if a motorist knocks you off can you claim?

Cycrow

Marco_Panettone wrote: »

You know they're allowed, right?

Yes, thats what is annoying about it.

That, and the fact that many drivers beleive you should be using them if they exist, despite the fact they are often blocked by pedestrians.

There was one such path which was even worst. There was this rather thin cycle path next to a pavement. The cycle path was about 1/2 meter wide, the pavement next to it was about 2 metres wide. This is seperated from the road. So if you ride down the cycle path, you cant get back on the road, nor can you technically go on the pavement. So when there are pedestrians on the cycle path your only option is to get of your bike. Why they cant use the pavement is beyond me. but every time i go past it, the cycle lane is full of pedestrians and pushchairs, and the nice wide pavement is empty.

If there are seperate lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, they should relatistically stick to thier side, otherwise what is the point on seperating them. Its not illegal to walk down roads either, but when there is a seperate pavement, they tend to use them and not the roads, so why is it different for cycle lanes

Teapot55

Marco_Panettone wrote: »

I am aware of it, and tend not to ride on pavements. I can, and do ride on 'shared paths' some of which are more unsuitable for cycling than 'normal' pavements due to their width, condition and 'street furniture'. Having a small blue sign attached to a pole does not suddenly create a safe environment. The absence of a small blue sign does not create a dangerous one either.

"But there's a sign" is not an excuse for using the road/pavement in a dangerous manner - understanding the environment and reacting accordingly with other people's safety as a priority makes the world a happier, safer and easier place to live and travel in.

I agree, M-P.

I cycle less frequently nowadays because of the appalling driving I observe when I am in my car.

I walk to work and whilst I understand completely why others would want to cycle on the pavement, I am slightly deaf. Somebody on a bike 'sneaking' up behind me then passing me with 2" to spare really is going to come a cropper one day when I punch them.

Teapot55

. . . I will start a new Thread (Other Road Users Coming Too Close)

Strider590

Teapot55 wrote: »

I am slightly deaf. Somebody on a bike 'sneaking' up behind me then passing me with 2" to spare really is going to come a cropper one day when I punch them.

Well you'd have no problem hearing me coming, as i've just fitted a 120 decibel car horn to my bike (the same insanely loud aftermarket horn I fitted to my car)

But then I don't cycle on footpaths, so i'd probably be using it against some moronic close pass or left hooker, rather than trying to make pedestrians jump out of their skin :rotfl: