[Closed] Got confronted by a dog walker!

You should have shit in a bag and left it on hanging off her wing mirror.

Last time a dog walker tried that with me I just bent down to the dog (lovely westie) and made a fuss of it while saying "I feel sorry for you having such a miserable owner, you deserve much better."

The conversation ended there.

I don't bother talking to them anymore, just keep on riding and enjoying the trail. With all these booby traps and conflicts that keep happening I think it's only a matter of time before one of them gets a proper good beating.

The last one I spoke to I used the cheekytrails.co.uk response to "this is a footpath" of "yes, it's silly isn't it?".

She didn't think it was silly, saying that we were causing masses of erosion in the woods and scaring ground nesting birds. I had a nice, really level headed chat with her about how none of the research suggests we are the cause of the problem, how dog walkers are far scarier for wildlife etc. and she generally agreed.

It was really constructive and enlightening. And her dogs were really nice.

Dog walkers on the Malverns do seem more accepting that bikes will be up there. Most seem friendly and, if their dog is loose, will call it back or try and keep it out of the way. We do slow right down too so that probably helps, a lot.

And her [s]dogs[/s] puppies were really nice.

Hopefully FTFY 😉

To counter balance it i met a really nice dog walker about 30 minutes later and we talked about Mud tires.

I have only ever had cross words a handful of times with (dog) walkers in all the years I've been cycling. This is comphrensively dwarfed by all the hellos, smiles or even actual pleasant conversations I've had with the other trail users I've encountered. I wouldn't even engage with someone who was looking for an argument these days.

I do like the idea above of ignoring the owner & talking to the dog though! (even though it is [i]extremely[/i] passive-aggressive & not really my style!)

In my local-ish woods I only get grief off the dog walkers who deliberately and knowingly walk on the purpose built designated mtb trails 😕

munrobiker - Member

The last one I spoke to I used the cheekytrails.co.uk response to "this is a footpath" of "yes, it's silly isn't it?".

ferrals - Member

In my local-ish woods I only get grief off the dog walkers who deliberately and knowingly walk on the purpose built designated mtb trails

There is some irony in this somewhere.

I met a woman walking a dog and pushing a pram. I glanced at the baby in the pram and realised it was another identical dog. Afterwards I kept thinking of witty things I could have said, like: "Madam, I may be a little short-sighted but I'll swear your baby looks too hairy..." or something.

Last time a dog walker tried that with me I just bent down to the dog (lovely westie) and made a fuss of it while saying "I feel sorry for you having such a miserable owner, you deserve much better."

I like that.

I agree that the majority of dog walkers are fine. In the odd instance that a dog walker has said something to me I have adopted a couple of approaches - both ended the conversation.

One was with a woman who had her dog off the lead and wasn't really keeping an eye on it. I just accused her of deliberately letting the dog go where it wanted to do its business so she could deny seeing it and not have to pick it up. She looked embarrassed and shuffled away.

Another was a gruff, aggressive bloke - he had his arm in a sling and support type thing. I merely remarked with a bit of emphasis how difficult it must be to clean up after a dog with only one hand. Again, it seems he didn't want to explore that topic further.

I find that exposing blatant hypocrisy on the part of people who try to be holier than thou usually does the trick.

Some people are just cross. I've met some really miserable cyclists too

@milky1980

Last time a dog walker tried that with me I just bent down to the dog (lovely westie) and made a fuss of it while saying "I feel sorry for you having such a miserable owner, you deserve much better."

The conversation ended there.

That's excellent, I'm going to try to remember that for next time

Some people are just cross. I've met some really miserable cyclists too

If that was in the New Forest it was probably be me.

Not really sure of the relevance that the person was walking a dog.
I have been moaned at by dog walkers, ramblers, horse riders, other riders - I don't discriminate on who I annoy.

http://www.peakdistrictmtb.org/index.php/81-you-re-just-a-nuisance

As above, the vast majority of people I meet are friendly. It's a few years now since I had an 'encounter' in the woods with an enraged dog walker. I let him rant till he ran out of steam then pointed out we were on a bridleway....

I found the answer to this; ride a fat bike, then just as they're about to rant, they go oooo big wheels, we talk about built for snow / sand, etc. We depart happy...........unfortunately it doesn't work with any other bike including 27+

The ones that make me really happy are the ones who have loose dogs and see you coming, but do nothing until you are right on top of them and belatedly say "Come on Tiddles and Widdles, get out of the way".

Which the dogs don't, possibly because all they hear is: " Mlah mlah Tiddles mleh fnerr Widdles, gmerr owd owda weearghh".

Then of course if I run straight over their little friends, it's all my fault apparently.

Pook - Member
> http://www.peakdistrictmtb.org/index.php/81-you-re-just-a-nuisance
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Good story.

I always make an effort to give way to other trail users be it a bridleway or cheeky.

At the end of the day if we all respect the environment, the trails and each other everybody wins.

