Top Tweets for #walkingpaths

Do you ride a bike? Or an e-scooter? Or walk a dog? If so, please take a second to read this. If you are on a bike or scooter on a shared pathway and approaching someone walking a dog, please be courteous and slow down a little. Especially if coming up from behind. I am a wheelchair user with a dog and we have way too many close calls with fast moving bikes and scooters. People not using a bell and whipping by within inches. If the dog turned it's head or stepped a bit wide, they'd be hit. I'll happily move as far to one side of the path as possible, and if I've got the younger dog who isn't as experienced around fast moving things, I'll stop at the very side and have him sit in front of me to give everyone as much space as possible. If I don't know you're approaching, I can't do that. So please, for the love of dog, use your bell. Don't wait until you're right behind someone with a dog. Use it while you're still at a distance, and if you aren't sure they noticed it, ring it a few more times. Give them as much time as possible to move to the side and prepare the dog. If it's a puppy or a dog that hasn't had much experience with bikes, being able to get them off the path or give them a little extra distance from the fast moving bike helps prevent them from getting scared. The vast majority of cyclists are great and really respectful, but there's always a few that aren't. This year the challenge is kids on e-scooters. They are going fast and having fun. Safety isn't at the forefront of their mind. They often don't use a bell or slow down at blind corners, and many don't think about giving the dog any space. I've been startled a few times by them so I can only imagine how the dog felt. This is one of the reasons why I do a lot of desensitization and counter conditioning. Dog owners-you need to do your part to. If you've got headphones on, make sure you can still hear the bike bell. Make sure to give the cyclist or scooter rider as much space as possible from your dog. And of course, unless you are on a designated off leash trail, keep your dog on a leash. If you have a puppy or a newly adopted dog that might not be comfortable around bikes, take some kibble or treats and go hang out with them near a multi use path. Let them watch. As the bike or scooter approaches, drop a few treats on the ground. For many dogs, this is all it takes, but if your dog is visibly stressed, fixated on the bike, or reacting, try moving a further from the trail and once they're comfortable at a slightly further distance, try closer again. If they are still stressed or fearful even with more distance, don't force the issue. Instead introduce them to a bike that isn't moving, and gradually work them up from there. If they are struggling, talk to a trainer. Regardless of if you are holding a leash, riding a bike or scooter, or enjoying a walk outdoors, just be respectful. And of course, be safe. Thanks, Admin 🎥 Puppy walk for cuteness