ring and exclaim
“passing”
Ernie Grillo
I liked your post and agree that there is no universal answer. “On your left” seems as functional as anything i know. I have had the same problem with this as you, particularly with groups of runners- one out of every runner pack will jump left when they hear this.
“Behind you” though is more problematic in my experience- the worst case was a female runner, hearing this, grabbed her butt with both hands and started screaming. Definitely a low point in Portland cycling for me. I use a modified form now- “coming up behind you”, instead; or just “on your left” if there isn’t time for 5 syllables.
Steve Robison