One reason I don't like cycle paths

[flecc]

I actually think where there are perfectly good cycle paths provided then cyclists should use them whenever possible.

Attempt to accommodate isn't sufficient though. The standard of cycle paths and their maintenance is such that some even deter hardened mountain bikers. I have several which actually disappear at various points, broken up by growth and cratered. Hedge cutting without clearance makes many unusable in the Autumn. A high proportion are completely unsuitable at all times for light road bikes with skinny tyres.

The trouble is that when driving past, much of this is not apparent to drivers who then think cyclists are just being awkward by using the road, when they are not.

 

[Geebee]

I stopped using shared paths (most of our cycling paths are shared) once I had been riding long enough to enjoy riding fast and realised it was dangerous to other users and so moved to road only and found I was even faster as I was not constantly having to slow down for others safety.
Plus so many path users, pedestrians and cyclists are totally stupid in regards to there own and other users safety.

We are allowed to ride on the footpath as well, I never do as I think it is close to insane unless you are riding at less than 10 kph.

 

[peerjay56]

I wasn't calling you a none cyclist, I was referring to the comments in the link. It's in the quoted text above my comment.

http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/people/human-interest/forest-of-dean-caravans-fires-driver-after-cyclist-near-miss-is-caught-on-film-$21384068.htm

- I couldn't see any comments in the page I linked to; or did you mean (some of) the comments on youtube associated with the video? Totally agree in that case.

 

[Artstu]

- I couldn't see any comments in the page I linked to; or did you mean (some of) the comments on youtube associated with the video? Totally agree in that case.

Just checked your link and the comments are on that page below the video

 

[flapajack]

Attempt to accommodate isn't sufficient though. The standard of cycle paths and their maintenance is such that some even deter hardened mountain bikers. I have several which actually disappear at various points, broken up by growth and cratered. Hedge cutting without clearance makes many unusable in the Autumn. A high proportion are completely unsuitable at all times for light road bikes with skinny tyres.

The trouble is that when driving past, much of this is not apparent to drivers who then think cyclists are just being awkward by using the road, when they are not.

I can probably relate to that soon enough, once I start commuting to work on a bike although for now I will stick to pavement and paths. I suspect once I am confident enough to carry the speed and momentum, slowing down to avoid obstacles/hedges/potholes, etc will prove their annoyance and I will end up taking my life in my hands and ride on the road too.

 

[mike killay]

This where I feel despair at the UK. I ride a lot in Belgium, mile upon mile of cycle ways, even out in the countryside. They are regularly swept by a small machine like a pavement sweeper that drives around.
In Swansea, we have the absolutely brilliant installation of a 'Toucan' crossing. The problem is that there are no cycle paths attached at either end!
You have to wonder at the idiots that work for our councils.

 

[Artstu]

I can probably relate to that soon enough, once I start commuting to work on a bike although for now I will stick to pavement and paths. I suspect once I am confident enough to carry the speed and momentum, slowing down to avoid obstacles/hedges/potholes, etc will prove their annoyance and I will end up taking my life in my hands and ride on the road too.

None cyclists make cycle paths, and none cyclists make comments like your earlier ones. I'd like to think that your view will change once you actually start riding a bike.

 

[mike killay]

What on earth is a none cyclist???

 

[Artstu]

What on earth is a none cyclist???

OK non-cyclist.

 

[Croxden]

You have to wonder at the idiots that work for our councils.

"People can be teachers and idiots; they can be philosophers and idiots; they can be politicians and idiots... in fact I think they have to be... a genius can be an idiot. The world is largely run for and by idiots; it is no great handicap in life and in certain areas is actually a distinct advantage and even a prerequisite for advancement".


Ian Banks - The Crow Road

 

[peerjay56]

Just checked your link and the comments are on that page below the video

How odd. I see 'leave a comment' or similar, but nowt below there:-/

 

[Artstu]

How odd. I see 'leave a comment' or similar, but nowt below there:-/

Odd indeed, there are now 52 comments.

http://www.caravantimes.co.uk/news/people/human-interest/forest-of-dean-caravans-fires-driver-after-cyclist-near-miss-is-caught-on-film-$21384068.htm

 

[flecc]

What on earth is a none cyclist???

That extra "e" is the "e" in e-bike.

Ergo, those intending unpowered are for the present non-cyclists, those intending assistance when they start riding are none-cyclists.