What rights do I have as a cyclist on a cycle path?
- Thread starter heavens
- Start date
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It will depend whether the path is on the road or a shared path or on the pavement. If you are on the pavement, even if it is a nice colour with pictures of bikes all over it, pedestrians have priority and you should ride accordingly.
This is different if the cycle lane is on the road.
summerdays
Cycling in the sun
- Location
- Bristol
I'm not sure whether dogs do have to be on a lead, in my opinion that's almost worse as you suddenly have an invisible lead to take you down.
vickster
Squire
As 0-markymark-0 You should always be prepared to give way and stop to pedestrians on any sort of shared path being on a pavement or a park, especially around dogs. In my experience, most owners will seek to control their pooch
If a cyclist hits a dog or ped , I'd say the cyclist were to blame unless the owner encouraged the dog to go for you!
Kids on bikes and scooters can also be an unpredictable menace!
If you want to ride at traffic speeds, ride on the road
If a cyclist hits a dog or ped , I'd say the cyclist were to blame unless the owner encouraged the dog to go for you!
Kids on bikes and scooters can also be an unpredictable menace!
If you want to ride at traffic speeds, ride on the road
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Dogs aren't pedestrians, that rule doesn't apply to our 4 leg legged chums.
I know, but OP was asking about other rules so was just pointing out what I think many fail to realise in that pedestrians have priority on cyclepaths.
Drago
Legendary Member
- Location
- Suburban Poshshire
Indeed. In actual fact, pedestrians have priority over all vehicles everywhere, since the Government has failed to push through legislation allowing vehicle users to mow them down with impunity.
OP
OP
heavens
Guest
I fully understand that pedestrians have priority on cycle paths. I started this thread in hope to find out what rights cyclists have on these paths.
None really. Give way to pedestrians and after that, as much rights as any person has in the UK, nothing specific to you as a cyclist.
fossyant
Ride It Like You Stole It!
- Location
- South Manchester
Its called sharing. You have no more rights than anyone else. Lots of loose dogs on my return commute down the Fallowfield Loop. Slow right down as you pass.
Cyclists have the right to ride on these paths. That's about it.
Not sure dogs have to be on a lead. I thought they just had to be 'under control'. Whatever that might mean.
luckyfox
She's the cats pajamas
- Location
- County Durham
Get a really annoying bell, they sharp budge!
Jody
Stubborn git
"A dog is considered ‘under control’ if it is on a lead held by someone able to control it."
https://www.eta.co.uk/cycling-and-the-law/
If its not on a lead and you hit the dog riding on a bridleway/cycle path or road then the dog owner is liable. If you are on a footpath or somewhere cycling is not allowed then you are liable.
Aha, good to know, thank you. I wish somebody would tell the dog owners using my local common. Not that I have any intention of hitting a dog of course!
J.Primus
Senior Member
- Location
- Northerner living in London
It doesn't have to be on a lead in a park. As long as it isn't going wild bothering people and comes back when called it's under control.
