Cycling on footpaths?

Question

Im thinking about riding my bike rather than relying on my car as often as i do. The only problem is i wouldnt feel safe riding on the road. Are we allowed to ride on public footpaths if there are no cycle lanes provided? i dont want to ride on road as cyclist get in my way when im driving and wouldnt want to get on wrong side of motorists as a cyclist.Is there a law stating that it is illegal or legal. Thanks.

Answer 1

Queensland Australia recently legalised the riding of bicycles on footpaths. (Since you are using the term footpath rather than sidewalk or pavement there is at least some chance that your an Aussie.) As a qualifier the pedestrian always has the right of way.

Generally it is illegal throughout the world but police have the discretion to enforce the law. Police don't tend to give cyclists grief as long as they don't do anything stupid. (There are always exceptions though.) Check at your local station to make sure.

If you plan you trip you can minimise the heavily trafficked roads and footpaths as much as possible. If you use backstreets and cycleways you can generally get to where you are going.

Cycling is one of the fastest growing activities in the world. Local councils are usually very aware of this. If you don't have the facilities now be assured they will be on the way.

Finally, Welcome to the world of cycling. It is very addictive and loads of fun. Good for your health, your wealth, and the environment.

Answer 2

* Riding on footpaths is illegal; full stop! You may feel safer, but what about the pedestrians? They have the right to be safe too.

* Riding at the side of the road in the gutter is foolish too. Cycle about a metre in the road. Don't let cars dictate your position.

* Insurance is useless if you ride on the pavement and have an accident. You will NOT be covered. You will be found negligent, as you should not have been on the pavement.

* Cycle paths are often designed for cyclists by car drivers, so they are useless.

* Get some training. Look at the CTC website. You CAN cycle safely on the roads easily. You may upset some car drivers, but tough. The roads are for all users, not just them.

* Research has proved ambivalent on helmets. They are not the panacea for safety.

* For the average Yahoo Answers user, I apologise for the long words. Get a dictionary thickies!

Answer 3

Your dilema is that ( in the UK ) pavements are for pedestrians and unless the local authority has clearly marked the pavement with lines & signs showing that it can be 'shared'; with pedestrians it is illegal to cycle on them. Pedestrians are as much afraid of the silent and often unseen cyclist as cyclist claim to be of motorists.
Also many highway authorities have a deliberate policy of narrowing road widths with frequent bollards etc as a means of slowing the motoring traffic's speed down, they may not admit it but part of the highway authorities strategy is to use narrow cycle lanes on the road with you, the cyclist, as a moving traffic obstruction so as to force car drivers to slow down behind you, this is partly why cyclists are on the receiving end of car drivers frustration and resentment.
Next point, there is no legal obligation upon cyclists to take out compulsory insurance but you are still liable to be sued for any accident or damage you cause.
It is still a legal requirement to have correct lights although you wouldn't think so from the number of cyclists that assume motorist have the eyesight of an owl and will spot you in the darkness without them. Surveys have show a high % of drivers actually drive below the legal eye sight limits !
It is also seems to be a little know fact that if you cycle on the road in the correct fashion red traffic lights also apply to cyclists and it is also an offence if, when you come to red lights, you dismount and push your cycle to avoid the lights and then jump back on !
Although all these legal rules are not in themselves arrestable offences the Police have a 'catch all' power of arrest for virtually any offence if they do not know and can not reasonably identify the offender or be satisfied that the normal method of taking down your particulars and reporting you will be effective.
Finally if you do decide to cycle good luck but could I persuade you not to ride with a jacket flapping in the wind, you could get caught and pulled of your bike by passing traffic and, like the truck drivers say to following cars, if you cant see the vehicle drivers mirrors the chances are he can't see you. Safe cycling.

Answer 4

I have bought a bike recently and it's great fun...but can also be very scary at times (i'm in London). Unfortunately it is not permitted to ride on pavements and you could get a fine if caught by the police! However a few pathways permit cyclists (sharing with people on foot) but usually on a very short distance. I have noticed it's usually on "dangerous" parts of the road, like big roundabouts for example.
It will change your attitude as a driver to get on the road on your bike and you will see that it can be a real struggle at times. We are so vulnerable but do remember one thing: as a cyclist you have as much right as a car to be on the road and in some situations you will find that for your own safety, you will have to ride in the middle of the road.
What the driver think does not matter. As long as you ride safe and in accordance with the highway code, you have nothing to worry about!
Plus cycling is good for your health and the environment. It's all good!
Check out this link for info on cycling on roads:
http://www.lcc.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=327
This article provides some info about the law:
http://www.bikeforall.net/content/cycling_and_the_law.php
Enjoy your rides! :)

Answer 5

In England there is no such thing as a footpath in legal terms. If footways are adjoined to the highway as part of the highway and maintained as such, it is ILLEGAL to ride on them. These are colloquially known as pavements. This can be a grey area if a 'Right of Way' exists in a different route to the new road and runs alongside it.

This does not apply to other 'Rights of Way' (including footpaths) which are perfectly legal for non-mechanised transport. They are not designed for cycles so you cannot sue if the conditions are unsuitable.

Twittens and alleys may be subject to by-laws specifically prohibiting cycling.

Cycling on the pavements adjoining houses is dangerous in terms of the number accidents as pedestrians are really unpredictable.

Answer 6

There may be a law against it I'm not sure but do what is safest for yourself,I have held a driving licence normal and Hgv for over 27years and have in the last 4mths used a mountain bike as transport I try to stay on the road whenever possible but certain roads are in my opinion just too dangerous for cycling there are far too many inconsiderate drivers out there these days,as far as the police are concerned quite a few have noticed myself cycling on the pavement and haven't minded as I think they understand the dangers on the road for cyclists.

Stay safe and do what keeps you safe.

Hope this helps

Answer 7

We are not supposed to ride on footpaths, but more often than not i do. I carry my son in a chid seat on the back of my bike and wouldn't dare ride on the road with him - i have had so many near misses when i've been cycling on my own, even in the cycle lane.

Answer 8

you can be stopped for riding on a footpath but as far as being arrested I can't see. It's never happened to me, I got a warning and told not to do it again. Just keep an eye out for the police, on the other hand you could look where you are going on the road so as not to upset motorists.

Answer 9

I drive for a living and do about 70000 to 80000 miles a year.In all that time i have never seen a cyclist obey any laws of the road, they do not stop at red lights, 3 points and £60.00 for a motorist, one way streets can be ridden the wrong way, again a fine unless you are a actor,Sorry to the small minority of law abiding cyclists but they even break the law when they are on the back of cars covering the rear lights and number plates

Answer 10

Your not supposed to, as it's dangerous for pedestrians. However, if you do it, be discrete and watch out for the police. It can be scarey on the road, but as long as you keep right in next to the pavement, signal correctly with plenty of warning and are careful not to swerve about the place (like most of the cyclists I encounter) you shouldn't get up anyone's nose.