Peds & cyclists using mobiles

[Cush]

In the last week I have almost ran in to three peds and a cyclist, who were that intent on using mobiles that they were not aware of where they were or that they were "drifting" and only my loud voice and a scream of breaks stopped some nasty accidents. (all four were on shared cycle /pedestrian pavement) Now the question is should these people be treated the same as a driver useing a mobile and issued with a ticket?. I am in two minds about this but if a few got done and fined it may make others aware of the problem.

 

[Angelfishsolo]

Far as I am concerned I need all my concentration when cycling and I think it is a big no no. Walking and talking (on the phone) is another matter but I do feel that one should always try to be as aware of their surroundings as possible.

 

[Dan B]

When moving about in a public space I think it's polite to pay attention proportionate to the speed at which one is moving: it you're ambling along in a crowd at 3mph then it is much appreciated if you don't stop dead causing the chap behind to walk into you, but otoh there shouldn't be any onus on you to react to other people doing 4 times that speed. If you want to ride at 15mph on a shared path (not accusing the OP of this, I just mean "you" in the genrl hypothetical sense) it's up to you to do in a fashion that is that safe for all concerned.

 

[Dan B]

[QUOTE 1356939"]
The law is clear on the fact that as a cyclist you cannot be fined for using a mobile phone to communicate without the aid of a wireless device[/quote]
My phone contains wireless device which enables it to communicate with cell towers, but I feel sure that's not what you meant ;-)

I suspect that it would not be hard to do someone for cycling while holding a phone if it interfered with their ability to apply the brakes. So, fixies and coaster-braked bikes only ...

 

[HLaB]

Its a free country pedestrians shouldn't be find for wandering all over the pavement. The best thing you can do is expect it and don't use it.

 

[2Loose]

If using a shared path, expect every pedestrian to be wearing earphones and suddenly change direction for a bin, bench, fiver on the floor etc.
Go easy, it's just the way it is. Sad but true.

 

[Cush]

2Loose You are right and I was wrong to have my rant. Normally I do stop and stroke dogs, take extra care when near mothers with push chairs etc but now and again the comes out of me usually brought on by people with mobiles glued to lugs.

 

[Fletch456]

A funny anecdote - In London a taxi was slowing to approach a line of traffic at a set of lights; he tooted his horn at the woman who walked into the road (albeit near - but not super near to the stationary car he was approaching) who was using a mobile phone and hadn't looked in either direction. Not lifted her head at all. She then raised from the phone and said 'I'm on the phone'!!! Jaw dropping. So...I was on the opposite side of the road and said...'youre in the bloody road'...but not very loud cos I was feeling chicken.

General note - I am pretty anti people using headphones or phones wherever they are without taking extra account for potentially getting very much in the way of other people. And especially anti cyclists and drivers using headphones - if anyone of them is in an accident I hope the police use the full power of the law available to them for the circumstances and offence committed.

 

[Jezston]

And especially anti cyclists and drivers using headphones - if anyone of them is in an accident I hope the police use the full power of the law available to them for the circumstances and offence committed.

Must ... resist ...

 

[2Loose]

2Loose You are right and I was wrong to have my rant. Normally I do stop and stroke dogs, take extra care when near mothers with push chairs etc but now and again the comes out of me usually brought on by people with mobiles glued to lugs.

Not wrong to rant, I used to get quite arsey when I used a long and quite empty shared path, even deliberately skidding in front of peds to highlight my 'right of way' when they were spread over both sides of the path. Then I realised that it wasn't going to change anything and that patience and politeness was key. After that, I never got wound up or stressed by it and my rides became more relaxed and enjoyable as a result.