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.

[joggerjayne]

The pavements and squares are occupied by pedestrians, bikes, prams, dogs, buskers and bands, street sellers, skate boarders, BMXers, roller skaters, etc ...

All co-existing in harmony.

[MadMen]

Tenrec, I understand what you're saying, but I think the majority of people that chose to ride along the pavement, for safety reasons, do so fairly sensibly and at a slower speed than what they would on the road.
Therefore, it's easy to stop and avoid "hitting into someone" should you have to. I honestly have never heard of a cyclist ramming into the back of someone or being aggressive, as the OP has suggested.

As long as you're being careful of pedestrians, and not being rude in any way, then I really don't see the problem.
Yes it's illegal, but that's a job for the police, and in my experience they ain't all that bothered.

[TheOtherHalf]

That video was horrific. Thats happened to me on a number of occasions. Motorists and pedestrians seem to think because you are a cyclist, you dont matter and can stop in a second. I was cycling along when it was a bit icy and taking care as I approached a crossing and a woman stood there, saw me and pressed to button. I had to slam on my brakes as she had set off before the lights even changed. Ended up coming off my bike. Thing is, there was no traffic behind me luckily, so she could have waited till Id gone past. Also motorists who fling open their car doors just as Im passing. Grrrr !! I will defend us cyclists, as most are sensible, just the same as motorbikers and motorists are, but if I was on the pavement, going a fast speed and could be a danger and got told off , then I would deserve it

[albaqwerty]

glad Chill's video link was put up. Thanks MM.

One sailed through the green man, posted on here and was advised the brolly through spokes too.

Pedestrians,cyclists, bikers, car and lorry drivers, each group has their own bundle of numpties.

[emmie]

cyclists should stay on the road, it is illegal to ride on pavements, not for the first time or last time has one to say it. This includes riding over the red lights, dangerous for everyone concerned. I have mentioned before about been knocked into countless times, sworn and spat at by cyclists who persist in riding on our pavements. the local traffic police know its a big problem, but there are only so many of them. They do give out on the spot fines to miscreants who break the law this way, or get them to have a talk on cycling safety, but quite honestly it's like spitting in the wind.

[starone]

OMG - I've just been thinking and looking at with a view to buying, mobility scooters. Will I have to ride this on the road or can I go along the pavement. I may have second thoughts if the answer is the road, because it absolutely horrifies me to see the cars speeding past with no thought for anyone but themselves. I would never go at more than five miles an hour, if that. I am not one for speeding, but . . . . ?

[lumination]

i have to admit when i cycle i try to cycle on pavements. I'm not going on the road unless i can help it, its flipping terrifying cycling on the road, i feel like im gonna be hit by something! i would rather pay the fine you have to pay when caught cycling on the pavement then DIE. lol

but i do see your point, some cyclists are very annoying and whizz right past you on paths. however, we arnt all like that, promise :)

[albaqwerty]

Star, I think there are 2 types of moby-scooters.
In my area, there are 2 types, one fit for the road, and another for pavements.
Each with their own speed restrictions.
8mph for roads, 5 max for pavements (IE walking speed)

[emmie]

madmen, most of the cyclists who ride in the capital do so at speed, on pavements or in parks where most are not supposed to go, with i pod plugged in, also dangerous, as you need your ears and eyes open at all times. I take issue with anyone who cycles on the pavements, they are not wide enough to accommodate pedestrians and cyclists, and some of the boroughs have installed cycle lanes, which are safer to use in the long term. I cycled and loved every moment, but i don't do so now, it's shankies pony...

[TheOtherHalf]

Starone - I think you should be able to go on the pavement as long as you are not speeding and being inconsiderate to other users.

[albaqwerty]

Lumi, I think it's going to be a case of all decent cyclists getting together and 'regulating' yourselves, that way the numpties could be dealt with more severely.
(ooh, sounds rude)

[society]

Anything with wheels should have its very own pathway.

[emmie]

the traffic police are bothered, i know that because i was involved in one of their campaigns on cycling safety, however there just isn't enough of them.
They hold regular workshop on cycling safety, bike post coding, and so on..

[MadMen]

em, I think it does depend on where you live, as to how much of a "problem" pavement cyclists are.
I'm not saying it's 'right', as we all know it's illegal, but I just don't see the big deal with someone riding sensibly on a pavement, to avoid the dangers of the road.
I'm shocked to hear of spitting and people being banged into, but that doesn't mean all cyclists act in that dreadful manner.

As above, I would rather pay the fine than get knocked down, and I will always make sure my child rides on the pavement, yet knows he has to move and apologise, should he approach a pedestrian - which is what I do.

[albaqwerty]

just out of curiosity, isn't it legal for a child 10 or under to ride on pavements in England and Wales, but 8 years of age in Scotland?

[Answerprancer]

I think that under the age of, say 12 it should be legal for kids to cycle on the pavement 'with due care and attention'.
Perhaps they could make it legal on certain pavements (eg. not in town centres) but with a maximum speed limit of 10mph. There are hundreds of miles of mostly dead quiet pavement lining rural 'b' roads, it should definitely be legal to ride along them (with due care and attention) IMO. Especially at night time.

[emmie]

i understand about the children, however one such little child smashed straight into me, whilst mummy was looking on proudly, the crash managed to take off much of the skin on one leg, and left me in agony.
That is without the foul men and women who seem to think it's ok to not just ding the bell at you, whilst you are walking on the pavement, but swear and indeed spit at you if you are in their way.
The capital is not the place for cyclists on pavements, and anyone found doing so should be fined.

[sandyRoe]

It's not that they cycle on footpaths but the speed they do it at which is annoying.

[ummmm]

Gosh, Em, you are very unfortunate in the people you meet.

[emmie]

it is a massive problem, not one or two, and i would say having helped the traffic police with their street workshop 8 out of 10 cyclists ride over traffic lights. Even the senior officer said he was shocked as the level of law breaking...