MAMIL movie explores the world of men in Lycra for one night, worldwide showing

I think Kernel is describing MAMIL outside of “middle-age” and more how they ride in certain situations. I know this path, and many like them. I think the problem is multi-fold.

1) Bike path designers seemingly take into account only the recreational cyclist/commuter. Speed differentials between them and a “roadie” may be high. Kernel’s story is true; however, all users need to adjust speed and lines given the paths established general use and sight lines. It is ALWAYS assumed the lycra clad one is wrong because they are easy to blame but I see poor path etiquette from many users. The casual poor bike handling individual that crosses over a line or does something stupid is always assumed innocent if hit by someone faster, especially if they are in roadie kit. Conversely, I see “MAMILs” not adjusting speed down when riding through large groups of families, children, etc. These are the stereotypical “bikepathathletes” Kernel references. Problems on both sides…

2) Once a bike path is in, roads nearby tend to be “closed off” in a cultural sense to bike traffic that may be better suited to the “MAMIL”. I often will hear “why don’t you use the bike path”….”well its because to get the exercise I want I am traveling at 2x the speed of the other users…” Its hard to understand this unless you experience it. It often very hard for non-cyclists to realize how fast and far a fit person can go on a bike. I think many municipalities don’t consult cyclists during design of bike paths.

3) Shared use paths are generally stupid unless very well made and its culturally accepted that pedestrians don’t walk on the bike section (come to SoCal beaches where they have dedicated bike and pedestrian paths…you’ll get yelled at and a possible ticket if you ride on the pedestrian side or sidewalk and yet there are countless pedestrians on the “bike only” path and nothing is said).
If sharing is required, there needs to be a set flowpath. IMO, walkers should walk on the left and cyclist ride on the right. That way the pedestrian isn’t being passed “blind” and all users are relying on sigh not sound.

4) The lack of awareness of many (on all sides). I can’t count the number of times I have ridden to work going a normal pace (~15mph) only to have people (pedestrians, runners, cyclists, rollerbladers, etc) change lines/step out without checking over their shoulders…I then get yelled at. Many people seem to assume that once they are moving nothing is coming up behind them. Add to this the prevalent use of earphones at a volume they can’t hear a bell or your announcement.