“Is there anyone out there who can give me a good reason why a lot … not all … of cyclists ride on the road when there is a perfectly good, and expensively made cycle way nearby?
For example, Castle Lane from Chandler’s Ford to Baddesley, Baddesley to Rownhams, Bishopstoke to Eastleigh?”
So asks a recent post on Streetlife, a popular local Social Media site.
OK, I can’t speak for all cyclists, but I can give you some reasons why I don’t always use cycle paths.
1. They don’t go where I want to
Yes, there might be a cycle path alongside the road you see me cycling along. But I’m turning off in a couple of junctions, so it’s easier for me to stay on the road.
2. The surface is too bumpy
This one isn’t such a problem nowadays, but in the past councils have had a tendency to turn a little-used footway into a cycle path, without any regard to how comfortable it is to cycle along. Broken tarmac, potholes, exposed tree roots – I’ve seen them all. We don’t have suspension on our bicycles; bumpy surfaces are painful.
3. Incoming road junctions
Every time a side road joins the main road, the cycle path stops and starts. This may not seem a great deal, but it is when you are relying on pedal-power. Momentum is a big factor when cycling; frequently stopping and starting is tiring. And in the winter, it is also cold.
4. Speed
Cycle paths are narrow, and they have obstructions, such as streetlights, road signs, and bus shelters, to negotiate. Sometimes the path is more like an obstacle course. The path on the west side of Bassett Avenue, just up from the Winchester Road junction is a prime example. Also they are often shared with pedestrians. This means that we can’t travel as fast as we would if we kept to the roadway.
5. We don’t know they are there
No, seriously. Cycle paths stop and start at random intervals, and they are not always clearly signposted in advance. There can be two sections of cycle path connected by a short section of non-dedicated roadway.
The hill on Bodycoats Road by Toynbee School doesn’t have a cycle path but comes between the paths from Central Precinct and Allbrook.
There are times that I’ve been cycling along a road and suddenly noticed a cycle path along side. “Where did that come from?” I wonder. “And more to the point, how do I get onto it without having to mount a kerb.” Similarly I am sometimes unsure whether I am still on a cycle path or that it has reverted to a footway.
6. Loose dogs
This one really applies to cycle routes that run away from roads, but loose dogs are a real hazard – particularly to a semi-cynophobe like me. You’re never too sure whether the dog is going to run at you and cause you to fall from your bike. Come to think of it, leashed dogs are also a hazard when they decide to cross to the opposite side of the path from the owner.
So those are some of the reasons that I can come up with.
Cyclists – please comment if you can think of any others why you sometimes don’t use cycle lanes.
I would, however, point out that cyclists have as much right to use the roads as motorised traffic – and that pedestrians have as much right to share the joint paths as cyclists. Tolerance all round makes travel a much more relaxed affair.
But when I am cycling on roads I DO stop at red traffic lights.
Related posts:
- Cycling: Eastleigh – Chandler’s Ford
- How safe are the roads in Chandler’s Ford?
- Be Safe: The Story Of Fred And Jim
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Related posts:
How Can We Make The Roads In Chandler’s Ford Safer?
Be Safe: The Story Of Fred And Jim
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: My Passions with Bikes and Boats (Part 9)
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Bikes, Boats, and Adventures (Part 10)
Growing up in Chandler’s Ford: 1950s – 1960s: Witnessing My First Powerboat Race (Part 11)
Great post, Chippy. There are times I don’t blame cyclists (especially school kids) for riding on the pavement but my two bug bears over cyclists are:-
1. Those that DON’T stop at red traffic lights. I’ve seen so many go through on red (and worse green in the opposite direction) at Hursley Road/Hiltingbury Road junction. It really is a very nasty accident waiting to happen.
2. As a pedestrian you come across blind corners. Hursley Road going into Hiltingbury Road is a classic one. My dog and I have almost been mowed down by fast cyclists on the pavement here who can’t see round the bend (nobody can) and who don’t think to slow down and be cautious.
I’ve no problem with cyclists like yourself who wouldn’t dream of doing these things but is there any way of persuading the idiots that do that this kind of thing gives all cyclists a bad and undeserved (on the whole) name?
