Reminder to any dog owners: Keep them close on the bike paths and pay attention for oncoming traffic (or just stick to sidewalks and dog parks).
this post was submitted on 06 Oct 2026
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Conversely, riders on walking paths watch for Walkers and dogs.
Or just keep the dog on the leash like we’re supposed to.
According to the Central Park Conservancy website, dogs are allowed to be unleashed in some areas of the park from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., and from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m.
The cyclist was riding on East Drive in the New York City park around 8:18 a.m. local time on Monday, Oct. 5 when he collided with the off-leash dog,
I have heard from people that the areas that are okay to be off leash and those it is prohibited are hard to tell apart.
Honestly, it's just bad park policy, it should be on-leash all the time outside of fenced-in areas. It's as must for the pups' safety as people, there are some really shitty dog owners out there.
Horrible rule: Dogs should be leashed unless it's a dog park, both for the safety of people as well as the dog.
Is your premise that this can’t happen if someone on a bike knows a dog is coming? It takes not even a second for a dog to go from a standstill to a full sprint. Depending on where the dog starts in relation to the person there may not even be time to avoid it. People need to keep their animals on a leash outside designated areas for this exact reason: someone could get killed.
I am forever annoyed that all the nature paths in my area are mixed use unless you want to do a mountain bike course. There's nowhere to bike without having to dodge dogs or pedestrians, and nowhere to walk your dog or take a casual stroll without getting in the way of bikes.
This is my issue too. Most of the bikers here just scream "move" as they roll up on you, not slowing down. The trail is a walking path first and foremost, but it also allows bikes.
yup also same in my area, bikers are extremely rude for pedestrians, or they press a loud air horn, im not surprised they havnt crashed into more old people, because ive seen them scream at old people to move without slowing down.
Surprising someone when you're coming up fast seems like a great way to get punched in the face, thrown off your bike, or some other startled self defense reaction. What a bunch of dickheads...
The number of cyclists who fail to yield to pedestrians around here is concerning. I've stopped taking my camera out for a walk with me because I don't want to crouch down to get a pic of a mushroom, and get creamed by an e-cyclist that's late to work or something. The path is maybe 5ft across, with foliage to either side, and I've had far too many near misses already.
If you're on a bike path, don't stop.
If you want to stop, get off the path.
Stopping in the middle of a bike path is just as not OK as passing carelessly.
Don't be that person.
You've missed that it's not a bike path, it's a mixed use leisure trail. I'm not so much of an idiot to be a pedestrian on the mountain bike only courses. You are absolutely not allowed to step off the path, you must stick to the trail or risk damaging the ecosystem.
If I'm not allowed to stop off to the side of a hiking path that allows bikes, where are pedestrians allowed to stop and take pics?
Wasn't referring to MTB tracks but stopping to chill there would be a particularly bad idea.
As for bike paths/mixed use trails: Off to the side is fine if you can't step on the grass (that seems very unusual for a bike path, but OK, rules are rules). I'm talking about assholes who block the path off in groups chitchatting on blind corners, then get irate that runners, cyclists, etc, say something about it.
In our area, there are multiple spots along the paths and trails for people to gather and rest, sit on benches, take in some scenic views, etc. so it's extra annoying that they ignore all these spots and choose to just park their asses right there in the middle of the bike path.
I believe we're talking about different types of trails. There is no grass or pavement in the ones I'm talking about, the ferns/trees/shrubs/brambles comes right up to the gravel/packed earth. The trailhead clearly states to keep on the trail. There are benches and informational placards, but not in alcoves, just on the side of the path. It's an old rail right-of-way, and the placards invite people to learn more about the eco reclamation process and has infographics to help you identify the native plants and animals.
It's part of the frustration in my initial comment, where all nature trails around me are mixed use, even when high-speed cycling isn't appropriate for the trail.
The dog is the dog owner's responsibility, not some random person on a bike.
Obviously watch where you are going but I can't tell you how many times some obvious idiot has almost or actually caused me or another rider to crash because they couldn't give a single fuck about what their dog was doing and I've seen it on and off leash.
Much like a rider shouldn't be riding fast on sidewalks (or at all depending on the location), dog owners shouldn't be giving up on their responsibilities as dog owners on a bike path. Train your dogs, pay attention, or fucking stay home!
I say this as a dog owner myself - there are waaaaaaay too many shitty, irresponsible owners out there who let their dog shit everywhere and leave it, have their dog on a super long lead nobody can see and let it run straight across the path so it clotheslines anyone riding or running by, let their dog attack other dogs or people then act like it's no big deal, etc.
Putting this on the rider is bullshit and if you choose not to control your dog with proper training and/or a leash, you have no business having a dog at all: They are 100% the owner's responsibility, full stop.
Yeah ofc it's everyone's responsibility to stay aware on a path. I cycle every day, usually not on a path but when I do I have to be very careful.
Although I've found the real hazard isn't usually dogs but little kids, and people look at you weird when you leash those things so I get it
Don't ride on 1 HP
Ageist.
I don't think that was serious
I thought that was obvious.
Some things about the internet never change. Like some people not detecting jokes
They could've detected it and still not thought it was funny, comedy is famously difficult.
Does the fact that it's a joke make it any less ageist? Historically, jokes have been a very common way for racism and sexism to spread. It makes it socially acceptable and desensitizes people to the harm that's actually being communicated. "It's just a joke bro" does NOT excuse.
Aegis.
Too much infrastructure for automobiles, not enough for pedestrians, cyclists and skaters.
Sound like maybe the unleashed dog may have been in an area where that's not allowed. If that's the case, fuck the owner. People that ignore leash laws are entitled pricks.
"hE's a GoOdBoY, iTs uR fAuLt!!1"
-Shitty owners
The dog was not injured.
Damn, he cast reflect
Was the owner?
Don't know, but it's not the dog's fault and I figure I could save people from digging through the article.
I meant that to have a more hopeful tone which clearly is impossible to convey over text.
Had something of the same years ago. I narrowly avoided running over an unleashed dog on the bike lane. As a thank you for not maiming it, it bit me. Luckily, I wore tough jeans, so it only left some bruises. I picked it up by the neck, and it barked at me. I contemplated to just throw it into the nearby river, when the owner, a granny, "ran up" and demanded I put the "poor doggie" down.
I showed her my leg and offered her that she either puts that beast on a leash, or I put it in the river. Very reluctantly she got the leash from her handbag. I reminded her that dogs have to be on a leash there by law, not just because of the bike lane, but because of the birds and other animals.
Not every place requires a dog to be leashed, but I think that's a terrible rule outside of dog parks for all sorts of reasons. Super long retractable leashes should be banned on bike paths too IMO - I've seen way too many people get clotheslined by those things because the owners are oblivious assholes who couldn't care less if they cause a crash.
That was a public park near the river, and there are birds nesting. Dogs must be on a leash alk the time, and if they get caught, it gets... pricey.
This is why I don't slap geese when they get in my face (mostly kidding).
Man I know some old guys on my bike route and they are stronger than me and I can't imagine hitting a dog taking them out
All it takes is landing just the wrong way and anybody can die, they don't even have to be old. People in their 20s have died just from tripping (not even on wheels, just walking). Treasure the time you have and wear a helmet when you ride (won't always save you but it often can).