My favourite recent one was:

"You should learn to read a map...you shouldn't be riding here, it's not a bridleway...!"
"There's good news and bad news...the good news is you're right, I shouldn't be riding here. The bad news is it isn't a footpath either. Check your map when you get home..."

I had the usual shout of "she's alright" as a small-medium off-lead dog came flying towards me the other day, to which the terse response was "not if I run over her".

On foot when being jumped at, in response to some banal 'harmless' comment is "does it do dry cleaning".

Don't get me started on the professional dog walkers....

I must be doing something wrong, most of the dog walkers round here are happy bunch.
As for roadies...

Dog walkers are the 2nd most annoying thing I encounter on my rides. 1st place obviously goes to motor vehicles.

i just shrug my shoulders and pretend im lost. frickin am half the time.

Mlah mlah Tiddles mleh fnerr Widdles, gmerr owd owda weearghh

Who knew Cthulhu was a dog lover?

grannyjone - Member - Quote
Dog walkers are the 2nd most annoying thing I encounter on my rides. 1st place obviously goes to [s]motor vehicles[/s] my brakes.

8)

I have been bitten twice (badly) by dogs whilst running on fairly remote trails, with little or no apology or reaction from the dog owners.
I am yet to be bitten by a mountain biker.

Haven't had an angry confrontation for ages to be honest. There's always those who won't accept any amount of reasoning, to which I reply "I ride where I damn well please and I have no consideration for anyone except myself"

There's always those who won't accept any amount of reasoning,

Old man to me, just stopped by the bank near the top of Guildford high street years ago: "Do you know this is a one way street?"
Me: Yes.
Him: Then why were you cycling the wrong way down it?
Me: Because I'm lazy and irresponsible?
Him: ...

Actual answer was: because I'm careful, considerate and efficient and I can't see a policeman, but it would have resulted in a much longer conversation, and wouldn't have been as funny.

I generally think anyone that wants to tell me their views without invite is a bellend, this certainly is a general life view I have irrespective of if I'm cycling or not. Luckily a total lack of engagement and moving away from such an individual seems to resolve such matters. Sometimes angry people require slightly different handling, but rarely. I have a pretty affable approach to life, and can't recall a need to swear at anyone in about the last 15 years.

Is she had been in anyway polite to me I would of just agreed i thought nothing of it.

Had a stroppy dog walker once who said his dogs eggs were bio-degradable when I asked him to pick it up in the car park, when he walked off I picked it with a nice big leaf and stuck it smack in the middle of his windscreen. Immature or what!!!!

I just bent down to the dog (lovely westie) and made a fuss of it

I'd be careful you don't get a kick in the face off the owner!

 

I just pretend I'm east European and don't understand English that usually does it 😈 the adult babies love it their little faces go purple.

There's a lot of angry people in this country. Apparently the UK is wonderful, everyone's living the dream and should be bloody grateful, oh and we have one of the most tolerant societies according to those who cause all the division. All seems very contradictory doesn't it, hmmmmmm who knew.

Let's form an action group, badger the council and make up loads of bullshit about injuries from dog attacks costing the NHS millions, not to mention the deaths. Let's all play silly buggers the most popular British pass time and let the things that really matter stay the same.

Funny isn't it how the dog walkers, drivers, horsey riders, walkers want it all for themselves yet I've never heard people who like biking respond in kind.

I'll happily engage in conversation if the dog is on a lead.

Off a lead and twice recently I've had a go after dogs 'followed' sheep and Lambs.

I am yet to be bitten by a mountain biker.

Depends if we've run out of Haribo......

Out on Sunday afternoon and this lady with a collection of toy dogs informed me that a dog was following me. I said it's ok, he's my dog. She looked very puzzled and said "but your on a bike". I laughed and rode away with my dog woofing because we had stopped.

My favourite reply when being told 'You shouldn't be riding here'
'Yeah I know,I killed someone down here last week'

I find the presence of a dog and grumpy cockwomblery to be mutually exclusive.

Was out riding the other week and one of my mates still had his plate on from London to Brighton offroad. A miserable looking walker who looked like the type to normally have a moan clapped and said well done. Pissed ourselves laughing but could be onto something with the fake charity ride thing.

The latest one I had, from an old miserable walker with his mate, was "Where are you going?" "This is a public footpath!"

My favourite reply when being told 'You shouldn't be riding here'
'Yeah I know,I killed someone down here last week'

Last year, right on xmas day, a dog ran from its owner on a paved path...
I managed to save the dog but i got my elbow broken and had to wear a cast for 3 weeks ruining all my holiday plans 🙁

But I love dogs and i didn't blame the owner nor asked for any refund, I had a dog myself and I know this things can happen.

Had a stroppy dog walker once who said his dogs eggs were bio-degradable when I asked him to pick it up in the car park, when he walked off I picked it with a nice big leaf and stuck it smack in the middle of his windscreen

missed a trick by not smearing it on the underside of the door handles...
done this to a mate once, albeit with tomato ketchup.

Does make me wonder, based on the way the world seems to be going, if this is just an intolerance of those who are different, in the case of cyclists, both on and off road we dress differently from non cyclists and therefore must be of dubious character!

