Shared use path/lanes?

[Tin Pot]

Hi all,

I don't use cycle paths, or shared lanes much, but the other week I did briefly and had a face off with a cyclist coming the other way around a corner.

Are you supposed to stick to the left like on roads, and do those little pictures on cyclists on the floor indicate anything other than the existence of a cycling path?

I reckon the other cyclist should have been on the left, not the right.

 

[LCpl Boiled Egg]

Personally I'd stay to the left. I've had a similar thing in the past on cycle paths, I just hold my ground and stop if I have to.

 

[steveindenmark]

I think the signs show cyclist and peds which side they are supposed to be on and I think it usually shows bikes to the left.

However, I prefer to work on common sense and sometimes it us easier to slow down and ride on the right if it means avoiding dogs, prams, couples walking etc. It is what it says, a shared footpath. IMO a non violent bell is very useful on a shared footpath.

 

[Seevio]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that where the path is divided, cyclists are restricted to the side marked cycles. Other that that I'm not aware of any rules saying where to ride.

However, in the real world where not crashing into cyclists coming the other way is desireable, I, and every other rider I have seen tend to use the whole width of the path and keep to the left.

 

[mjr]

I don't use cycle paths, or shared lanes much,

Maybe you mean cycle tracks? No such thing as cycle paths or shared-use footpaths or all the other names that bike-bashers use to suggest that they shouldn't be built properly or that normal highway practices don't apply.

but the other week I did briefly and had a face off with a cyclist coming the other way around a corner.

Are you supposed to stick to the left like on roads, and do those little pictures on cyclists on the floor indicate anything other than the existence of a cycling path?

When nothing else is around, I feel it's safer to be on the side furthest from the carriageway, or just left of centre if there's no carriageway nearby. If there are others around, I'd move nearer the left edge if there's no reason not to.

When another cyclist is coming the opposite way, I move left and I sometimes put my left hand, palm forwards with fingers outstretched to the left on top of the bars. It's a subtle attempt to make myself look more solid on the left. Most oncoming cyclists will then pass to my right (their left) - but if they don't, who really cares as long as you don't collide? Just be ready to stop if negotiation fails - it hurts less if you can get your feet down rather than fall!

Why didn't you see the cyclist around the corner in enough time to both move left? Is the corner too tight for safety, or is there vegetation encroaching that should be reported for cutting or something else?

I seem to recall reading somewhere that where the path is divided, cyclists are restricted to the side marked cycles.

Divided paths (or cycle tracks with footways alongside, formally) would be good if they were still built to the minimum standard guidance widths (or ideally to the Dutch standard widths) but few are, so I would disregard any dividing line if it means avoiding a collision. I think the only time there's been an attempt to prosecute, it was dropped as not being in the public interest http://road.cc/content/news/142351-...allegedly-strayed-cycle-path-dropped-eleventh

 

[numbnuts]

If I meet a cyclist on the wrong side I shout out "bonjour"

 

[martint235]

Try cycling down the Riverside Link into Catford. Cyclists on there hug the apex at speed regardless of which way the curve is going. Feckin numpties.

Just one more reason to ditch the current cycling infrastructure in the UK and get back where we belong: on the road!

 

[mjr]

Try cycling down the Riverside Link into Catford. Cyclists on there hug the apex at speed regardless of which way the curve is going. Feckin numpties.

From the north or the south?

Just one more reason to ditch the current cycling infrastructure in the UK and get back where we belong: on the road!

Yeah, because there aren't any numpties on the road(!) At least the ones on the cycle track are mostly only annoying, not deadly.

 

[Tim Hall]

I seem to recall reading somewhere that where the path is divided, cyclists are restricted to the side marked cycles. Other that that I'm not aware of any rules saying where to ride.

However, in the real world where not crashing into cyclists coming the other way is desireable, I, and every other rider I have seen tend to use the whole width of the path and keep to the left.

The Highway Code fits the category of "somewhere":

Rule 62
Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.

Law HA 1835 sect 72

 

[martint235]

From the north or the south?


Yeah, because there aren't any numpties on the road(!) At least the ones on the cycle track are mostly only annoying, not deadly.

I used to use it heading south from Catford until the numpties got too much to bear. I don't know, I reckon being hit by the pointy end of brake lever/handlebar/person at a closing speed of around 40mph could be deadly. There seem to be far fewer numpties on the road.

 

[mjr]

don't know, I reckon being hit by the pointy end of brake lever/handlebar/person at a closing speed of around 40mph could be deadly.

It could be but it rarely happens and presumably nearly half of that speed is under your control so you could choose to reduce it if you wanted to?

If it's that big of a problem on a certain stretch, could you ask if the local bobbies on bicycles and pedalling PCSOs use it a bit more for a while? That's probably what discourages some of those on the cycle tracks near me.

There seem to be far fewer numpties on the road.

I feel you're kidding yourself

 

[martint235]

I

I feel you're kidding yourself

Nope . Currently I've got myself down to one or two shouty moments per week on the road. Using that particularly cycle track I was at 3 or 4 per morning.

 

[Tin Pot]

It's actually the B2439/Barnett Wood Lane where the pavement has cycle pics on the floor - I don't know/care what it's called. Only used it because he traffic hugged the kerb so I couldn't get past.

 

[Tim Hall]

It's actually the B2439/Barnett Wood Lane where the pavement has cycle pics on the floor - I don't know/care what it's called. Only used it because he traffic hugged the kerb so I couldn't get past.

It's a shared use wossname as there's no line down the middle and no line on the blue and white sign. The trees in the middle of the path are a nice touch tough.

 

[mjr]

It's actually the B2439/Barnett Wood Lane where the pavement has cycle pics on the floor - I don't know/care what it's called.

I'm 99% sure it's a cycle track but it looks like a pretty poor one. It seems to have been built pre-StreetView so at least 7 years old.