Dog control on off road cycleways

[smutchin]

The dogs weren't the problem, they rarely are. It's the attitude some dog owners take on shared paths they don't think they have to share.

I too find this definition of "sharing" rather odd. It should be possible for all parties to proceed about their business without having to "give way" to other users of the path.

Yes, cyclists should proceed in a way that anticipates the possibility of dogs, but so should dog walkers proceed in a way that anticipates the possibility of cyclists. Far too often, they seem completely bewildered and surprised when I approach on my bike - of course I moderate my speed and give adequate verbal warning as necessary, but they still sometimes react as if you've jumped out from behind a bush with a large knife.

On a path that is designated for the use of cyclists, you should expect to encounter cyclists at any time. It's not rocket surgery.

 

[JonUK4]

Shared public space is to be shared. that means a cyclist doesnt go blasting past with the front wheel in the air spitting to the side with headphones on full completely oblivious to their surroundings.

Likewise a dog owner shouldnt let an unpredictable anminal run loose shitting where it wants. That rule applies if I were a cyclist or out walking with nieces and nephews. It's not cyclist vs dog owner, it is human vs human. We have the responsibility to share this space, not to have to worry about how someone else might F it up.

If a dog is lose in front of me I make the assumption the owner has trained that dog to heel/stay at command and I will pass with breaks covered. The same way they are assuming I'm not going to lose control of the bike and ride straight into them.

If the dog owner cannot be confident of their control then they need to use a lead, I used to for exactly this reason.

Saying all that, I now ride on roads as the towpaths/cyclepaths I was using, despite being used regularly by horses / cyclists were a nightmare to navigate to due to ignorant plodders wallowing all over the place offering muttered apologies when I skid to a stop next to their dog.

I'd take drivers over dog walkers any day.

 

[Shut Up Legs]

I'd take drivers over dog walkers any day.

I agree with the other things you said, but I'd take shared paths over roads any day. Being hit by a car does a hell of a lot more damage, so even though shared paths aren't always "shared" very well, I still use one daily on my commute home.

 

[Profpointy]

I rather see "shared" paths as primarily for people to walk, with or without dogs, small children, who should be able to amble about pretty much willy-nilly without expecting to be shouted at by faster traffic. Bikes, roller skates and (say) people playing football should make allowances, as frankly they are they are on sufferance.

Some of the posts above could easily be in the daily mail if you substitute car for bike, and bikes for dogs/children/pedestrians.

Again for the record' I've never owned a dog.

 

[Sheffield_Tiger]

I hit a dog once, years ago when I was abut 14. On the road, not on a shared path, it darted out from a gate right in front of me. bent handlebars, smashed brake lever (before STI days so cheap to fix) and some great road rash.

So regardless of the rights and wrongs it hurts you to hit a dog. So be careful.

The owners were apologetic and there was no apportioning blame, I was doing about 15-20mph. The dog was laid on its side yelping in pain and quite possibly had serious internal injuries from a 1 1/4" tyre hitting it's side at ~20mph

So regardless of the rights and wrongs it hurts the dog, who cannot read signs and warning notices. So be careful

 

[User6179]

I hit a dog once, years ago when I was abut 14. On the road, not on a shared path, it darted out from a gate right in front of me. bent handlebars, smashed brake lever (before STI days so cheap to fix) and some great road rash.

So regardless of the rights and wrongs it hurts you to hit a dog. So be careful.

The owners were apologetic and there was no apportioning blame, I was doing about 15-20mph. The dog was laid on its side yelping in pain and quite possibly had serious internal injuries from a 1 1/4" tyre hitting it's side at ~20mph

So regardless of the rights and wrongs it hurts the dog, who cannot read signs and warning notices. So be careful

That's why I would ban retractable leads, I am always worried when I see a dog 20ft in front of the owner next to a main road, watched my friends dog nearly being knocked down twice on one of those leads.