cyclists and cycle paths/lanes?

alastairq

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

the above observation...and others like it are incredibly commonplace......but given the fact that cyclists as a whole are developing a large lobby of influence, why do they not kick-off at local authorities about the condition of dedicated cycle paths, in the same way that motorists have done so over the condition of road surfaces?

custardy

alastairq wrote: »

the above observation...and others like it are incredibly commonplace......but given the fact that cyclists as a whole are developing a large lobby of influence, why do they not kick-off at local authorities about the condition of dedicated cycle paths, in the same way that motorists have done so over the condition of road surfaces?

well for me,If I deem a cycle path no fit for purpose then i just dont use it
a car has less choice,and I dont know what lobby groups have been active regarding road surfaces?
seem as bad in any city I drive

heres one that was set up just a few months ago

http://maps.google.com/maps?client=opera&rls=en&q=meadows%20edinburgh&oe=utf-8&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&hl=en&tab=wl

this is how it was,they have now closed this road and created a 2 way cycle path across this path.all good?
except now theres no set area for pedestrians as its marked exclusivly for bikes
so who had this bright idea?

alastairq

I dont know what lobby groups have been active regarding road surfaces?

ooooh..motoring organisations?
pressure groups?

recently in the news, HA's coming under fire over potholes?

Claims for damage being made?

Motorists make themselves heard....possibly because they have no choice...[and they make these fatuous claims regarding the payment of VED?]

Cyclists do have pressure groups.....being silent achieves nothing. [recall the recent uproar over the possibility of making all vehicle drivers liable if in collision with a cyclist?}

If you buy something from Tesco, and it turns out to be rotten or useless, do you just bin it and go somewhere else?

Or do you complain?

HouseHuntr

alastairq wrote: »

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

They already can do, most cycle lanes are of the non-mandatory type for meaning cars are fully entitled to use them.
Only solid line lanes are for cycles only.

alastairq

HouseHuntr wrote: »

They already can do, most cycle lanes are of the non-mandatory type for meaning cars are fully entitled to use them.
Only solid line lanes are for cycles only.

By 'cycle lanes' [or 'paths'] I was referring to those specially constructed, and separated from the main traffic flows.


Those cycle lanes which consist of simple road markings aren't really included in this topic...since the cyclist is already mixing it with the general traffic flow...........


My observations concern cyclists who refuse to use dedicated, separated cycle paths/routes/lanes, which often parallel the main road....and who create the impedance to traffic flow the cycle route was partly intended to alleviate? [plus, separating cycles from other vehicles, for safety reasons?]

tanith

HouseHuntr wrote: »

They already can do, most cycle lanes are of the non-mandatory type for meaning cars are fully entitled to use them.
Only solid line lanes are for cycles only.

I think you'll find that cycle paths and cycle lanes are two different things cycle paths usual run parallel to main roads or a different route altogether and are meant for cycles and are certainly not meant for cars...whereas cycle lanes run on existing roads and of course cars sometimes have no alternative but to drive/park on them..

custardy

alastairq wrote: »

ooooh..motoring organisations?
pressure groups?

recently in the news, HA's coming under fire over potholes?

Claims for damage being made?

Motorists make themselves heard....possibly because they have no choice...[and they make these fatuous claims regarding the payment of VED?]

Cyclists do have pressure groups.....being silent achieves nothing. [recall the recent uproar over the possibility of making all vehicle drivers liable if in collision with a cyclist?}

If you buy something from Tesco, and it turns out to be rotten or useless, do you just bin it and go somewhere else?

Or do you complain?

I mean active,as in getting results
so which ones have got marked inmprovements in the quality of road surfaces?

alastairq

results take time.......round hereabout, results were remarkably quick in happening...so much will depend on other factors influencing Highway Authorities.....like......budgets, for example...or 'priorities'?

My point is..if nothing is said, then nothing gets done.

If I were in your boots, faced with the situations you describe...which combine to force me into a more risky environment...I'd make a start by [email?] the local council, and for added boot-power, maybe start haranguing my local councillor?

What about local cycling clubs/organisations?

Or is it simply a case of being bothered?

custardy

alastairq wrote: »

results take time.......round hereabout, results were remarkably quick in happening...so much will depend on other factors influencing Highway Authorities.....like......budgets, for example...or 'priorities'?

My point is..if nothing is said, then nothing gets done.

If I were in your boots, faced with the situations you describe...which combine to force me into a more risky environment...I'd make a start by [email?] the local council, and for added boot-power, maybe start haranguing my local councillor?

What about local cycling clubs/organisations?

Or is it simply a case of being bothered?

simply a case of I have many routes to choose from
I dont really tie myself to cycle routes

eg If i want to take my boy to nursery,I can cycle 400 yards to a old railway line thats now a cycle path
this takes me right into hollyrood park
from there its about 2 minutes cycle to the nursery or if traffics heavy,a 10 minute walk
once the bike is sans boy then i can cycle any route as required/deemed fit by me

alastairq

excellent idea......however, the issue seemed to be, from your viewpoint, about what could be done to improve matters regarding cycle tracks or routes?

Without knowing you personally....and without malice, I offered the hilited view.

Which is, if reflected upon, a very common re-action on the part of people, is it not?

and to add...although no longer a 'cyclist' as such...I agree LA's need to pay particular attention to the maintenance and improvement of cycle routes..especially if they are to encourage greater usage?

I witness far too much ignorance regarding cyclists, from motorised road users......it's a shame the whole issue has developed such an antagonistic vein.