Why is it that mountain-bikers get scowled and/or grumped at, but a family of four out for their Sunday bike ride along the same path do not, even if they are taking up its whole width? I've seen it happen, and admittedly, the ickle kiddies on their pink tricycles are cuter than me in my lycra (yes, we do wear it for a reason - the same reason that you don't swim in jeans, for example) but I am far less of an obstacle but it's a classic case of the book being judged by its cover.

Many paths (in fact, probably the majority) are for cyclists and pedestrians and both need to be considerate of each other's speed etc. I don't have a problem with having to wait while slow walkers who were chatting and didn't even see me coming move to one side, and if the feeling is not mutual, I just thank my lucky stars that I don't have their high blood pressure, as if you're out enjoying the great outdoors, it's really not worth throwing your toys out of the pram over. You see far worse things on the streets of Zurich every day - like being told by cyclists to 'luege' because you nearly stepped out onto a PEDESTRIAN crossing in front of them, but then we all know city cyclists don't have to observe any rules of the road (I've also been shouted at by fellow cyclists (not mountain-bikers, interestingly enough) for stopping at a red light and getting in their way). Now that is a different matter entirely. . .

Mountain bikers and motor bikers are actually really cute and fluffy on the inside - the lycra/leather is just our day-wear