Might open a can of worms

[BADGER.BRAD]

How about my local PCSO's who are always on the pavement! ( think they lack the confidence to cycle on the roads) sorry forgot for a second there , should have remembered the law doesn't apply to them as they are the law !


The other point is how they going to catch those that don't stop ?

 

[Downward]

+ another.

I've just walked into town - about a 5 minute walk - and passed 5 cyclists riding on the pavement (and none on the road). That included 3 who were attempting to weave in and out of a group of pedestrians at a spot where there's a metal barrier one side, a row of bollards with spiked chain between them on the other, and only just room for two people to walk side by side.

I must confess I do cut through our local Town Centre (It's Pedestrianised) for about 300 yards very early in the morning though before anyone is even about.

I wouldn't do it when the shops were open though.

 

[hackbike 666]

Well I use cycle lanes.Get over it.

 

[shunter]

Shunter, there's nothing saying that pedestrians can't walk on the cycle lane, unlike us cyclists, who have to remain on the cycle lane portion. That's the way it is, just because there are bicycles painted down there doesn't mean we have any right to expect pedestrians to leap out of our way.

This is partly why I almost never use cycle lanes. The roads are where I want to ride, they are faster, safer, and go everywhere I want to go.

Thanks, this changes my whole approach to using cycle lanes. I have no option but to use them but I will approach them much like filtering through traffic on a motorcycle - technically legal but at your own risk and with great caution.

 

[downfader]

This is an initiative thats been done in southampton too. People were verbally warned for a while but just shrugged their shoulders and ignored the police. A PCSO has the right to detain you for up to 30 minutes, if you ignore the request to stay you are technically commiting a public order offence I think (theres an online guide to their powers, linked through a BBC news website article if anyone wants to look)

The max fine for pavement riding is £500. I think that has to be done through the courts though, I'm not sure of the maximum on-the-spot though. It could well be more than the 30.

Often, the way I see it, theres no good reason to pavement-cycle. Locally you find them doing it right next to a proper lane or on a quiet road.. or even more annoyingly in a place where its just as fast and easy to walk.

They damage our integrity

 

[Cranky]

There are some areas of Witney, including the Woolgate Precinct (where the photo of the CPOs apparently fining a cyclist was taken), which can be very misleading for cyclists.

The shared pedestrian/cycle path from Langel Common (which would involve a considerable detour by road to avoid) divides up and one route goes to a toucan crossing leading to the Woolgate Precinct car park. Fine so far. On arriving at the other side of the crossing there is what appears to be a continuation of the shared path - no signs to suggest otherwise - and this leads directly into the pedestrian precinct where the cycle stands are situated. Therefore, many cyclists assume that it's acceptable to cycle through this short section of the precinct and why shouldn't they?

Also, there's a woefully inadequate shared pavement in Woodstock Road from Madley Park to Wood Green School entrance. It's far too narrow and has a very uneven surface but is marked by blue signs at each end. However, after Wood Green School there is no sign to suggest that cyclists should leave the pavement, and the next section is at least as wide, but there are no signs indicating a right of way for cyclists further down. When I first used this (with my young daughter) I was thoroughly confused, so I hope no one will get fined on that particular stretch of pavement when the fault lies with the council for poor signage.

 

[mickle]

Tell it like it is Cranky!

 

[Cranky]

Tell it like it is Cranky!

I thank you.

 

[downfader]

There are some areas of Witney, including the Woolgate Precinct (where the photo of the CPOs apparently fining a cyclist was taken), which can be very misleading for cyclists.

The shared pedestrian/cycle path from Langel Common (which would involve a considerable detour by road to avoid) divides up and one route goes to a toucan crossing leading to the Woolgate Precinct car park. Fine so far. On arriving at the other side of the crossing there is what appears to be a continuation of the shared path - no signs to suggest otherwise - and this leads directly into the pedestrian precinct where the cycle stands are situated. Therefore, many cyclists assume that it's acceptable to cycle through this short section of the precinct and why shouldn't they?

Also, there's a woefully inadequate shared pavement in Woodstock Road from Madley Park to Wood Green School entrance. It's far too narrow and has a very uneven surface but is marked by blue signs at each end. However, after Wood Green School there is no sign to suggest that cyclists should leave the pavement, and the next section is at least as wide, but there are no signs indicating a right of way for cyclists further down. When I first used this (with my young daughter) I was thoroughly confused, so I hope no one will get fined on that particular stretch of pavement when the fault lies with the council for poor signage.

Have you sent this information to your cycle planning officer (as councils sometimes call them)? We had the same here and a number of us contacted the guy suggesting the improvements would aid all. Did take about 6 months for them to sort though.

Usually you can report it through a council website too.

 

[levad]

Cranky has explained the situation well. It is years since I have seen an actual No Cycling sign at any path. Do they exist anymore?

I also thought that if you deemed it not safe to cycle on the road then using the pavement was OK. We have a 500yd stretch from home to my sons school that would involve a right turn onto a busy road and then a right turn off again. Using the path is a lot safer, he is in Year 4 at school and they do no cycling proficiency or bikeability for another 2 years!

 

[Maz]

It's still illegal, Maz. Round my neck of the woods, the old girls you describe ride on the road in any event!

Of course it is, but I'm talking about being pragmatic. I dare say it's illegal to drive on a motorway at 71+mph and we all do that, right guys?

 

[Cranky]

Have you sent this information to your cycle planning officer (as councils sometimes call them)? We had the same here and a number of us contacted the guy suggesting the improvements would aid all. Did take about 6 months for them to sort though.

Usually you can report it through a council website too.

Hi downfader. One of our local CTC members has contact with the transport councillor (who, apparently, is a cyclist) and discusses these issues with him. We've talked about the new policy of fixed penalties for pavement cycling so I'm sure that will be raised, although I will have to mention the shopping precinct issue, now I've thought of it. Thanks.

 

[wafflycat]

Of course it is, but I'm talking about being pragmatic. I dare say it's illegal to drive on a motorway at 71+mph and we all do that, right guys?

No, we all don't.

 

[purplepolly]

I also thought that if you deemed it not safe to cycle on the road then using the pavement was OK.

No, it's illegal for anyone of any age to cycle on the pavement at any time unless it's designated as a shared path. The highway code is clear on the subject "You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement". Not much room for ambiguity. Whether or not you choose to obey the law is another matter.

 

[Maz]

No, it's illegal for anyone of any age to cycle on the pavement at any time unless it's designated as a shared path. The highway code is clear on the subject "You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement". Not much room for ambiguity. Whether or not you choose to obey the law is another matter.

+1