Why do people pavement cycle...

[magnatom]

...in this weather? For nearly all of my commute the roads are now completely ice/snow/slush free, and have been for most of the time since Christmas. The pavements have been a mixture of snow and ice. Yet, I still see many cyclists winding their way along the paths and avoiding the roads. Why?

I've mellowed over the years with regards to pavement cyclists. I can understand how sometimes it can be intimidating on the roads for new cyclists. However, what sort of thought process goes on in peoples minds to suggest that cycling on very slippery pavements is safer than cycling on fully gritted relatively non-slippy roads.

I do despair sometimes!

 

[Night Train]

I can only imagine that if they are less experienced or nervous then they may be thinking that if they fell off then they would only be hit by a ped or a pushchair as opposed to a car that can't stop.

 

[lazyfatgit]

They're (insert your preferred derogatory term here).

I don't share your mellowment for adults cycling on pavements.

However the fact that they're still on unsafe pavement surface shows the terror they have for traffic. Maybe its time we did something to modify motor vehicle user behavoiur so they felt safe to use the road.

 

[marinyork]

Habit probably. I can perhaps see why they are like this as although most cars have been quite reasonable in this weather towards cyclists I've seen a lot of bad behaviour towards walker/joggers not wanting to risk the pavements and walking along the road where they are perfectly entitled to be.

 

[magnatom]

I can only imagine that if they are less experienced or nervous then they may be thinking that if they fell off then they would only be hit by a ped or a pushchair as opposed to a car that can't stop.

I could almost, ALMOST, understand that. But the sort of cyclist I see on the pavement doesn't fit the profile.

 

[magnatom]

Habit probably. I can perhaps see why they are like this as although most cars have been quite reasonable in this weather towards cyclists I've seen a lot of bad behaviour towards walker/joggers not wanting to risk the pavements and walking along the road where they are perfectly entitled to be.

Aye, I've noticed this. It all stems from the 'Roads are only for cars' attitude.

I don't agree with with the way many critical mass events are run (or should I say, how they are sometimes used). Maybe we need to change the format to a critical mass where anyone who isn't in a car/van/lorry/taxi takes to the streets together, just to get the message across that cars don't 'own' the road.

Anyway, I digress.....

 

[upsidedown]

The one in front of me was perfectly capable and confident on the road, he only went on the pavement when it suited him; at red lights and queued traffic. This sort of pavement cyclist wants the best of both worlds.

 

[palinurus]

"Why do people pavement cycle in this weather?"

I don't know. They're very good at it though, doubt I'd stay upright for long.

 

[Night Train]

I don't genarally see many conventional cyclists on the pavements. It is mostly teenage ninjas and, as upsidedown says, those who want the best of both worlds avoiding red lights, using crossings and for undertaking traffic.

 

[Piemaster]

Seen a fair bit of it here as well.
I'd go with the 'habit' option. Pavement cycling is for those whose mums won't let them cycle on the road