Shared Footpaths, walkers & cyclists

[Tanis8472]

Because the pedestrians have priority. Often we have pavements marked with different style or colour paving slabs to denote cyclists one side and pedestrians the other, so it's where there is no defined cycle track and your both sharing the pavement together that we get the last sign.

Basically one of the reasons for cycling being so successful here is the strict order of priority, pedestrians have priority over all, hit a pedestrian and you'll be in a massive amount of bother, the same if any form of motor vehicle hits a bike. It's why I and many cyclists will cross side roads with barely a glance because we know that motorists will be going out of their way to look for you and avoid you.

We do have issues with head in the cloud pedestrians plugged into headphones, but because they have absolute priority, you slow down and ride around them as best you can. All in all, commuting through town is not a race and sharing paths doesn't slow me down appreciably.

I found it hard at first to get used to the fact that everyone knows the rules and abides strictly by them and it's not unusual after ringing your bell to get an unexpected apology from pedestrians who have strayed into the bike path.

Exactly the way it should bloody well be here

 

[Paul_3]

Hey all. Thanks for all the responses. Amazing to hear from everyone (even those as far as Denmark & Germany!).

All of the responses have been positive and restored my faith in humanity as I thought I was losing my mind this morning!

In my experience as a walker I'd always prefer a little ring ring when coming from in front or behind. Always helps to be more aware of what's coming. Obviously angry idiots are walkers as well as cyclists (and drivers).

Finally the canal is the Ashton canal not bridge water but it's a good point of boasting of fast times down a public toe path.

 

[Origamist]

If the OP is talking about the Bridgewater Canal there are some crazy speeds done on it:

https://www.strava.com/segments/1153884

Of note is the fact that some of the worst offenders are members of this forum and a long running South Mancs CC.

You've got me. In my defence, the path was clear on that day.

 

[potsy]

You've got me. In my defence, the path was clear on that day.

It's never been clear whenever I've been down there, and that's the only reason I'm so far down that leaderboard

 

[Goofball]

I read the op's post and skipped the rest.

There's a bit on the sea front that is for bikes and people, a third is marked off for bikes.
I try to stick to the bike bit, but some people walking dogs tend to walk where they like (not meaning anything by) and I have to cross over to get past.

If just people I make sure there is plenty of space, if dogs as well I slow down as you don't know what a dog may do.

Worse is when the dog is off it leash and your nearly stopping, just to be safe.

I don't want to hurt anyone or anything, so I slow down and give them plenty of room.

 

[jonny jeez]

I am too intimidated by the roads in Manchester and know that it's potentially very dangerous.

Thanks

Just keep in mind that sometimes idiots ride bikes, sometimes they drive cars, sometimes something else, the only common factor is that they are idiots.

Oh and don't be thinking that the roads in Manchester are dangerous, they are not...I promise you commuting is far safer than you think. Unfortunately posting Millions and Millions of hours of uneventful footage on you tube doesn't get many views and the papers don't sell if they report that everything is just fine.

Don't believe the hype.

Oh and please don't go pushing idiots into canals (that's not good advice and was likely made in jest)

 

[jonny jeez]

I don't feel that my reputation as a driver is being tarnished every time I see someone driving like a pratt, .

Actually I do, whenever I see or hear about an arrogant Audi or BMW driver I get shivers. Negative reinforcement is real and thrives on this very forum.