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.

[DangerUXD]

I don't know chrissa, I never cycle on the pavement and that's one good reason why not.

[MadMen]

"You want to get wherever you are going, quicker than you would if you had to walk. Why put yourself among people who are going slower than you? It defeats the object of riding doesn't it?"

There aren't many people on the pavements here, compared with the cars and large vehicles on the road. Therefore, it is quicker and safer.

[sandyRoe]

Would a brolly through their spokes be an overreaction?

[MadMen]

"Would a brolly through their spokes be an overreaction?"

Why don't you try it and see what happens....

[chrissa1]

Ahh, I see. :/

However, pavements are there for pedestrians, not cycles imo.

[sandyRoe]

I know what would happen, the offending cyclist would go @rse over tip. The problem then would be, could I shuffle away fast enough to avoid their overreaction.

[MadMen]

"could I shuffle away fast enough to avoid their overreaction."

Well if you did it to myself or my children then you'd best be wearing roller skates!

[DangerUXD]

Madmen, you seem to be getting ever more angry with those disagreeing with you, threats of violence for those daring to oppose your open defience of the law. You seem to be one of those people that think the law does not apply to them. Very odd.

[ummmm]

Lol lol lol.

Yeah MadMen, calm down!! pmsl

[MadMen]

Lol DangerUXD. My "threat of violence" was in response to the poster who said they would push an umbrella into the wheel spokes of a cyclist. If someone did that to my son and he "went arse over tit" then I can assure you I would "overreact".

[MadMen]

Lol Ummmm.

I think the OP is a tad over-sensitive :)))

[ichkeria]

The other week I shared the pavement with a lady cycling with her young daughter on the pavement. This lady obviously meant the best, and they weren't doing me any harm, but I watched them (with some horror) cycle straight across two side-road junctions without looking.
Maybe they thought that because they were off the "main road" they could come to no harm.
So there's another side to it.

[totoise]

how about cyclists who breach red lights as if it were there god given right!

[youngmafbog]

looks like you have ruffled a nut case arrogant cyclist.

Met many in my time in London, they consider themselves above all others because of their self righteous beliefs. On top of that they think they can cycle at top speed.

Lets put this way madman. If you cycle into me and I am still able YOU will certainly regret it.

the pavement is for pedestrians, full stop.

[MadMen]

Ichkeria, I see people walking on the pavement doing that every single day.
People walk into the roads without any regard for the traffic around them.
If someone has no common sense, then there's no hope for them and they shouldn't be leaving their front door.

[MadMen]

" If you cycle into me and I am still able YOU will certainly regret it. "



Did you actually bother to read all of this thread, or just charge on in there with your "you'll regret it" response?
When did I say I would "ride into" someone walking on the pavement?

Did I not say that when I'm riding along, if there happens to be someone in front of me, then I drop down to the curb and go around them? No?

Jesus Christ....

[ChillDoubt]

This is me 6 months ago. I never ride on the pavement but this video may go some way to explaining why some do. Media URL: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=6rHg_Ei2XaM
Description:

[MadMen]

:-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?hl=en&gl=GB&client=mv-google&v=6rHg_Ei2XaM&nomobile=1

[ChillDoubt]

Sorry if link not working, posting via iPhone from work!
If it isn't, type SMIDSY Near Miss Junction into youTube.

[ChillDoubt]

Warning: VERY strong language at end of video! LOL