Bikes on the camino

[eloraguy]

Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?

 

[peregrina2000]

We have had many of these discussions lately, and frankly, none go very well. This seems like an open-ended invitation to start the slinging, so I would ask that if you want to have a civil discussion about bikes on the camino, you would start by recognizing that the camino is open to bikes and cyclists, and that it is a place where good manners and considerate behavior is essential, on both sides. We will get nowhere with debates between “rude cyclists who don’t use a bell and charge down the path” and “oblivious chattering pilgrims walking four abreast to block the trail.”

Maybe I’m feeling unrealistically hopeful this morning, but if things go south, the lock button is at the ready.

 

[Peter Fransiscus]

My opinion is that discussions between cyclists and walkers do not only occur on the Camino. In the Netherlands we also have this, especially in the forests and on normal cycle paths with electric bicycles that go significantly faster than normal bicycles. In my opinion, evaluation is pointless. It doesn't lead to anything at all.

 

[C clearly]

An important factor that underlies all such discussions is that there is no governing body for the Camino. The route uses roads of various designations, foot paths, farm roads, etc., that are marked by volunteers and/or local authorities. The route is used by local residents as they go about their daily activities. The route is used by Spanish recreational cyclists to train and enjoy their sport. They are often the cyclists who present the biggest hazards to pilgrims.

So, the Camino and its pilgrims are using an assortment of paths, and they have no exclusive rights.

Any effort to restrict this mixed use must deal with all of the local, regional and national laws and processes.

 

[David Tallan]

Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?

Personally, I'm not sure of the value of such discussions and they often devolve into unproductive rancor, as my fellow moderators suggest above. Frankly, I worried that this was a trolling post, although I hope I wouldn't see that from a fellow Ontarian. I will support Laurie's optimism and also try and keep a close eye on the thread.

 

[Bristle Boy]

Personally, I'm not sure of the value of such discussions and they often devolve into unproductive rancor, as my fellow moderators suggest above. Frankly, I worried that this was a trolling post, although I hope I wouldn't see that from a fellow Ontarian. I will support Laurie's optimism and also try and keep a close eye on the thread.

I think you have it in one.

 

[Corned Beef]

Have just cycled along a coastal route. It takes you through towns along promenades where you negotiate children, prams, cafe seats and people coming at you from each side as they head to and from the sea. All ages. All conditions.

It was particularly busy today because of the fine weather. Not one complaint.

Have seen a similar set up in Gijon. Not sure why people lose their confidence in dealing with a mixed environment when on a Camino.

Perhaps some training at coastal beaches beforehand?

 

[J Willhaus]

I've encountered both the considerate cyclists and the dangerous ones. Kind of like walking pilgrims. Some are pretty oblivious while others have a lot of situational awareness.

 

[Tincatinker]

“Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?” A question mark attached to a statement? Is this a poll? Possible responses include “yes”, “no” and “piss off Troll”. I make no recommendations.

I do wonder what prompted the post. It’s not clear whether the OP has undertaken a Camino either on foot or on the dread velocipide but I’m sure the mods could do us all a favour and close this thread so that members can concentrate on sharing and helping.

 

[Bristle Boy]

“Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?” A question mark attached to a statement? Is this a poll? Possible responses include “yes”, “no” and “piss off Troll”. I make no recommendations.

I do wonder what prompted the post. It’s not clear whether the OP has undertaken a Camino either on foot or on the dread velocipide but I’m sure the mods could do us all a favour and close this thread so that members can concentrate on sharing and helping.

Just one of several on the forum over the last year. An unfortunate phenomenon (or should that be childish irritation)
Best recognised and ignored.

 

[K_Lynn]

Perhaps this is what they meant by walkers and cyclists cohabitating? I admit I would love to see one of these in use! LOL

 

[truenorthpilgrm]

Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?

Why? What's the purpose of the question? What will evaluating serve?

 

[Bristle Boy]

Why? What's the purpose of the question? What will evaluating serve?

The truth in the matter is that there is no purpose in the question (if there is one). The question that needs answering is the motive behind it.
Of late there have been quite a few posts appearing that the original poster has absolutely no interest in or in listening or viewing the responses.
The motive is to get the forum members to respond amongst themselves.. If the subject matter is contentious or subject to causing arguments then this is an added bonus.
To respond to the OP is largely pointless in these cases as, with previous examples, they are never seen again.
It is, perhaps, an issue worthy of discussing at the next Zoom meeting between Ivar and the moderators and whether an acceptable solution is available to counteract an uptick in trolling threads

 

[Xali1970]

Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?

Take it up with local authorities. Good luck with that.

If people could stop polluting this subforums and genuine threads with these pointless questions it would be great. If these threads could be locked or deleted shortly after posting even better

 

[Robo]

Think it is time to evaluate walkers and bikers to cohabitate the Camino?

Probably not.
It's been done to death.

 

[David Tallan]

Okay. This doesn't seem to be developing into a productive thread, just questions about the validity of the thread. I'm going to lock it.

If someone wants to start a productive thread about getting along, I would be okay with that, but this doesn't seem to be developing into that.