What's the deal with cycling on the tram lines?

[Ajay]

Riding between the tram tracks is often the safest option, certainly in the central prom area.
Sure, the prom is a shared route, but many peds simply don't know and/or get this. The peds, their kids and their dogs etc don't walk in straight lines, and the slalom thing gets very tiresome after about 30 secs.
The road is a nightmare to cycle on due to the constant threat of getting doored, the erratic actions of drivers due to the distractions, the horse drawn carriages and their emissions etc etc
The trams aren't particularly fast on the central prom, as long as you keep your concentration up it should be fine!

 

[Venod]

They are not peds, they are people.

Cyclists are also people.

 

[Venod]

Yes we are. What of it, in this context?

I thought Ajay's description of peds was adequate, he was pointing out that it was pedestrians who were causing the problem & not all people which could include cyclists mobility scooters etc.

Have I misunderstood your "They are not peds, they are people" quote ?

 

[Ajay]

They are not peds, they are people.

I realise that, it was used as shorthand for pedestrian. If it is a derogatory term I apologise for any offence caused.

 

[Ajay]

I thought Ajay's description of peds was adequate, he was pointing out that it was pedestrians who were causing the problem & not all people which could include cyclists mobility scooters etc.

Have I misunderstood your "They are not peds, they are people" quote ?

Thanks Afnug, but I wasn't actually saying that people on foot (pedestrians) were causing the problem - they are rightfully there doing what they do - promenading. It's just that as they all move at different speeds and in different directions it makes sharing the space with them tricky, hence why it can be easier to ride the tram lines.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

Riding between the tram tracks is often the safest option, certainly in the central prom area.
Sure, the prom is a shared route, but many peds simply don't know and/or get this. The peds, their kids and their dogs etc don't walk in straight lines, and the slalom thing gets very tiresome after about 30 secs.
The road is a nightmare to cycle on due to the constant threat of getting doored, the erratic actions of drivers due to the distractions, the horse drawn carriages and their emissions etc etc
The trams aren't particularly fast on the central prom, as long as you keep your concentration up it should be fine!

Not a place to go on one's bike then. Avoid at all costs methinks

 

[Ajay]

Not a place to go on one's bike then. Avoid at all costs methinks

Not really, just when it's busy ie school and bank holidays.
Part of one of our club routes runs up the Fylde coast, including Blackpool prom, but we do it in the off season!

 

[ColinJ]

Not a place to go on one's bike then. Avoid at all costs methinks

Not really, just when it's busy ie school and bank holidays.
Part of one of our club routes runs up the Fylde coast, including Blackpool prom, but we do it in the off season!

Yes, we did it on a forum ride back in 2011 when they were just finishing off the improvements to the promenade. It was fine most of the way that day.

 

[twentysix by twentyfive]

I stand corrected @Ajay and @ColinJ

That pic says it all

 

[JtB]

I realise that, it was used as shorthand for pedestrian. If it is a derogatory term I apologise for any offence caused.

I guess the pedants here just needed confirmation that they were not being implicated by the abbreviation ped.

 

[Houthakker]

Its actually a lovely ride along the prom (NCN62) best enjoyed first thing in the morning before everyone is up and about. If its getting busier then yes, I sometimes ride down the tram tracks simply because that's where the people aren't. Just need to keep an eye open for trams.

 

[ColinJ]

I sometimes ride down the tram tracks simply because that's where the people aren't. Just need to keep an eye open for trams.

I'd be more bothered about the tramlines!

 

[Houthakker]

Nah they're easy, just don't cross them at a shallow angle

 

[ColinJ]

Nah they're easy, just don't cross them at a shallow angle

I know the theory, but I would worry about either getting distracted and forgetting about the tramlines, or something happening that caused me to swerve into one (drunk staggering into the road, dog running out etc.)!

 

[Houthakker]

How very dare you suggest that there might be drunk people in Blackpool!