I am a life-long bicyclist and ride every day on a paved bike path. Just yesterday 2 dog walkers were standing in the middle of the trail talking and blocking the traffic. Usually walkers are courteous on the path. I have 7 bikes along with a new Mt E-bike. When Mt biking I always let hikers know I am coming when I see them.

@Robert_2001 Clearly you weren't raised in a barn by a pack of weasels, those dog walkers however??
My favourite annoyance are the dog walkers with some sort of ratlike creature on the end of a 25' rewinding leash that they never rewind because ratdog needs to roam around freely and get tangled up in peoples legs or perhaps their spokes.

@sandrarocks83

Thank you so much. I'm hard on myself.

With the pandemic, don't think I'm in as good of shape as usual.

I miss weightlifting and the rowing machine at the YMCA.

good for you guys ,i clear stuff off trails also but may start taking a garbage bag with me for litter also ,, Crossing creeks like that on stepping stones can be quite dangerous,since they are not maintaining any thing else rebuilding bridges for every ones safety should be priority as fire fighter,paramedics etc need quick access for peoples safety

@RoyMillar

While hiking, Karen and I always clear trails of litter, branches and rocks (tripping hazards). This makes it safer while descending to the car.

People have no idea that we do this. They assume Forest Service employees clear trails. With severe funding cuts, the most they can do is chainsaw and remove fallen trees across the trail. Sometimes.

"We're not rebuilding bridges on popular trails," a Forest Service ranger told me in 2015. "We want to reduce the number of people trampling fragile alpine terrain. Instead, we let people use stepping stones to get across a creek."

HA. As if that's safe.

Photo: One crossing of Chatter Creek. On that hike, we crossed the creek in six places.

@Moravian

In Washington State, we can hike as long as we respect social distancing. Karen and I:

1. Wear masks in the car.

2. Sit and hike at least six feet apart.

3. Don't share food.

4. Avoid groups.

5. Don't use campgrounds.

@LiterateHiker Interesting how it varies from state to state. Hope the easing of restrictions don't backfire.

@Moravian as of last week, going out hiking isnt a violation anymore. Not sure about the social distancing while on the trails

@Moravian in the state of WA. still lots of variation between states

@Burner Interesting, but judging by previous posts on this subject I don't think it will make much difference. As the restrictions are gradually lifted it is going to be very confusing particularly as you say different states have different rules.
We are going to have similar problems here as the devolved parliament/assemblies are suggesting a different approach from the Westminster govt.
Just hope it doesn't result in a spike of positive cases.

@Moravian it not so much a spike as a failure. Our cases arent declining like most pf the rest od the world.

@t1nick

Good point.

Stereotyping much?

Especially so of cyclists, who have been told, ( not entirely without some truth ) that they are saving the planet. You tell people they are virtuous, a lot of them get arrogant, look at religious people.

@Cyklone

Cyclone you are correct I am stereotyping. I have been a purveyor of outdoor sports for over 60 years. I began respectfully enjoying the wilds of our land long before their was mountain biking, ATVIng, motocross on the trails.

Anecdotally, I have seen the change over the years as technology has opened up new avenues of feeding the adrenaline fix that we have come to depend upon. But with that adrenaline fix comes a change in physiology and behavior. I have engaged in a wide variety of outdoors sports from rock climbing , skiing, long distance bicycle touring, white water rafting, back packing, & hiking,.

I too have seen my times of adrenaline seeking when I was bull rider, rugby player, and worked Indy car races and super bike races. But those took place in venues artificially set up specifically to contain them and didn't involve taking my adrenaline fix to the wilds and wilderness. Yes I stereotyped, but believe me I have seen the evolution of and changes wrought by humans taking their overcharged adrenaline glands to places we revered for its beauty and solitude and peasefulness.

@t1nick I'm sorry it's like that for you. I too am a life long adrenaline junkie but every sport I've been involved in has emphasised the need for mutual respect for others and respect for the environment, especially our wilderness, with a need to preserve it so that others can enjoy the same as us. Then again, I don't live in the US