New To Cycling Question About Subways

[Jack Hammer]

Hi all,

I'm new to cycling and these boards, so apologies if this is in the wrong section.

I've just got back on a bike after 25 years off! I live in Stalybridge Greater Manchester and we have a large dangerous roundabout which has a 40mph dual carriageway leading to it, which I have no intension of cycling around (Asda Ashton for anyone who knows the area). There are large subways under the roundabout and I've seen a faded blue sign directing cyclists to a cycle route which comes out of one of the subways. Can I cycle in the subway, how would I find out?

The signs are not clear. There is no sign that says "cyclists dismount".

Thanks for any help.

 

[ScotiaLass]

I'd imagine you can use it, but if you want to check I'd ring the local council
Oh and welcome!!

 

[pixiepie]

You'll be fine - just make sure you slow down and give way to pedestrians. There's a similar roundabout/subway situation near me which technically you're not supposed to cycle through because the parapets on the bridge aren't high enough but even the local PCSOs cycle through the subways so no one really takes notice of the signs - it's just about being sensible.

 

[moo]

If you contacted the council they may end up placing a dismount sign - more pointless work for someone and then you'd have no excuse if some PCSO was having a bad day. I'd just use common sense and travel at a slow speed or dismount if a busy time of day. I can see the roundabout in question on google maps and it does look rather daunting for someone just getting back into cycling. These days I'd use the road, but six months ago I would have avoided such an intersection too.

 

[Jack Hammer]

Cheers for the comments. I'll take it slowly. The roundabout is too much at the moment, I'd have to get in the middle lane to go round.

 

[Nigeyy]

I think Moo's post hits the nail on the head.....I wouldn't try to find out for fear of a non-cycle friendly bureaucrat deciding that you shouldn't use the subway but use a potentially dangerous roundabout! If you see a fading sign you can use that as a reason if you are ever stopped. But as others have pointed out, give way to pedestrians, cycle cautiously and considerately and use common sense. I don't know if it's legal or not, but unless you cycle like an idiot I do wonder if the police have that much time on their hands to stop you.