You cite another example of the lack of common courtesy that has become endemic in the U.S over the past years. What ever happened to saying "please" and "thank you"? It's a shame. I think that talk radio has a lot to do with it, since everyone is "entitled" to an opinion. In addition, texting and other electronic forms of communication have lessened how people interact with one another. We need to make the best of it and maybe instill a sense of responsibility and good manners in our kids and grandkids.

Walkers/joggers, please make sure you can hear "on your left" by turning down the volume on your pods/radios and magnetometers that you've got plugged into your ear. And when you do hear 'on your left' please just wiggle your hand or do a mini wave so we know you know we're coming up. Or just take one step to the right so we know you know. And if you're a family biking together, keep pedaling. Having 7 or 8 year old slow down only makes him/her wobble more.
If you're an adult and don't wear a helmet please wear a sign: "No tax dollars should be spent on my rescue, I'm an idiot. My helmeted five year old will get a job to support me for another 30 years."

I've been running on the trail several times a week for a year now, and not ONCE have I heard a biker call out "on your left." I grew up running and biking on the Des Plaines River Trail and never had an issue; I was surprised that people are so rude here. I'm not perfect, but even when running I make sure to issue a warning to walkers or fellow runners when I pass them. I have never encountered a "rude" cyclist other than breaking the etiquette of announcing him/herself.

Also: dogs, as much as we love them need to be leashed. While I'm fond of them, I do not appreciate a loose dog running up to me or getting excited at seeing a (usually) fast-moving target and potentially chasing me. You might know your dog is friendly, but I don't. And frankly I don't want to ruin my pace to find out. Furthermore, has anyone else noticed how much Edith Shelton Park (Glencoe) smells like dog poo in the summer? I have; pick up after your furbaby!

It's a BIKE path. Pedestrians should walk single file on the opposite side so they can see bicycle traffic and move out of the way. In my experience, calling out to someone who's walking on the wrong side of the trail only results in that person turning their head and looking at the person calling out, and that makes them move into the path of the oncoming bicyclist - which is an accident just waiting to happen. Saying nothing results in no issues. calling out to someone with kids is an even bigger issue because kids rarely ride in a straight line, and calling out can result in a very bad accident - so again, say nothing, and ther's no problems.

For what it's worth, unless you can ride .25 mile in a straight line, and your're over 12 - you don't belong on the trails - stick to the Parks until you learn how to control the vehicle properly.

I run on the trail several times a week and have not encountered a rude cyclist, only those who walk their dogs, or walk in a group on the gravel part of the path and make no effort to move when they see a runner approaching. I was almost hit by a biker the other day, as I had to move out onto the asphalt because the dog walkers on the gravel would not move. It would not have been the bikers fault had I been hit.

When I'm running on a path I'll yell out on your left before I get too close to walkers. I'd hate give someone a heart attack who is trying to get in better shape by exercising.

I am both a walker and biker, but an average speed biker. My issue is the same as someone else mentioned. With everyone wearing headphones, no one can hear you call out "on your left". I do it anyway out of habit, but most don't react so you know they didn't hear you. I feel bad when they are startled, but does everyone has to listen to music all the time? I never use an iPod outside because I want to be to be aware of the environment around me at all times.

I've been biking on the GBT for nearly twenty years. I always call out "on your left" two or three times well before I pass any pedestrians, runners, or bikers. I thank people as I pass. People wearing earbuds seem not to hear me; so if you do that, please keep far to the sides of the path, walk in a straight line, and please look both ways before turning.

Two suggestions for bikers. (1) If your small child is riding with you, please have her or him ride *in front of you*, not behind. That way, you can make sure they are keeping to the right and can advise them of any dangers. (2) Two or more riders should ride in single file, at least when anyone is approaching from the opposite direction.