Biker vs. Hiker in Peters Canyon. Hiker airlifted out.

[mtbcop714]

I came across these unfortunate people in Peters Canyon. A rider was descending and collided into a female hiker. I don't know what lead up to the crash, but everybody was in good spirits. The female hiker complained of neck pain and was airlifted out of Peters by OCFA. The male rider suffered either a broken or dislocated collarbone.

If you ride in Peters, take extra precautions. Most hikers share the trail, but I've come across groups of hikers that will just not move even after I politely say, "Rider on your left."

I tend to stay away from Peters and ride in Santiago Oaks. It's a bigger park and way less hikers to deal with.

[JoJon]

I was there (white Stumpy) I talked to one of the riders buddies on the way out. He said that the rider and the hiker were both going down the hill and that the hiker veered in front of him. The biker ended up with a dislocated collarbone.

I ride Peters three or four times a week and end up using my bell just about every time. 99% of the hikers I come across are nice and move to the left but I also know to ride slowly by them on the down hills. You never know, with the rocks and ruts someone could slip.

[Smooth Control]

Bikers fault. Hikers have the right of way, you should get off your bike if you have to and walk it around the hiker. Always slow down even stop if you have to, but don't mow down a hiker. Don't expect a hiker to be reasonable or predictable in their movements on a trail. This girl probably thought she was getting out of the way. Some people don't even know the difference between their right and left anyway, calling out on your right or left means nothing. The hiker may not even understand English. Be Careful!

[evdog]

I always slow down as much as needed and stay behind the hiker until they hear me and move over to whichever side they choose. I find saying "on your left" never works because half of them misunderstand and move to that side. I won't even mention the i-tards (ok, I just did ).

I don't know the circumstances of what happened here and hopefully it was not the fault of the biker. But let this be a reminder to all to be the "bigger man" and slow down when passing people to make sure it is done safely. Unfortunately some are much too stupid to act rationally. I know it sucks to slow down your ride but its really only for a moment and then you can continue on. Most hikers really appreciate it when you slow down as you pass them. And yes, bells really help. Be safe out there.

[stevers]

Bikers fault. Hikers have the right of way, you should get off your bike if you have to and walk it around the hiker. Always slow down even stop if you have to, but don't mow down a hiker. Don't expect a hiker to be reasonable or predictable in their movements on a trail. This girl probably thought she was getting out of the way. Some people don't even know the difference between their right and left anyway, calling out on your right or left means nothing. The hiker may not even understand English. Be Careful!

Exactly. You can't expect hikers/walkers/joggers to understand trail etiquette. Sometimes saying "on your left" could be quickly interpreted as "move to the left". Plus, they might have headphones on, or not be paying attention, or simply not want you to pass for safety reasons that you don't understand (loose gravel, small children, something you can't see). Either way, it's the biker's responsibility to be safe.

Glad everyone seems to be in good condition, though.

[Abui]

Biker's fault. Irresponsible. If you must speed and can't wait turn around and repeat the hill behind you.

Every time you pass someone from behind slow down and make noise with plenty of time to spare. Sudden loud noise can scatter hikers who bump into each other!

Even if there hadn't been a collision the hiker would not have appreciated the surprise. It's an open question which result would have created more enemies of biking.

[BikeThePlanet]

Lots of people assuming the biker was "speeding" down the hill or didn't slow down. Perhaps the biker did slow down and take precautions and an accident still happened.

[gtemme]

Peters is in my back yard and I ride there 2-3 times a week. Many hikers definately do not speak english!! The rest of them are wearing ear pods and listening to music. Nobody can hear us - period. I always sloww waaaaaaaayyyyy down, continue to call out as I pass very slowly. They still jump when they see my front wheel, and I always appologize.

This is the long time problem. How can we get the word out to riders that they must be responsible??

Glad to hear so many of you feel it is our responsibility. I know I am preaching to the chior.