Probably happens to a degree where user groups overlap..

cyclists / walkists
canoeists / fishists
Farage-Gove-Hunt / Human beings

Its always "them" not "us"

My tip is to cheerfully say hello, afternoon, morning to everyone I see on trails before they even get chance to say a word. If its a nice dog i'll give it a pat and say how nice it is. This automatically makes them think you're a great guy and not a negative word about riding on footpaths is said.

Careful, some of the little handbag dogs and small terriers are really yappy 'orrible little things. Proper sized dogs and above are usually good as gold

😕
Last dog walker (runner) i saw when out on the MTB hurled himself and his dog into the bushes at the side of the trail so i could have a clean run at the rock steps he was picking his way up.

I didn't make it, so he gave me a hand up and his dog licked me.

Terribly nice chap.

Actually used to see him around a fair bit, never actually crossed paths before then.

just an intolerance of those who are different

Now you may think you're not going that fast and that your clicky hub is enough warning for anyone but bikes go a lot faster than people on foot and people (and animals) respond in different ways when they're surprised.

Which is why some of you have confrontations

Some of them are just looking for a scrap no matter how polite you are. Life.

My tip is to cheerfully say hello, afternoon, morning to everyone I see on trails before they even get chance to say a word. If its a nice dog i'll give it a pat and say how nice it is. This automatically makes them think you're a great guy and not a negative word about riding on footpaths is said.

I do this, very rarely had a confrontation with a walker and most of my local loop is cheeky footpathing

Seeing it from both sides as I do my intial reaction when encountering a bike is one of surprise.
Now you may think you're not going that fast and that your clicky hub is enough warning for anyone but bikes go a lot faster than people on foot and people (and animals) respond in different ways when they're surprised.

Which is why some of you have confrontations

Indeed, that's why I'm always prepared to stop if necessary, close passes by bikes as a ped are similar to close passes by cars when your on a bike, you may not get hit, but you feel anger for the lack of consideration.

But you can't win them all, some people are just dozy and sometimes there's confrontation, you just have to be as courteous as you can, and brush off the odd bit of outrage if you've honestly done all you can.

My recently purchased bike came with a bell and I decided to leave it on, never having really used one on a bike before.

First ride out (on a shared use path BTW) the first dog walker had earphones in so didn't hear my pinging, I had to literally shout for him to hear me. Then a few minutes later I pinged as I came up behind an elderly couple, and the woman shot in the air in fright and had a go at me for startling her.

You can't ******* win!

[quote=mattyfez ]Indeed, that's why I'm always prepared to stop if necessary, close passes by bikes as a ped are similar to close passes by cars when your on a bike, you may not get hit, but you feel anger for the lack of consideration.

Which is why I always slow down far more than I need to when meeting walkers - those who ride close past at speed "because I'm in control" are dicks IMHO. It doesn't really do me much harm to slow down when meeting people and I'm sure they appreciate it.

In the US they sometimes carry mace for when encountering dogs! Personally I think "hello" is more polite.

I speed up when I see grumpy walkers. The faster you're going, the harder it is for them to say anything to you.

I live in the south east of England, which is home to lovely scenery but is often quite busy with walkers of all types.

I always give a cheery "Hello! Just passing on your left/right", I make time to give friendly dogs some attention and I usually pick on the grumpiest looking rambler I can find and reward them with a huge smile and a "Hello! Fantastic day isn't it? Have a good afternoon!" as I breeze past.

Sometimes it's just possible to take control and influence the prevailing attitude in your favour.

Which is why I always slow down far more than I need to when meeting walkers - those who ride close past at speed "because I'm in control" are dicks IMHO. It doesn't really do me much harm to slow down when meeting people and I'm sure they appreciate it.

My tip is to cheerfully say hello, afternoon, morning to everyone I see on trails before they even get chance to say a word. If its a nice dog i'll give it a pat and say how nice it is. This automatically makes them think you're a great guy and not a negative word about riding on footpaths is said.

100% the above. Never had a problem with a dog/walker even riding at least once a week in an area that isn't known for being pro-mtb. Just be polite, say hello, don't ride like a dick and 99% of people will be cool.

The critical question is did she ruin your strava time? If so, destroy her next time you cross paths.

Seeing it from both sides as I do my intial reaction when encountering a bike is one of surprise.
Now you may think you're not going that fast and that your clicky hub is enough warning for anyone but bikes go a lot faster than people on foot

quite frequently walk our dog on shared paths and outside of main commuting times often won't encounter any cyclists at all - dog is well trained and will sit and wait for bikes to pass but the relative speed and rarity can mean not much time to give a command
- mrs antigee did have* one of those extending leads

*the "dog" lost it 🙂

I'm really surprised how fast Strava times on descents generally are. On many of the segments in the pennines, even the mid-table times would require a dog-walker-free run to achieve. Yet more often than not, I get the walkers and dog walkers.

I normally offer them a Wine Gum.
Wine Gums can solve all the worlds problems.