For example, in Provo canyon there is a speed limit of 15mph posted on the trail.
It's not uncommon for those of us pedaling at 12-13mph to be passed like we were standing still.
Most of the time those speeders are also inconsiderate of others on the road.
Last night, one such speeder was flying along at 25+mph and thought they could navigate a blind turn under the bridge at Nuns Park. Unfortunately for them and for us we were coming out from under that bridge just before they arrived. It could have just as easily been a group of people walking (which we have seen numerous times there).
He skidded (fishtailing it) approximately 15-20 feet before completely losing control of his bicycle. Just before his back tire swerved out from under him his back tire nicked our leaders tire (who was completely stopped). After that, he crashed into the wall of the concrete bridge, tearing up his arms and deflating his tire. It is extremely lucky he had his helmet on or he would have had a trip to the ER as well.
We offered to help him with bandages (gauze pads, band-aids, antibiotic ointments) but he said he was fine.
Our leader has always stayed in front as we are riding as he was worried about that very thing happening on our trips for certain location in Utah where we go under bridges or around them and you have blind spots. He always stops and proceeds around them cautiously. We were sure glad he did that on this trip. That bicyclist would have torn through our entire group and injured most of us.
We are sorry that the bicyclist was hurt and hope for a speedy recovery for him.
As a warning to others though:
- PLEASE SLOW DOWN when you approach blind corners on your bike.
- Please be considerate of others on the trail.
- Please obey the rules that are posted.
- PUT YOUR PHONE AWAY...seriously, you can wait until you get home to check your text messages and social media. We've seen 2 times in less than a month that an accident almost happened because a bicyclist was texting while driving. Don't text and drive.