Walking and Bicycling in Dunes West

Dunes West has many miles of sidewalks and walking paths across the community for residents to use.  They provide opportunities for exercise, social interaction, quiet contemplation, and communing with nature.  To allow users to feel safe and secure while using these common facilities here are a few ethical guidelines for pedestrians and bicyclists.  

For Pedestrians:

• Stay aware: Ear buds or headphones are fine, but don’t walk like you’re in a zombie apocalypse.  Use ear bud or headphone settings in transparency mode to allow you to hear others.
• Stick right (usually): Just like driving, staying to the right makes life easier for everyone.
• No sudden moves: Don’t randomly zig-zag like a squirrel that spotted a peanut.
• Control Pets: Keep pets on a leash six feet or less and don’t allow pets to approach other people or pets unless permission is requested.
• Say Hello: Acknowledge others, there are a lot of nice people that live here. 

For Bicyclists:

• Sidewalks are not racetracks: If you’re on the sidewalk, you’re in pedestrian world. Ride slow.  If you are in a hurry or working out, ride in the street. 
• Give warning: A bell, a friendly “on your left,” saves everyone from jump-scares.  
• Yield always: Feet rule the sidewalk kingdom. If a pedestrian is blocking the way, chill until it’s safe.
• Dogs are not People: Dogs are not as predictable as people might be. Scaring a dog could be disastrous for the dog, the bicyclist, and a person at the other end of the leash.  Give a warning, more than length of the leash for room, and slow down.  Sometimes it may be safer to dismount and walk your bike past the pedestrian and dog.  
• Know the Rules for Crosswalks:  Don’t just assume a vehicle will stop or that traversing a crosswalk is safe.  Technically, bicyclists are supposed dismount to cross a crosswalk since it is a pedestrian crosswalk.   
• Know the Town’s Restrictions on E-bike Use: You’re not exempt from practicing common sense and complying with Town code on use of E-bikes on sidewalks and paths.

For Both:

• Eyes up: Screens down. Collisions are way less epic in real life.
• Share the space: Walking paths are social contracts—you’re agreeing not to be “that person.”
• Kindness is more important than right-of-way: Technically having the right doesn’t mean it’s right to take it.