MOVE: Ranking Rudeness on the Canyon Rim Trail in Twin Falls

Rudeness on the Canyon Trail Ranked by Generation

Often, it seems the older generation is always complaining that the youngest among us have no respect. However, my recent observations on the Canyon Rim Trail in Twin Falls, Idaho, challenge this theory.

The Challenge: Sharing the Trail

Bikers share the trail with walkers and runners. Although there are no lines or posted rules about sharing the Canyon Rim trail, the unwritten rules are pretty simple.

• In general, bikes are the bigger beast, so bikers should yield to pedestrians. In turn, those on foot should respectfully share the space.
• Walkers or joggers should move to the right to allow bikers to pass on the left. A biker should not have to leave the trail to pass someone on foot.
• Typically, someone on a bike will yell out "on your left," sometimes in combination with a bell if they have one.
• If both sides of the trail are blocked due to oncoming traffic, bikes should slow down or stop until the traffic has passed, allowing them to go around pedestrians.
• People walking dogs should keep them on a leash and ensure they don't cross in front of a bike's path.

There's more I could list here, but you get the general idea.

Personal Observations: Reactions by Generation

My wife and I bike on the trail regularly, and I've noticed some interesting and unexpected reactions from different generations when asking those on foot to make way so we can pass. Keeping in mind that I'm generalizing and there are always exceptions, here's how I would rank each generation from rudest to nicest when sharing the Canyon Rim Trail

Rudest: Millennials

I can't tell if they are bothered by being asked to move or just annoyed by any forced interaction in general. It's almost as if they're thinking, 'I AM ALREADY on the right, so why are you asking me to move over?' We may have plenty of room to pass you, but we still want to alert you of our presence in case you decide to make a quick turn. We're not asking you to move more to the right if you're already there; we just want to make sure you know we are there.

Gen X (Nearly tied with Millenials)

I hate to throw my generation under the bus, but Gen Xers seem to be the next most annoyed when asked to move over. Maybe it's because our generation never likes being told what to do, so we automatically push back. I'm not sure.

Boomers

Boomers are either really friendly or not so much—there's no middle ground. They aren't as consistently annoyed as Gen X, but they let you have it when they are bothered. Sometimes they'll yell out 'Slow down!' while you pass them. Boomers will sometimes even move directly into your lane as you try to pass, although I don't think it's intentional.

Gen Z

The kids we come across on our rides have been some of the nicest people I've had the pleasure of biking around. They say thank you when you alert them, always move over, and give you room to pass when walking in a group. And if you happen to startle them when they don't hear you coming, they smile and laugh it off with you. When they have dogs with them, they almost always keep them on their right so the leash doesn't cross over. Despite often being described as disresectful, they seem to be the only ones who have figured out how to politely share space on the trail.

What's Your Experience?

Like it or not, this is what I've perceived when using the Canyon Rim Trail in Twin Falls. But my experience alone is anecdotal at best. Have you experienced different reactions on the Canyon Rim Trail? Be sure to leave a comment and let me know what it's like for you.