cyclists and cycle paths/lanes?

alastairq

A question for debate.

How do you all view/what action do you think should be taken, when you come across a cyclist who refuses to make use of exclusive cycle lanes/paths..preferring to ride along the main carriageway instead?

Do you think sanctions should be levied on the cyclist?

Or is it acceptable behaviour?

or...should car drivers in turn be allowed to drive along cycle paths if they so wish?

[revenge? What? Me?]

tanith

If someone wants to risk life and limb rather than be safer on a cycle path I guess thats up to them... I wouldn't, but there are those who are much more confidant on the road and prefer it.. and its rediculous to suggest that cars use cycle paths...

TiTheRev

Surely it's only an option, not compulsary?!? As above, some prefer the road to footpaths. I certainly would if it's raining, so I only get wet rather than wet and muddy!

Simon11

I'd only take the option of cycle lanes if they save time or on a very dangerous road. There are many cycle lanes that I never use , just because its so much quicker to travel on the road and lots are poorly designed resulting in having to stop every hundred meters to cross the road ect

alastairq

I'm not doubting that such action isn't mandatory, or that it is optional behaviour....the status quo isn't in question......I merely offer an opportunity for opinions from driver or cyclists, as to whether such activities should continue to be allowed?

After all, considerable amounts of money is expended on the creation of specific cycle routes/paths/lanes, with the intention of making cycling less risky...[and indeed, offering cyclists advantages over motorised road users]...so...given that it appears a large number of drivers view cyclists as obstructions....should cyclists be effectively ''barred'' from using the main carriageway when a dedicated cycle route is offered?

Or..simply left to chose for themselves?

The third option was offered in a fatuous manner, not to be taken seriously...however, I am glad at least one driver considers it sheer nonsense to allow cars to use dedicated cycle routes.....a pity this really amounts to discrimination in favour of cyclists?


I'm all in favour of equality on the Public Highway...however...

rev_henry

There is no legal obligation upon a cyclist to use a cycle lane. Many cycle lanes are unsafe and do not comply with Department of Transport guidelines, hence why many cyclists don't use them. Look up a guy called 'magnatom' on youtube. He's a cycle commuter in Glasgow who films his commutes and puts interesting/hairy moments up on youtube. He also doesn't use many cycle lanes and if you watch you will see why. Though I have to say as a car driver it would irritate me.

custardy

alastairq wrote: »

I'm not doubting that such action isn't mandatory, or that it is optional behaviour....the status quo isn't in question......I merely offer an opportunity for opinions from driver or cyclists, as to whether such activities should continue to be allowed?

After all, considerable amounts of money is expended on the creation of specific cycle routes/paths/lanes, with the intention of making cycling less risky...[and indeed, offering cyclists advantages over motorised road users]...so...given that it appears a large number of drivers view cyclists as obstructions....should cyclists be effectively ''barred'' from using the main carriageway when a dedicated cycle route is offered?

Or..simply left to chose for themselves?

The third option was offered in a fatuous manner, not to be taken seriously...however, I am glad at least one driver considers it sheer nonsense to allow cars to use dedicated cycle routes.....a pity this really amounts to discrimination in favour of cyclists?


I'm all in favour of equality on the Public Highway...however...

and often many cycle paths are plonked in with no thought as to their actual use

custardy
Driver,cyclist and pedestrian

Rolandtheroadie

Let them cycle where they want really, theres no way it can be prevented so why stress.

What about letting motorbikes in cycle lanes now that TFL have found the benefits of allowing them in bus lanes? We're all 2 wheel brothers and sisters after all.

rev_henry

Another hazard is idiots parking illegally in cycle lanes, obstructing the cycle lane, and creating a second hazard of people in the car opening the doors and knocking the cyclist off.

marlot

Local Authorities are measured on the number of kilometres of cycle path they install, so they do stupid things just to get the points, rather than make useful paths.

sequence

Some government body (can't remember which) states the you should not use cycle lanes if you travel above 18mph. Very few cycle lanes comply with the governments own regulations.

Cycle lanes usually provide the least direct route to anywhere with many obstructions. Consider this, you are on a segregated path which runs along a main road and need to turn right, what do you do ?

Or you approach a roundabout and wish to take the 4th exist. The cycle lane will dump you at the fist exit, which means crossing 3 roads. Going on the road it's a simple case of indicating switch lanes and going around the roundabout.

Not to mention the idiots who walk their dogs on long leashes on shared paths.