The Fear of Cyclists

[darts22]

Why do cyclists choose to illegally cycle on footpaths instead of using the cycle lanes, thereby making it unsafe for pedestrians.

 

[Lucy]

I ride my bike on the path quite often; although only when the path is wide enough/there's no pedestrians around. This is because the cycle paths don't actually go anywhere. for example, I couldn't get from my house to my parents 4 miles away on a path, the only bit I pick up is by TK Maxx.

 

[tek-monkey]

Cos its the safest place when car drivers are trying to kill them?

 

[shoes]

Cos its the safest place when car drivers are trying to kill them?

Yeah agreed, I have ridden my bike on paths for years and years and not even come close to hitting a pedestrian. Frankly you could ask why pedestrians persist to walk on these paths meant for cyclists. Works both ways.

 

[db]

see this thread for previous responses: http://www.staffordforum.com/viewtopic.php?id=2780

 

[darts22]

I ride my bike on the path quite often; although only when the path is wide enough/there's no pedestrians around. This is because the cycle paths don't actually go anywhere. for example, I couldn't get from my house to my parents 4 miles away on a path, the only bit I pick up is by TK Maxx.

This is not a valid reason for breaking the law.

 

[Lucy]

Quite, if I ever cycle on the A449 after West Way I aklways meet pedestrians on the cycle path, and it's really not fun going over the kerbs on the wrong side

 

[Lucy]

I ride my bike on the path quite often; although only when the path is wide enough/there's no pedestrians around. This is because the cycle paths don't actually go anywhere. for example, I couldn't get from my house to my parents 4 miles away on a path, the only bit I pick up is by TK Maxx.

This is not a valid reason for breaking the law.

Is it actually breaking the law? Okay, if you'd like me to get killed.

 

[darts22]

Cos its the safest place when car drivers are trying to kill them?

This also is not a valid reason for breaking the law

 

[Lucy]

That's fine, we'll all use our cars instead and clog up the roads even more, because otherwise you'll be out to kill us.

 

[darts22]

Quite, if I ever cycle on the A449 after West Way I aklways meet pedestrians on the cycle path, and it's really not fun going over the kerbs on the wrong side

Unlike Motor Cyclists who pay road tax, cyclists don't ans as pedestrians pay for cycle routes they have just as much right to use them as cyclists do

 

[tek-monkey]

Sorry mate, but in the historic case of law vs. my safety there is only one winner. I run into enough ******* on the motorbike, once I lose the engine they treat you even worse. I will always ride on pavements when I feel the road is not safe.

As shoes said, why do pedestrians walk on cycle paths? Why do motorists run red lights or just plain not pay attention? Why do birds suddenly appear.....

 

[tek-monkey]

Not sure my £15/yr actually covers much!

 

[darts22]

I ride my bike on the path quite often; although only when the path is wide enough/there's no pedestrians around. This is because the cycle paths don't actually go anywhere. for example, I couldn't get from my house to my parents 4 miles away on a path, the only bit I pick up is by TK Maxx.

This is not a valid reason for breaking the law.

Is it actually breaking the law? Okay, if you'd like me to get killed.

Yes it really is. Cycling on the footway is an offence under section 72 of the Highways Act 1835, amended by Section 85(1) the Local Government Act 1888, max fine £500 or £30 fixed penalty.

 

[tek-monkey]

So where do children ride their bikes? I see kids going to school every day, plenty heading up to Balfour and as young as 11, on pushbikes. You want them on the roads?!?!?!?!

 

[db]

i'm pretty sure darts22 wrote in to the newsletter on this very subject a few weeks ago.. either that, or s/he's quoting it verbatim lol..

 

[Lucy]

Quite, if I ever cycle on the A449 after West Way I aklways meet pedestrians on the cycle path, and it's really not fun going over the kerbs on the wrong side

Unlike Motor Cyclists who pay road tax, cyclists don't ans as pedestrians pay for cycle routes they have just as much right to use them as cyclists do

As much right to use them but then complain that cyclists are in their way? Hmmm. Safety is paramount. I used to cycle to uni every day, when there was no cycle paths on Weston Road. Even wearing a helmet, there was no way I was going to use the road, I'd have got killed by motorists who don't care who else is on the road. I've seen plenty of people knocked off bikes, growing up on the A449 there never seemed to be a week go by without my mother outside helping a bleeding cyclist that had been knocked off by an idiotic driver. My brother was knocked off at least 5 times.

 

[tek-monkey]

A mate of mine got a monster bruise when a car hit her, she got into Bizarre magazine with it

 

[shoes]

darts22 have you ever been hit by a car when you're on a push bike? I have, it hurt and I had to take three weeks off work with a sprained ankle. I'm lucky thats all it was. Funnily enough the blameless car drive didn't stop either the c**t.

If you'd like to experience it first hand i'll happily run you down.

 

[darts22]

So where do children ride their bikes? I see kids going to school every day, plenty heading up to Balfour and as young as 11, on pushbikes. You want them on the roads?!?!?!?!

Ah, well......... this is where it gets contentious. Apparently it is not illegal to ride on a footway. So you have to distinguish.