Shared path rules and etiquette

[Derwan]

Not a frequent viewer/poster in the Active Transport forum, so forgive me if this has been discussed before.  I did a search and found plenty of articles on the "battles" between cyclists and pedestrians - and how everyone (both sides) hates shared paths - but nothing on what should be done.

Unfortunately there are a lot of shared paths and it doesn't look likely that this will change any time in the near future.

Having purchased a bicycle a few months ago, I have now experienced "both sides".  Most cyclists and pedestrians are fine but sometimes you can get rather frustrated.

I was wondering if there are set rules and/or some sort of published guide/etiquette for cyclists and pedestrians on shared paths?  Rather than "fighting", perhaps we should be working out how we can "live together" and share the space?

Here are some of my thoughts:

• Treat shared paths as you would a road.  Look before entering/crossing and give way to cyclists/pedestrians already on the path.
• Keep to the left (both pedestrians and cyclists).
• Don't stop on the path.  Move off off the path.
• Cyclists ring your bell.  Pedestrians listen for bells.
• Parents, watch your children.  Running across a shared path could be just as lethal as running across a road.
• Don't cycle/jog/walk with earphones. You may not hear cyclists' bells.

How does that look so far?  Got any more suggestions?  If there is nothing in existence, perhaps we should produce a guide!   

[Mr X]

Cyclists, please do not ride 3 or more abreast on A MAJOR ROAD in the general traffic lanes.

[Derwan]

Cyclists, please do not ride 3 or more abreast on A MAJOR ROAD in the general traffic lanes.

Good point - but I'm talking about the shared pedestrian/cycleways. 

[Mr X]

Was still relevant 

One of my big gripes when using a shared pathway are pedestrians with strollers in the cycleway and people riding on the pedestrian only paths without using horns too. 

[Cam]

Cyclists, please do not ride 3 or more abreast on A MAJOR ROAD in the general traffic lanes.

Likewise, pedestrians should also not walk 3 or more abreast on a path.

[O_128]

Stand to left on escalators and do not hold conversations at the bottom of them.

[beauyboy]

My basic Rules
Keep to the flipping left.
Don't block the path.

There is nothing worse then coming home from work and there being some t****rs in front ( or :bi)  that think it is ok for them to be having a conversation and blocking the path.

Most of the time problems do not occur on the bikeways during peak hour people understand the concept that the paths are Transport Corridors. It seams to be at lunch and weekends where you get the most of the rude (being polite) people.

Donald