Ah... looong sigh... the topic of shared paths...
Disclosure: I am a walker, dog walker, cyclist and have been a horse rider so have experienced shared paths from every perspective.
Here in South Australia we have legislated the 1 metre distance for roads <60km and 1.5m for >60km. Also all bikes are allowed on the footpath at the same speed as the adjacent road. This has proved exciting - not! - I had to stay off them when I was recovering from my fractured foot as I couldn't risk being knocked over. I totally agree about respecting a similar distance when cyclists overtake pedestrians. I saw several close calls on our Camino and helped one pilgrim who fell getting out of the way if cyclists. I also met some very considerate cyclists but they tended to be on their own or in very small groups. One delightful Japanese gentleman on a round the world trip comes to mind.
It comes down to two issues really - the first is simply respect and consideration of others. The second reminds me of the Disney Goofy cartoon:
Mr Walker & Mr Wheeler where the kind and gentle pedestrian turns into a speed demon behind the wheel.
It's all about the lens that we see the world through and the type of experience we seek. The speeds and needs and perspectives of walkers, cyclists and horsemen/women differ.
All our shared paths in South Australia have a give way heirarchy: cyclists give way to pedestrians, dogs to be on leads at all times, everyone gives way to horses. Wishful recommendation probably describes this best... I have been knocked over by cyclists when walking, abused by pedestrians for scaring them by ringing my bell when cycling slowly past them, knocked down by dogs running loose when cycling and totally given up riding horses on any shared path.
Many of our national parks now have mountain bikers on our narrow walking tracks either legally or illegally as well as unregistered motorbikes. Some parks are becoming a no go area for walkers because of this.
Anyway, Buen Camino to all the pilgrim 'bikers' out there and patience (and caution) with us slow pilgrims on foot.
Well said. Consideration for each other.
Buen Camino to all pilgrims along the Way by whatever means of transportation.