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AIBU

Cycling on pavement

(103 Posts)
GagaJo Tue 28-Jul-20 22:41:16

I was out with my GS today, in the push chair thankfully, when a boy (12/13ish) came hurtling round a corner and nearly rode into the push chair. I was shocked, but carried on walking. 30 seconds later, another one almost crashed into us.

As he swerved, I yelled, 'Get on the road!' He said 'Why?' So I replied, 'Because you're supposed to ride on the road.'

We crossed the road and next thing I knew a car drove past with a dodgy looking woman hanging out of the window. She shouted 'Ask next time!' at me. I assume about my telling the boy to get on the road.

Since I've been walking as a form of exercise lately, I've noticed a lot of cyclists riding on the pavement. Am I incorrect to think this is wrong? My assumption was cyclists belong on the road or a cycle path.

Witzend Tue 04-Aug-20 10:10:21

I’ve recently seen an adult male and a boy of maybe 14 cycling abreast on the pavement - on a road where clearly marked cycle lanes - with barriers - have recently been installed!

@Terribull, we’re near R Park too, and the Lycra-brigade cyclists on the shared perimeter path - not the perimeter road - used to make me incandescent with rage. They would steam along, regardless of old/deaf people, small children, dogs, expecting everyone to get out of their way.

A man who used to live very near the park told me he once got so angry with a cyclist who very nearly ran over his elderly dog, he ended up hitting the bloke hard, and I can’t say I blame him.

It’s better since they introduced the 5 mph limit on the shared path, but there’s still the odd arrogant arse who thinks it doesn’t apply to him.

Bathsheba Tue 04-Aug-20 10:31:55

It's a tricky question. A neighbour cycles with her young daughter, nearly 6 years old. The neighbour doesn't drive, so her bike is her only means of transport, apart from buses which she tries to avoid as much as possible in the current crisis.

So what should she do? There are no cycle paths/lanes in our immediate locality, but there are some busy main roads, with lots of buses, and larger vehicles, lorries and trucks etc visiting two nearby industrial estates. Should she be putting her young daughter (and herself for that matter!) at risk by using the roads? I don't think so! So they cycle on the pavements, and make sure to stop when any pedestrians approach them so they can pass safely.