Cycling On The Pavement, What's Your Excuse?

[DangerUXD]

One of my bug bears I suppose but I'm old school, trained to cycle on the road properly and obey road rules etc. Anyway the other day I was walking home and some numpty on a bike got right up behind and rang his bell. I did not move at all and after a bit more ringing I turned around and pointed out the road about 2 feet to his left and said "get on the road, why are you on the pavement?" - Here's the good bit, he said and I kid ye not, it was less dangerous to pedestrians if he cycles on the pavement that it is to cyclists to cycle on the road - I've only just stopped ranting! How has it got to the stage now where most cyclists think that cycling on the pavement is ok? Dropping the kerbs at the corners hasn't helped here either.

[bibblebub]

you're the one who smashed the phone, you'd pay for it

[ichkeria]

I don't know about pedestrians, but I'd say generally cyclists were safer on the road than the pavement. On the pavement you may well be vulnerable to cars pulling out of drives in front of you etc.
Near here there is a very good cycle lane, actually on the road, but it doesn't stop people cycling on the pavements when really there is no excuse.

[MadMen]

"so why don't you do some training to learn how to ride on the road with the grown ups? "

Cycling proficiency? Lol. Nah, you're alright. If I want to go on the road, then I'll just drive.
It's a shame all the drivers on the road don't act like "grown ups". If they did, there wouldn't be so many people who feel unsafe cycling alongside them.

As for children, my son has done his cycling proficiency via school, and I still wouldn't let him ride on the roads.
Sorry, but we'll always be those annoying cyclists that clearly frustrate you SO much....

[MadMen]

"you're the one who smashed the phone, you'd pay for it"

I can assure you, I wouldn't.

I think the law would be more interested in some random man taking photographs of adults and children on their bikes, and "posting them on the internet"...

[ummmm]

Errrr....I don't have a bike :-)

I just don't have an issues with people cycling on the pavement. So far I've never had a cyclist expect me to get out of their way.

[DangerUXD]

Carry on, your arrogance and ignorance put you and your child in danger. Riding on the road is much safer when you do it properly but I suspect you are determined to be illegal and unsafe. I just hope you live oop north somewhere!

[Fitzer]

The law would not be in the slightest bit interested in people taking pictures of other people in public places and posting them on the internet, criminal damage on the other hand......

[Sharingan]

In Germany we have cyclists on the pavements with absolutely no issues at all, why the big drama here?

[TheOtherHalf]

Bang bang, shoot me down !! I know cyclists shouldnt cycle on pavements but have you ever cycled on a busy road !!! Ive cycled for over 50 years now and took my proficiency test at school. Im a considerate cyclist just as I am a considerate driver because I do both, but the amount of times Ive had an near accident due to inconsiderate motorists is quite frightening. When I come out of work everyday day about 3pm all cars are lined up outside the school picking up their offspring. The cycle lane, which is there for MY safety is blocked by cars !! and I have to pull out into traffic including buses and large lorries thundering down the hill. Ive reported it to the police a number oif times and even taken photos but they go one day and tell them off and then never to be seen again and so it goes on. I have very rarely cycled on the pavement as I know its illegal but when it was dark and loads of potholes in the road outside the hospital, it was safer but I am always considerate to pedestrians. So please, all you motorists just think about us cyclists sometimes and perhaps there would be no need to feel unsafe on the road !
End of Sermon. Amen

[ummmm]

How do you figure that out?

[ichkeria]

It isn't just frustration - it's the risk of serious injury. Pavements are dangerous places for cyclists. If your son has done a cycling proficiency test then he should be cycling on the road where I guarantee you he will be safer!

[mrs_overall]

DangerUXD - what have us folks oop North done to upset you???

[ichkeria]

I don't want to labour the point too much, but as a cyclist myself I know that the road is a much safer place to cycle than the pavement.
What I do remember about Germany was that there were a lot more proper cycle lanes. There were also a lot more cyclists, probably for that reason.

[MadMen]

The law would not be in the slightest bit interested in people taking pictures of other people in public places and posting them on the internet, criminal damage on the other hand......

Oh I beg to differ!
As with bibblebub, you obviously didn't bother to read my full answer...

[TheOtherHalf]

My OH cycled home from work one dark night, had cycles lights and all the reflective gear. It was a cycle lane as well as footpath but he didnt see the 2 pedestrians who were both wearing black clothes until he was nearly on top of them and came off his bike as he swerved and got quite an injury. They blamed him for not seeing them !! So pedestrians too are a menace sometimes

[EvianBaby]

I think Fitzer is right, I don't think the law would give a toss about some photo's taken in a public place.

They'd probably be more peed off that anyone was wasting their time complaining about it :)

[DangerUXD]

Nothing at all MrsO, as I live South I was just hoping that Madmen was some distance away, that's all.

[Purple_Popple]

Pedestrians AND cyclists that wear headphones! !! They are on a deathwish.

[DangerUXD]

Yes TOH, they are a b%stardisation of a pavement not a proper cycle lane, I never use them, your example explains why. You cannot create a cycle line by painting a white line down the middle of a pavement.

[eariyam]

Oy Danger UXD.Us oop north have enough of these idiots riding on the pavement without wishing any more on us!! Thankfully the powers that be are at last doing something about it.There have been several successful prosecutions lately.