To think that some cyclists ignore cycle lanes to prove a point?

[Thepursuitofhappiness]

I enjoy cycling and go a couple of times a week, I'm currently on maternity leave but often cycled to work before that.

I understand that some cycle lanes are dreadful and avoid accordingly - full of potholes, rubbish shrewn, requiring you to stop at each small road turn off etc...

However, I live in Cheshire and there are some brilliant cycle lanes running parallel (ie not just on the kerb) of some major A roads near where I live. Uninterrupted cycle lanes for miles, beautifully maintained and wide. Most cyclists use these. But there are always some who are still determined to use the major A road. Despite holding up traffic. Surely it's a more pleasant experience for everyone if the cycle lanes are used.

AIBU to believe that they are only avoiding the (good) cycle lanes to prove a point, that they have as much right to the road as the cars? I think it's pretty daft to be honest.

[RattersReward]

Yes! It's a pet hate of mine. Near me there is a road that had it's lay out adjusted to allow for decent sized cycle lanes and it's been recently resurfaced but still 'serious' cyclists (as judged by their apparel) insist on riding outside the lanes. The space for cars was narrowed in order to allow for cycle lanes so it's far from ideal.

[Trills]

I think that the number of people "proving a point" will be very very small compared to those who genuinely believe that they will have faster or safer or more pleasant journey on the road.

[RattersReward]

And a major roundabout on my route to/from work has been recently redesigned to protect cyclists. It involves separate traffic lights controlling the cycle lane and remaining traffic. Most cyclists ride through their red light into the stream of motor vehicle traffic on a green light thereby putting themselves in danger. Before the changes several cyclist were killed at this junction.

[ThingsThatMakeYouGoHmmmmmmmmm]

Yawn.

YABU, OP. They do have the right to be on the roads. The same right as car drivers. The cycle lanes you see may be fantastic. They may be like black velvet. They may also be used by people on bikes bimbling along at 10mph, children, people on electric scooters. Not want you want to get mixed up in if you are riding your bike at 20-30mph.

[twistyfeet]

do you do that to other legal road users too Redbindy or are you just a twat to cyclists?

[EmmaBemma]

I'm not a cyclist but I understand from friends who are that you can get up to pretty big speeds (for a bike) of 30 mph quite easily on a racing bike, meaning that it's safer for both them and others if they're on the road.

I have no problem slowing down/waiting for safe places to overtake cyclists on the road. I think a lot of car drivers are complete wanks about this non-issue.

[Redbindy]

Only cyclists, especially those twats who are ignoring cycling lanes.

[Sallystyle]

I was on a lesson and some wally wasn't using the perfectly good cycle lane on a really busy road.

I hate overtaking bikes so it pissed me off. There was no reason why he couldn't use it. He was so close to the cars it just looked dangerous.

Mind you, I preferred him to the arseholes who beep me when I take longer than I should at a roundabout

[Sallystyle]

Hahaha

[Sallystyle]

crap! wrong thread

That was meant to be on the X factor thread.

[VodkaJelly]

They have built a lovely cycle lane near me too OP, (also in Cheshire) it is well used but some cyclists never use it. The main road is busy and there has been some deaths on it (car accidents) but dont know why it is not used more by cyclists.

It runs from my town to the next smaller town and goes past a lovely hall and you pop out by Sainsburys so it is also convenient to use

[twistyfeet]

well I hope dh doesnt meet you when cycling to work because dangerous car drivers like you are everywhere. Luckily he has a cycle-cam and reports dangerous road users.
There are no cycle paths/lanes on his 10 mile commute.

[FlutteringButterflie]

I used to live near a main road. Here is a good photo of it.

statics.192.com/estreet/original/large/1231/12316234.jpg

Good cycle line with enough room. And yet cyclists still rode on the pavement and rang their bell to get you to move. No problem with cyclists using the road - but the pavement when a cycle lane is provided is taking the piss.

[chrome100]

To be fair to "serious cyclists", cycle paths are full of very slow cyclists/pedestrians and it's often safer for all concerned for them to be on the road.

[hettienne]

If you're cycling fast and there are lots of pootlers in the cycle lane, it's probably better to be on the road.

[twistyfeet]

is that a stupid brag about the possibility of killing cyclists?
What a stupid fuckwit thing to say.

[rootypig]

Redbindy that is a fucking disgusting comment. It's people like you who endanger cyclists' lives. If I had my way people making comments like that would have their car licenses revoked permanently.

[twistyfeet]

Cycle paths have a speed limit of 15mph. Far too slow for cycle commuters who reach speeds of 30mph. The same as cars (or faster in the average congested city)
Which is why cycle commuters are on the roads. To get to work.

[InternationalPower]

I cycle a bit, but im a pootler and often accompanied by dc. Imo that's what cycle lanes are for., "Real" cyclists, who are travelling at speeds often equivalent to a car, belong on the road.

[VivaLeBeaver]

There has to be a reason why they're not using the cycle path.

I bike to work, I normally take the cycle path which runs alongside the A road. However the surface isn't as good so it is a bit slower, plus there's the stupid anti cycle motorcycle barriers at both ends. Two sets at one end for some reason. I have to dismount to get through them and as I clip in to my pedals its a pita. If I'm running late I stay on the road as its quicker.

They may also be doing Strava segments.

[rootypig]

Agree intlpower

[Thepursuitofhappiness]

Redbindy you're an idiot. Hopefully you meant that comment as (not) a funny joke.

Hmm the cycle lanes which I was referring to are plenty wide enough for 2 bikes to pass easily, and as they are on a roads not particularly close to residential areas also pedestrians are few and far between. I just think some cyclists take the view that they will not deviate from the road...

The most ridiculous cycle path I know is in Wales (Colwyn Bay) along the promenade. It weaves in and out of every lamp post. Like a slalom course.