Why do so many cyclists cycle on the pavement?

Question

As a keen cyclist (and 15 year old who won't be able to drive for two years!) why do so many cyclists take to the pavement? Often there are cycle lanes or there is always the road? Although sometimes drivers have honked at me for NOT cycling on the pavement! It's almost you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't! What is everyone's opinion on this?

Cutie / David H:

It's OK, it's not my real hair lol!

louise d:

I'm not sure we should be allowed to cycle everywhere, I don't fancy cycling on train tracks!

Answer 1

Look, the bottom line is: BICYCLES ARE VEHICLES!!! We have to obey the same laws as motor vehicles so stay on the street. However, the rule is to stay as far to the right as safely possible. If there are ostacles (ie. potholes, parked cars, debris, etc.) safely move to your left.

The problem is that many inexperienced riders (which is the majority of riders) are intimidated by motor vehicles. This is understandable to a point, but 9 out of every 10 accidents occur in front of you - not behind you. This means that you have a better chance of a door opening in front of you or you being cutoff than someone overtaking you from behind, Being aggressive at times and knowing when to be aggressive will get you to your destination safely. Don't play around and swerve on roads unless you noticed that pothole at the last minute. Motorists dislike it when other cars do it and the despise cyclist for doing it.

You have the right to ride on the road with cars. In fact, it's usually the law. Ride responsibly. Sidewalks are for pedestrians. If there is no sidewalk and there are pedestrians in front of you, shout "Cyclist on your left!!" before approaching to let the pedestrians know that you are coming. They usually will cooperate with you if you cooperate with them from my experience. Why listen to me? Well, because I've been riding since I was 9 and I road raced from the age of 14 to 22. I learned most of this while training on paved roads. Now at 34, I'm a serious cyclist but I don't race. Riding on streets for all of these years has taught me how to ride with cars and pedestrians alike. Show respect and you'll usually get respect in return. However, never let your guard down, and know when to be aggressive. You seem pretty mature for your age, so to put it bluntly; use good judgement. I hope this helps

Answer 2

I think you'll find the main reason to be that people driving cars generally become their most arrogant when behind the wheel.

Round where I used to live (Watford) there's a cycle track right the way through town, and pedestrians walk all over it without even thinking of looking first, which makes it often more difficult to navigate than the actual pavements.

Personally, where there's a cycle path, say along the gutter, I'll stick to it, and where a road is clear and wide enough to cycle safely, I'll be on the road, but too many motorists are ignorant and so its not always safe to be on the road.

Answer 3

Quote: "It's almost you're damned if you do, and damned if you don't!"

I think you've hit the nail on the head there! Whatever we do, it's wrong in someone's eyes. I try not to cycle on the pavement because I get annoyed when I'm walking and someone cycles too close to me for comfort, but there are places near me where it is simply too dangerous to cycle on the road. I know this seems very hypocritical and it really bugs me. Then, when we cycle on the road some car drivers moan that we're getting in the way; cue raised tempers and accidents occurring.

The answer? More cycle routes I reckon.

Answer 4

Under English law it is an offence to ride on the pavement and the Police are beginning to enforce that law.

You have every right to ride on the road and that is where you should be. I ride about 500 miles a week on roads and regularly get abuse from ignorant morons in cars. I use a specialised hand signal- two vertical fingers. I even had one boy racer stop his car and get out- he changed his mind when he suddenly found that off the bike I stand 6'5, am ex-Army and quite fit from cycling! The car drivers reckon that they own the road 'cos they pay road tax, very little of which is actually used for roads! They are paid for out of my income tax! Point made?

If you ride sensibly, indicate your intentions clearly and make yourself visible (yes I wear Lycra and a bright yellow Team Once jersey) and use lights at night then yuo should be safer on the roads than you are on the pavement. Also keep your bike well maintained.

Answer 5

to be honest if I cycled i would cycle on the pavement as its safer. i walk a lot though so do encounter cyclists on the pavement. i prefer to see them on the pavement as its safer for them. i just move to the side and let them through. the road is too dangerous these days what with all the idiots on the road!

Answer 6

i'm a public transport user and have seen the way drivers treat cyclists also though often my children have nearly been knocked over on the pavement. u sound very mature and as long as u do what ur suppose to do no one can say a word.take care

Answer 7

Stick tae the road, ye huv every right tae be there!! It's a real botty pain when the cycle bike folk are diving aboot on the pavement, there's not enough room fur the handlebars and us walkers!! I always give the cyclists enough space tae go on their merry way on the roads. Make sure ye huv the best protecty stuff on, fur those numptys who think ye should be banished tae a wee training track next tae the primary school!!!!!!!!!!!!

Answer 8

Ignore the drivers - total ignorance and yes you are right in cycling on the road - the pavement is for pedestrians only.

But as a driver myself, I do hate it when cyclists decide to ride side by side, taking up the whole road!

Answer 9

If I cycle on the pavement, it's because I have to deal with heavy traffic, selfish drivers and potholes on the road. Oh, and people parking on the freaking cycle lane.

Drivers, it's all your fault!! Cnuts!!

Answer 10

I agree w/ cutie LOL
But read the rules of the road in the manual for driving
you can get at any local dmv (motor vehicle office, drivers license office) for free. Most states require you to stay off the side walk, and obey the rules of the road,
as a few drivers do, sometimes, hopefully
an to the ol guy, I got Mr Remington for pisces of dog do like you