I speak as a fed up pedestrian (re the almost being mowed down! Dog wasn’t impressed either!). I also speak as a driver (and I always give cyclists plenty of room when going by them, most drivers do and yes I know we have our fair share of morons too unfortunately. They too also go through red lights!).
Allison,
No we certainly won’t let any cyclist mow down Mable (and you). We simply can’t allow that to happen.
I do share your concern. I’m most thankful when I get to work in one piece. I have to negotiate my path very carefully with some very quiet cyclists zigzagging across the path. Some paths are very narrow and there have been near miss.
If everyone can just be a bit kinder, a bit slower in life (slow can be a good thing), and understand that they don’t own the road / path, this will be a much pleasant place.
You’re right, Janet, this is about everyone being kinder and more understanding. I think someone has already said that most cyclists are drivers, so do tend to be aware of the risks involved in using the roads, but I’m not sure that most drivers are cyclists. At the end of the day, the few seconds that I hold up a driver waiting to overtake me won’t make a huge difference and will soon be forgotten about if everyone is patient.
I admire a cyclist I see most mornings on Hursley Road.
She is fully equipped with a helmet, and full reflective clothing, and she cycles confidently and safely on the road. She then joins the roundabout at the Central Precinct.
However, I’m disappointed with some cyclists I see late in the evenings sometimes on Leigh Road. They don’t wear reflective jackets; sometimes no light; no helmet; and the cross the road dangerously in front of cars.
Despite this, I always think patience is a virtue, and always slow down and be extra careful to avoid the messiness of blood on the road.
I normally have my teenage son in the car with me, so we talk about ‘silly behaviours’ (not just cyclists) on the road often. My son wrote Be Safe: The Story Of Fred And Jim about his thought. My philosophy is that though some people are selfish and silly, there is no need to argue or cause harm if we could avoid it. I told my son that we shouldn’t always think that we have ‘the right of way’ without using common sense. A car is a more powerful machine, and I think a driver should always be more generous to cyclists on the road, despite their behaviour. (Yes you can give silly cyclists a moral lesson later, but that’s another matter.) Always be generous to cyclists, and avoid causing harm.
I think some cyclists may have a false sense of immortality, and/or they assume that their superior agility compared with motorised vehicles will enable them to get out of any trouble unscathed, a bit like dogs (it is very difficult to hit a dog with a car (not that I’ve tried). Their sixth sense and agility generally lets them move out of the way just in time).
Very good post, Chippy – as a nervous cyclist myself, I think you have covered all the reasons why I choose the road above many so-called ‘dedicated’ cyclepaths.
Anyone who is genuinely interested in the answer should try cycling along the following cycle paths:
a) The Avenue, Southampton – any time of day, but rush hour would give the ‘best’ experience
b) Leigh Road, from the Fire Headquarters into Eastleigh – to include crossing at the lights (from Cherry Tree Court to the Badi Murchi)
c) Down Otterbourne Hill in the autumn (wet leaves) and winter (frost and ice)
d) St Cross roundabout
My response to motorists who wind down their windows to tell me I should be using the cycle path is to ask them if they use them.
The Avenue (from Winchester Road) was what I was thinking of when I wrote about streetlights, road signs, and bus shelters. There is also an example of a ending-and-restarting cycle lane in this area – cycle lane up Winchester Road and Bassett Avenue, but no cycle lane around the junction itself – which is probably the most dangerous part for cyclists!
I have been a cycling club cyclist now for over fifty years. In that time the roads, and the traffic on them, have changed greatly.
However, let us place some markers down:
First – let me nail the idea that “Cyclists don’t pay road tax” – no-one does! “Road Fund Licensing” was removed in the 1930’s, & motor vehicles are currently taxed on their emissions. A cycle (Bi, tri or other) has no emissions, hence no tax!
Second – Lots of drivers say “Our taxes pay for the paths, so please use them” – not always true!
Many cycle paths are funded by developers contributions, and others by the charity called Sustrans, which is a nationwide organisation, dedicated to encouraging sustainable use of paths and off road cycle ways.
