Originally Posted by
57vintage
And the Highway Code is quite clear that cyclists should use cycleways and shared paths when it is safe and convenient.
Here you are. Every day's a school day: Rule 61
Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
Rule 62
Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.
Sometimes it isn't safe, of course. Bus shelters narrowing the path, bus queues with members chatting on phones, pedestrians listeneing to iPods weaving across the pavement (for that is what it is), or texting on their mobiles. Then I could mention the broken glass, gravel, uneven surfaces where the Thatcherite privatised utility companies have howked a trench and patched things up with some stuff bought off a PJM who came to the door with "a wee bit extra left over from a job down the road", frequent side roads every 200 yards, slippery fallen leaves at this time of year, often concealing objects that puncture tyres or buckle wheels.
I also drive, having passed my test 43 years ago, pay £20 a year on VED before you start on that ****e, wear HV clothing, a helmet and have lights on the bike that could see me spotted from Stavanger on a clear evening, cretin.
Awa and **** yersel.