AIBU to think that being scared is not

[helloclitty]

a valid reason to cycle on the pavement with a child on the back!

I know someone who says they wouldn't cycle on the road because it's too dangerous so cycles on the pavement with her child on the back.

Aibu to think that being scared is not a valid reason to cycle on the pavement?

Yabu. No-one cycling on the pavement should go faster than walking speed. So it's okay for a toddler cycling next to their parent walking. But not for anyone going a 'normal' cycling speed. It's dangerous for old people / deaf people etc. Pavements are for pedestrians.

Aargh! I MEAN YANBU of course! Hard-of-typing today.

If the pavements are clear of pedestrians and she isnt getting in their way, then I would have no problem with it.

The roads where I live are very busy, no cycle lanes, and quite narrow, it is scary watching buses and lorries go past cyclists, and there are a lot of accidents.

I dont blame the woman, so long as she is not ploughing her way through people on the pavement.

Squeakytoy
This is in an urban area the pavements are never clear of pedestrians.

What Squeaky said.

It's time more of our roads were made safer for cyclists.

YANBU

YANBU.

Adults cycling on the pavement just shouldnt be allowed to cycle at all.

I don't mind seeing children cycling on the pavement though. They can be annoying but I think when you weigh up children cycling on the pavement or not cycling at all, then cycling on the pavement comes out on top.

YANBU. If that's how you feel about cycling on the roads then what you have there is a reason for not cycling at all.

I agree that children should be allowed to cycle on the pavement BUT only if they are taught to cycle in a considerate and safe way. That means not going very fast, slowing down to pass pedestrians, giving pedestrians the right of way etc. Which is not the general situation.

YANBU. There is no excuse for riding on the pavement unless it is a child.

I got run over by a three year old on his tiny bike at the school gates and needed two stitches in my knee, and was laid up for ages (I can hardly walk anyway without that on top) and his mother just sort of laughed and has avoided me ever since. It is surprising how much damage a bike can do if it collides with a person. What if she hits an oap or a small child on foot or in a pushchair? or someone with a baby in a sling?
If the road isn't safe enough for her to cycle with her child then she needs to start walking with or without a pushchair. Why should everyone else not be safe so she can be? And if she does hit someone and go over, her child will be just as helpless as it would be on the road so it's not like cycling on the pavement is that much safer anyway. She's being selfish. I'm surprised nobody has given a mouthful yet.