Why Do Cyclists Think That Dinging A Bell Legitimises Riding On The Pavement?

[ToraToraTora]

Just had a run in with an idiot cyclist, riding on the pavement when there is a perfectly good road to his right. Dinging the p0xy little bell for pedestriants to get out of the way! Was there ever a device that has a more opposite effect? All it does for me is tell me there is a retard comming make sure you block him! Why can't cyclists ride on the road? Not too tricky is it?

[ethandron]

I always thank cyclists for dinging their bell if theyre behind me, to let me know they approaching, no use having a bell if you dont use it is there? More often than not they don't bother and can be a real danger if you're not aware of them approaching.
Personally I don't mind if they ride on the pavement...provided they ding their bell.

[vulcan42]

To all cyclists, please read rule no 64 of the highway code. If your book is different to mine it states.you MUST NOT (capitals & in red) cycle on a pavement.

[grasscarp]

Isabel necessary on a bicycle.

[ladybirder]

I think a bell on a cycle should be made compulsory. Around here they hardly ever seem to have one and they frighten the life out of me when they suddenly whizz past me on the pavement.

[ToraToraTora]

jim, you keep talking about "right of way" those words do not exist in the highway code. there is no "right of way" sign, there is however a "give way" sign, the highway code tells you when to give way(ok pedants I know about the "priority" traffic calming measure!). In this case though it is not a question of giving way, it is illegal pure and simple, as vulcan says the HWC rule 64 says "MUST NOT", when the HWC uses the word MUST it is law.

More people need to do cycling proficiency training. I've been cycling forever and had very few incidents, been carved up a few times but I have survived.

[jim360]

Is it illegal for a pedestrian to walk in front of a cyclist in a cycle lane, then, or just utterly stupid?

[hc4361]

Cyclists are a real problem for deaf people even if the cyclist does ding his bell. It can be quite the shock having a cycle whizz past you unexpectedly.

[vulcan42]

The pedestrian is probably walking in the cycle lane because the pavement is full of cyclists. This is not a flippant remark, in my local town there is a narrow bridge, not wide enough for a pavement, and a pedestrian/cycle bridge was built alongside. Now when a cyclist overtakes another on the cycle track, where does he go? on to the pedestrian track.

[mallyh]

i prefer my grandchildren to ride on the path with consideration to pedestrians ,the roads around here are very busy withbuses and lorries.They both did a cycling course at school.PLEASE don't call them retards , i've nearly crashed into doors of cars when they are flung open without the person looking look out for cyclist.

[ladybirder]

It can be quite a shock even when you're not deaf hc, they are silent mostly when they come up from behind you what with the noise of the road traffic. Frightened the life out of me on a few occasions.

[jim360]

Ironically, my apparent mistakes in arguments probably go to prove some of my own points after all! I do my best (mainly!) to stick within the law when it comes to cycling but clearly lack of any formal training process has meant that I'm obviously not as aware as I thought of what that law is. Some training before being allowed on the roads on a bike should be mandatory, because clearly there are cyclists as unaware as I am, if not more so, but who don't even try to be safe.

[ToraToraTora]

the problem is jim that we actually don;t have very many cycle lanes, what we have is pavements with white line painted down the middle. Personally I think this whole premise is dangerous. If there where purpose built cycle lanes as in Holland for example then yes I'd say it should be equally illegal for pedestrians to walk in them. However what we have are basically some pavements that allow cycling. Now Personally I always walk in the bit that is for walking but many pedestrians just amble about all over the place so I do have some sympathy for those cycling on the dual use pavements. That is one reason why I only cycle in the road or purpose built cycle lanes.(of which there are about 5 in the whole country and none round here anyway)

[jim360]

Up to a point perhaps hc but not when it's a cycle lane on the main road. I do think that cyclists are often their own worst enemy though.

[SlackAlice]

ToraToraTora

//slackalice: "Your assuming motorists all know how to deal with cyclists! Risky!" who said that? I'm suggestting I know how to deal with traffic.//

I said that, just my opinion of course. I also know how to deal with traffic.

[ToraToraTora]

but I'm not assuming motorists know how to deal with cyclists, that's what you said.

[Baldric]

I think saying cyclists who use pavements are retards is a bit OTT, but to be fair most do appear to have learning difficulties, the majority seem to be adults who have achieved that status without even knowing what the three colours used on a set of traffic lights mean!

[Milvus]

Cyclists are responsible people....but responsible for what?

[beso]

I ride a unicycle on the footpath and people are very cooperative when they see me coming.

[SlackAlice]

ToraToraTora
No, I assumed obviously incorrectly. Apologies, but my opinion remains.

//been carved up a few times but I have survived.//

Some don't, I'm not prepared to risk that.

[Khandro]

In many countries other than the UK, the reverse is the case, with a plentiful supply of cycle paths which are also used by pedestrians. When approaching any pedestrians from behind, I sound my bell (or shout, depending on which bike I'm on) not for them to 'get out of my way', but out of courtesy, so as not to startle them - similarly for horses.
TTT it is obvious that you are not a cyclist, a few minutes riding alongside heavy motorised traffic, might change your views.