[Abui]

Lots of people assuming the biker was "speeding" down the hill or didn't slow down. Perhaps the biker did slow down and take precautions and an accident still happened.

He didn't take enough precautions.

[goldrunner]

Peter's Canyon is boring as hell anyway. Go somewhere else.

[mpmffitz]

Unless it's Laguna or the Luge the OC Irvine Co hills are all boring..

[OC rider]

at peters i usually wait until all hikers are off of the "fun" hills. once they are off the hill you can bomb as so desired..

[stinky180]

What trail?

[mtnbikej]

What trail?

Looks like the downhill as you come down to the intersection with the top of Scout Trail along the ridge line.

[dirtvert]

Peter's Canyon is boring as hell anyway. Go somewhere else.

well, it's not a bad place if you're a beginner--or if it's in your backyard. sherpa and i had a fun little cruise through there from his house a week ago. it was better than bad...and i'm not just saying that because a hot chica was getting pictures taken on one of the trails.

Unless it's Laguna or the Luge the OC Irvine Co hills are all boring..

fyi: neither peter's or the luge is part of the irvine co. property. but, you're right, the o.c. has little to offer and people are better off riding elsewhere.

imho, trails are like wine. the best ones are those right in front of you.

[BikeThePlanet]

peter's is ok, but there are too many hikers, joggers, dog walkers, etc. during the week when people are at work it isn't bad, but need to do a couple of loops.

[Waldo]

Peter's is right up the street, so I ride it often, either for a quick training loop or on my way to/from Oaks or even Blackstar. Of all the places I ride, it has BY FAR the highest concentration of novice hikers, novice cyclists, dogs on extra-long leashes, people with iPods, etc., etc. Most people are very friendly with a little common courtesy (bells are the way to go), but it is definitely a place that dictates defensive riding, especially evenings and weekends. Always expect the unexpected there.

I'm very sorry to hear about this accident, particularly with the friction that these things create among trail users. Hope everyone involved heals up OK, and that there is minimal ill will.

[ebenke]

Sorry to hear of the incident. Peter's is not a favorite spot for me anyway. Riden there twice in 14 years. Too many other great places to mountain bike nearby.

Regardless.....

Healing Vibes to both the hiker and biker.

[jdavid]

The biker should always be courteous and avoid the hikers. And expect they can't hear, don't speak English, drive on the wrong side of the road, have two left arms, etc.

Only by being courteous and not running people over can we keep the trails open.

But it IS true that hikers can sometimes be a-holes. I don't know why, but I continually run into hordes of Korean women in Whiting who take up the entire trail, walking way up in there in their Sunday best. Some are quite rude and will even try to tell you in broken English that you aren't supposed to be riding bikes there, which is false. I still try to give them their way.

Another thing is most people are relatively sedate in their lifestyle, and don't have any concept of what a mountain bike can or cannot do, or the physical demands that evasive actions can place on a rider. Even if they have two functioning ears, speak English and know what the rider means by "right" or "left." For this reason, I let hikers and families clear any feature before I ride through it. In the past when I didn't it invariably led to them looking frightened, amazed, or just getting in the way. Thankfully I never nailed one of them, though.

You can't win them all over, but as I hike, bike, etc. I prefer to avoid fanning any flames regarding lack of consideration. If they are used to mtn bikers being friendly and nice and sharing the trail, that is the best thing for the sport.

[Pain Freak]

In 1999 when I first started riding mtb's I was at CHSP I came around a corner and there was an older couple hiking along Telegraph. They turned around and seen us, they stayed to the right as my friend rode by. Just as I started to go around them the little older lady decided to change sides of the trail. Boom, I drove right up her leg. This sent us both to the ground. Even her husband asked her why she did it. I made sure she was okay and continued out. It's inevitable that we are going to have accidents in shared use trails but we have to do what ever we can to minimize them.

So sorry to hear about this and I hope for the best with both parties involved.