Many cycle paths are not designed to be used by cyclists riding at much more than 10mph. They have frequent breaks, often needing a rider to stop or even dismount.
How would car drivers like to have to stop every 100 yards or so, and get out of their vehicle, before proceeding I wonder?
Keen cyclists frequently ride at 15-20mph or more, and as long as they do not exceed any speed limits, they can do so, just like motor traffic.
Therefore it is usually safer for the rider, and much more convenient, to ride on the road.
I should point out that roads (The Queen’s Highway) is for ALL road users, whether horse riders, walkers, cyclists or motor vehicle drivers. Cyclists pre-date motor vehicles (The Cyclists Touring Club, founded in 1878 is the “Guardian organisation” for all cyclists & their rights), by about twenty years.
A cycle is, in law, a “carriage”, and has equal status with other vehicles, whether powered or not.
Therefore, if cyclists are taunted with “Get on the cycle-path” by a motorist, it would be equally logical to say in reply “Get on the Motorway” to drivers. The arguments would be of an equal logical standing!
Certainly some of the earlier replies identify many of the shortcomings of certain cycle-paths, with sharp bends (not rideable), posts etc on paths. Many such paths, like the Avenue one previously mentioned by a correspondent, are so inconvenient, it is better to take your chances on the main road.
So, many reasons why, to answer the question. But the main one is “Because riders have a right to use the road” – motorists want to sweep away all things that might delay their ever faster progress, but that is another aspect of our ever more selfish society.
As has been stated, more tolerance and understanding is what is needed, not necessarily more cycle paths!
As someone who is a regular motorist (daily commute), a regular cyclist (mainly leisure) and a regular pedestrian (both leisure and dog walking) my views are as follows..
As a motorist I always look out for cyclists and give them plenty of room. I notice most do stick to the rules of the road but there are some who think they don’t apply to them, weave in and out, go through red lights etc.
As a cyclist I always follow the rules of the road and will usually use cycle paths where they are available. The times when I don’t are similar to the above – when they are too dangerous because of being in a bad state of repair, are overgrown with bushes or trees or, if it is a shared pavement when there are a lot of pedestrians. Taking longer than the road due to additional junctions etc. is not a reason for me as I am rarely in a hurry. On shared cycle paths with pedestrians I will always slow down when passing pedestrians and, if I cannot pass easily will ring my bell (note, this is just a warning that I am approaching and not a request to get out of the way as quickly as possible!) I will take extra care when passing dog walkers as it is sometimes dogs nature to run after bikes rather then avoid them! I also agree that the cycle path network while very good in some areas is pretty bad in others. I have lost count of the number of times a shared cycle path / pavement has suddenly ended with little warning and I have found myself cycling on the pavement for some time before realizing!
As a pedestrian I will always look out for bikes on shared pathways and move if necessary for them to pass. If I have my dog I will make sure he is out of the way (on paths next to roads he will always be on a lead, on paths through parks he may not be but will be under control).
Having followed these simple rules all my life I can honestly say I have never had a problem as a driver, cyclist or pedestrian! Maybe I have just been lucky but I think common sense does help…
Going back to the original question, perhaps the main reason I will usually use cycle paths when available rather than the road is simple: safety. After all, the damage a car can do to a cyclist is far greater then a cyclist can do to a pedestrian.
Finally, some roads are just downright dangerous at certain times of the day. I know several children who cycle along Hiltingbury Road to school and because the road is too narrow for some cars to pass safely there have been a large number of near misses. I therefore know a lot of parents who encourage their children to cycle on the pavement along there just to be safe. I have in fact over the years made a number of enquires about a cyclepath being built along Hiltingbury Road for this very reason but to no avail.
Have you seen this new cycle lane in Eastleigh? What do you think of it?
Cycling to Bishopstoke at the weekend, I discovered that Bishopstoke Bridge now has a joint cycle and footpath – previously there were “cyclists dismount” notices.
So far so good. But the cycle path then ends unceremoniously at the end of Bishopstoke playing fields, with no indication of where cyclists are supposed to go from there. Not very joined-up.