Cycle Lanes in East Manchester - head on collisions!

[BinBag]

But it's only a matter of time....has anyone else had the issue of cyclists coming the opposite way on a section of separate cycle lane in Manchester near the Velodrome (or anywhere in the world for that matter!). Not only do you have to slow down, but the lane is barely wide enough to get two bikes down it abreast, which is why I never overtake anyone on them.

I'm not arguing with anyone though - not in Eastlands or Gorton! I'm from Stockport, Cheshire - so they'd probably batter me!

 

[DrSquirrel]

When you say separate, are you talking on the pavement (ie. its technically shared) or on the road?

I have seen videos of people riding against traffic down the "on road" cycle lanes a few times, it doesn't surprise me really.

If it's too slow... use the road?

 

[dan_bo]

I tend to ride on the road around there anyway- them segregated cycle lanes are well rough and full of glass.

 

[fossyant]

I tend to ride on the road around there anyway- them segregated cycle lanes are well rough and full of glass.

+1 round there - they are crap, and put you in a bad position at the junctions.

 

[BinBag]

I must admit that I've read about and seen people riding on the road round there but I've always used the paths - Dr Squirrel, they're separate as in not on the pavement, and not on the road - they're their own paths in their own right.

I might give it a go at some point, but at the time I commute in the afternoon I actually go faster than the traffic most times.

 

[quidditys_shore]

well i've only actually been commuting for 6 weeks along a shard walking/cycling path on the A1085 to redcar. theres a lane on either side of the road so for me it seems common sense you'd cycle with the flow of the road traffic, but is that me being a new guy?! LOL

i nearly had my first head on yesterday, which i apologised for but thinking about it should i have?

i was going to work & cycling in the walking lane (i'm not that confident a cyclist yet! being nearer the cars scares me!)
the sun was directly above me & hurting my eyes (i'd had an eye infection a few years ago which made my eyes more sensitive. i'd also left my sunglasses at work!)
so i had my head bent down, only able to see about 8-10 foot infront of me. i was also only doing about 6 miles an hour max as my knee was hurting

i then heard someone shout "KEEP RIGHT!" i looking up & saw a well kitted out cyclist coming towards me fast. i shoot over to the other lane & apologised as he speed off muttering under his breathe.

so was it my fault?


in my 5 weeks i'd say about half the cyclists i've passed have caused a problem for me. i've had
a family, 2 kids & a group of 4 young men all riding side by side (2-3 wide) towards me on what i would say is the wrong side of the road (against the flow of the road traffic) & not moving over to let me past
cyclists with headphones on (1 actually didnt but didnt hear when i was shouting!) who keep drifting all over the lanes so i cant get passed
cyclists coming towards me & not slowing down to pass. i find this quite scarey as the lane is only just about 4 foot wide
cyclists that come towards me on the lane i'm on, pedaling fast (i do 16MPH tops!) & expect me to move over.
crossing a roundabout i got to the centre & was waiting on the right of the path to cross again. another cyclist came up to the other side & waited on the same side as me. he then just rode at me! again expecting me to move.

all in all i'm enjoying commuting to work. yes the lanes are awful (something sutrans told me they managed - a lie - just to get me to give them money) but it's making me feel more independent as well as saving atleast £60 a week & i've lost about 1.5 stone so far!

 

[gb155]

Its not just cycle lanes though, I had an issue a few weeks back in Gorton with someone cycling the wrong way....on Hyde Road !!!!!!

 

[BinBag]

well i've only actually been commuting for 6 weeks along a shard walking/cycling path on the A1085 to redcar. theres a lane on either side of the road so for me it seems common sense you'd cycle with the flow of the road traffic, but is that me being a new guy?! LOL

i nearly had my first head on yesterday, which i apologised for but thinking about it should i have?

i was going to work & cycling in the walking lane (i'm not that confident a cyclist yet! being nearer the cars scares me!)
the sun was directly above me & hurting my eyes (i'd had an eye infection a few years ago which made my eyes more sensitive. i'd also left my sunglasses at work!)
so i had my head bent down, only able to see about 8-10 foot infront of me. i was also only doing about 6 miles an hour max as my knee was hurting

i then heard someone shout "KEEP RIGHT!" i looking up & saw a well kitted out cyclist coming towards me fast. i shoot over to the other lane & apologised as he speed off muttering under his breathe.

so was it my fault?


in my 5 weeks i'd say about half the cyclists i've passed have caused a problem for me. i've had
a family, 2 kids & a group of 4 young men all riding side by side (2-3 wide) towards me on what i would say is the wrong side of the road (against the flow of the road traffic) & not moving over to let me past
cyclists with headphones on (1 actually didnt but didnt hear when i was shouting!) who keep drifting all over the lanes so i cant get passed
cyclists coming towards me & not slowing down to pass. i find this quite scarey as the lane is only just about 4 foot wide
cyclists that come towards me on the lane i'm on, pedaling fast (i do 16MPH tops!) & expect me to move over.
crossing a roundabout i got to the centre & was waiting on the right of the path to cross again. another cyclist came up to the other side & waited on the same side as me. he then just rode at me! again expecting me to move.

all in all i'm enjoying commuting to work. yes the lanes are awful (something sutrans told me they managed - a lie - just to get me to give them money) but it's making me feel more independent as well as saving atleast £60 a week & i've lost about 1.5 stone so far!

Sounds like you need to get your confidence up and get on the roads - 16mph tops is easy well enough to on the roads.

 

[BinBag]

Its not just cycle lanes though, I had an issue a few weeks back in Gorton with someone cycling the wrong way....on Hyde Road !!!!!!

I cycle thrught Gorton twice a day - and can confirm that it's a hot spot for the odd numpty!