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Topic History of: Footpath Cyclists
Max. showing the last 5 posts - (Last post first)
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zooloo |
ReadyTeddy wrote:
I cycle every day. I even cycle on the pavement sometimes. Let me explain.
At a recent councillors meeting (where the police were present) the question of cycling on the pavement was raised by a lady with a loud voice. She was (rightfully) upset with the cyclists tearing past pedestrians and not using the road. She asked the police what they intended to do. The police explained that they were no longer stopping people who cycle on the pavements unless they are seen posing a danger (reckless) and likely to cause an accident. The lady was upset and started getting angry with the police indifference. I then decided to comment.
Many roads are exceedingly dangerous for cycling along. Parked cars, dangerous turns and narrow main roads all conspire to cause the cyclist grief. When I started to commute to work I made it my mission to be the perfect cyclist and follow the rules of the road to the letter. It took under two weeks before I was knocked off at a junction. The car struck me from behind and sent me flying. Shaken, I sat on the pavement and the woman driver got out and said "sorry about that - I was tuning the radio". After this incident I was knocked off several more times - usually from behind. I wore the reflective jacket and used good lights but it is STILL NOT ENOUGH. So, when the pavement is clear I use it to cycle, but slowly - and I dismount if a pedestrian is using it.
So, until we get a proper cycle network, driver education and cycle training the cyclists, pedestrians and drivers will have problems travelling harmoniously unfortunately.
To conclude, whilst I cannot condone dangerous cycling on the pavement, it must be remembered that cyclists usually don't want to ride on them - it is the roads that are too dangerous for the cyclists.
TH
Making the pavement dangerous/hazardous for pedestrians cannot be justified by claiming the rightful place for cyclists is dangerous/hazardous.
Not specifically aimed at you; all cyclists seem to believe they are paragons of virtue when they are on the pavement. Fair to say all motorists believe they are better drivers than the average and also think they are paragons as cyclists do. |
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emmapeelfanclub |
I had a similar experience Al.
I always cycled on the road and on small parts of paths leading to where I could lock up my bike. So, there I was gently pushing the bike with my feet on the ground towards the cycle park and a cop shouted at me to get off and then lectured me that I was a menace and a danger. And as you can guess, whilst all this was going on, hooded morons were having a field day wreaking havoc on their bikes... but they never got any attention.
I pointed out the morons to the police officer and he got very stroppy with me saying "I'm talking to YOU... NOT THEM!"
Of course I was the easiest target.. on my own and obviously not intent on causing trouble, whereas the hoodies are given free rein.
Unbelievable! |
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Al |
I agree that the police turn a blind eye to the young 'Hoody' show offs. I cycle a lot, but never along a footpath, and I'm very roadwise and have never had an accident. One Saturday I was biking into town. A policeman was on the footpath, casually chatting to someone. Three teens on bikes were doing wheelies among pedestrians, and he ignored them. I pulled off the road onto a garage driveway so that I could get off my bike without bothering traffic. He saw me and shouted, "Get off that bike. GET OFF!"
It was obvious that I was already getting off, and that it was garage driveway which motorists also use.
Meanwhile the teens continued to do wheelies among the pedestrians. |
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Ron |
ReadyTeddy - I agree, largely, with your view. But I am really talking about the hooded morons, described by Elliott in his first paragraph.
Shopping Centres and pedestrian areas - as well as footpaths - are where they want to show off. And the police do nothing.
Park a minute or two over time and you're fined; these louts are ignored although they threaten life and limb. One-way systems are ignored as its easier to mount the pavement and go against the traffic flow.
A deterrent would be 'bike confiscation' - temporarily at least. And the shame of it !  |
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ReadyTeddy |
I cycle every day. I even cycle on the pavement sometimes. Let me explain.
At a recent councillors meeting (where the police were present) the question of cycling on the pavement was raised by a lady with a loud voice. She was (rightfully) upset with the cyclists tearing past pedestrians and not using the road. She asked the police what they intended to do. The police explained that they were no longer stopping people who cycle on the pavements unless they are seen posing a danger (reckless) and likely to cause an accident. The lady was upset and started getting angry with the police indifference. I then decided to comment.
Many roads are exceedingly dangerous for cycling along. Parked cars, dangerous turns and narrow main roads all conspire to cause the cyclist grief. When I started to commute to work I made it my mission to be the perfect cyclist and follow the rules of the road to the letter. It took under two weeks before I was knocked off at a junction. The car struck me from behind and sent me flying. Shaken, I sat on the pavement and the woman driver got out and said "sorry about that - I was tuning the radio". After this incident I was knocked off several more times - usually from behind. I wore the reflective jacket and used good lights but it is STILL NOT ENOUGH. So, when the pavement is clear I use it to cycle, but slowly - and I dismount if a pedestrian is using it.
So, until we get a proper cycle network, driver education and cycle training the cyclists, pedestrians and drivers will have problems travelling harmoniously unfortunately.
To conclude, whilst I cannot condone dangerous cycling on the pavement, it must be remembered that cyclists usually don't want to ride on them - it is the roads that are too dangerous for the cyclists.
TH |
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