BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Louis Smith is a cyclist who rides the bike path on a regular basis. But, Smith has had his share of problems with pedestrians who also use the bike path.

"There's been a lot going on out here,"said Smith. "Especially people with dogs. They're not paying attention and some have headphones on, so they don't hear or see you."

Pedestrians have complaints of their own. Cyclists go too fast and cut them off, they say.

City Parks & Recreation director Dianne Hoover called a special public meeting at Franklin school Thursday evening to address these and other bike-path issues.

One thing is clear: The bike path is not exclusively for cyclists. The path is part of the Kern River Parkway, and under law it is open to pedestrians, strollers, wheelchair users and others.

"We're trying to educate everyone that it is a multi-use path, and we have to find some guidelines to make that happen," said Hoover.

Some suggestions were made such as posting clearly marked signs along the bike path with a speed limit where appropriate. Signs would also remind users to share the path, have dogs on leashes and to step off the trail when stopped, among other suggestions.

"It's up to the two groups to educate each other," said cyclist Dana Karcher.

Hoover said all recommendations will be considered, but the city council must approve any change.