Why do so many pass left-shoulder to left shoulder on cycle paths?

[Sheffield_Tiger]

I get the feeling I'm doing it wrong...

If I use a 2-way segregated cycle path I treat it like I do a road - I keep left. But it seems I'm doing it wrong as this brings me head-on with approaching cyclists who pull to their right as I pull to my left.

Now, I get that we're not jousting so I don't need to pass to my lance hand but it's convention on the road, so why not the cycle path? Even though at junctions the markings suggest that my "keep left" is the right approach, it must be wrong because I reckon 80% of approaching cyclists expect to pass left shoulder to left shoulder

 

[robjh]

I find that surprising. I regularly use a busy, and fairly narrow, cycle/ped path where everyone sticks to the left when meeting oncoming traffic. You're doing the right thing.
Is there any local peculiarity on your route that would explain people not observing the usual rules?

 

[si_c]

I always stay left, and find that most people do as well, then I just hold my line and usually the other person will move to the left like you'd expect.

 

[mjr]

Put your left hand, palm forwards, fingers outstretched to the left, above your bars as you approach on the left of the track. Most will pass to your right, but be prepared to ring your bell to get their attention if they're riding head down.

There are reasons to ride as far from motorists as possible but shouldn't override the left side convention (edit: )when passing IMO.

 

[classic33]

I get the feeling I'm doing it wrong...

If I use a 2-way segregated cycle path I treat it like I do a road - I keep left. But it seems I'm doing it wrong as this brings me head-on with approaching cyclists who pull to their right as I pull to my left.

Now, I get that we're not jousting so I don't need to pass to my lance hand but it's convention on the road, so why not the cycle path? Even though at junctions the markings suggest that my "keep left" is the right approach, it must be wrong because I reckon 80% of approaching cyclists expect to pass left shoulder to left shoulder

Sign they don't trust the person coming the other way? Keeping their right(weapon) arm ready!

 

[GlenBen]

Sometimes I think a jousting lance would be a good idea down the cycle path I commute down.

I do find that most people go left, usually at the last second when I shout, after theyve been weaving all over, head down, no hands, no breaks, earphones in, bag scraping on the rear wheel...etc.

 

[ufkacbln]

Put your left hand, palm forwards, fingers outstretched to the left, above your bars as you approach on the left of the track. Most will pass to your right, but be prepared to ring your bell to get their attention if they're riding head down.

There are reasons to ride as far from motorists as possible but shouldn't override the left side convention IMO.

Signalling your intention is the way forward

 

[ufkacbln]

Are you left handed?


The dominant side is important. Allegedly if you are heading towards another person you automatically steer to the dominant side which is right for the majority
If both vehicles steer to the right then the chances of missing are decreased

However if one participant is left handed then they will steer to their left and the chances of a collision are greater... left handers have significantly more accidents than right handers

 

[Dirk]

......If I use a 2-way segregated cycle path I treat it like I do a road - I keep left. But it seems I'm doing it wrong as this brings me head-on with approaching cyclists .......

I get this a lot as well.
Mostly it's young kids who have no sense of road safety or foreigners who would normally drive on the right.

 

[MichaelW2]

I approached one of those bike lane Give Way triangles with a picture of the bike that was upside down. WTF?

 

[Dirk]

I approached one of those bike lane Give Way triangles with a picture of the bike that was upside down. WTF?

Maybe someone made a genuine mistake? It has been known to happen.

 

[Venod]

Is there any local peculiarity on your route that would explain people not observing the usual rules?

He could be in France.

 

[Banjo]

I get this all the time and stick to the left and force the approaching bike to do the same.

Ring a bell or shout if neccessary.

 

[raleighnut]

I get this all the time and stick to the left and force the approaching bike to do the same.

Ring a bell or shout if neccessary.

I always stay left, and find that most people do as well, then I just hold my line and usually the other person will move to the left like you'd expect.

That's OK until the twunt rides into you DAMHIKT.

 

[Banjo]

That's OK until the twunt rides into you DAMHIKT.

Trouble is if you both take last minute evasive action an even bigger crash occurs.

Hold your line and get their attention early is the safe way imho.