To think people walking their dogs on cycle paths should make sure they don't run up to bikes!

[bettycocker]

I live in a part of the countryside that is quite popular with tourists. So, there are plenty of special cycling trails, walkers only and running trails.

I like to go out cycling on the designated cycling trails. When ever I go out on my bike, there is always that one dog walker who doesn't seem to care that they are on the cycle trail. They just let their dogs run towards bikes.

Don't they realise that this is a little bit dangerous and inconsiderate? It's dangerous for their dog as much as anything. There are loads of routes they could take if they want to let their dogs run about. Why do it on the cycle trails?

I almost went into someone's dog today. She didn't even call it back when she saw it running head on towards my bike. This isn't an anti dog gripe, just a gripe about clueless dog walkers on cycling trails.

AIBU to think people like this could just use the other trails?

[bettycocker]

I must admit that I actually thought the cyclists had right of way on cycle paths. I feel a bit foolish now.

[MidniteScribbler]

I don't know the law in the UK bettycrocker. I only know the law in Australia, and pedestrians have right of way on a shared use path.

[Branleuse]

I generally call my dog when i see or hear cyclists, not because she runs up to them, but generally because she bumbles along the path without realising that they will go into her.
On the other hand, ive seen cyclists go screeching round the corners at great speed and knocking into children, dogs, runners etc several times over the years.
My pet hate is when they silently come up behind you without ringing a bell and then nearly go into one of the children who may move direction. We dont have rear view mirrors, and bikes are silent and fast, so this can be really scary.

Im in favour of cycling but I think its a shame that so many people ust get a bike and go,, without learning about safety and etiquette

[longjane]

I do own a dog that hate bikes at our local park .Where cyclists like to take a short cut even if the place is heaving with dogs . The best cyclists there are the school kids as you see them every morning and you know who is coming .
I would like to remind cyclists that not every walker / dog owner/ dog can see that well. Or can hear.
As a cyclists you are using something that can kill so you you need use all senses to watch out for danger . On the road you watch out for cars and people crossing the road . On paths you have to watch for others.

Bournemouth prom has a speed limit for cyclists as people have been injured there.

[Needtostopbuyingcrap]

Dogs should be kept on leads in a public place and that comes from a dog owner.
Most dog owners i know are so self entitled it's unreal.

[longjane]

www.spectator.co.uk/features/8896051/two-wheeled-tyranny

might be of interest

[SpanielFace]

I'm a vet, and saw a young puppy (about 12 weeks) killed while being walked on a lead on a cycle path. The cyclist just mowed it down, swore at the owners, and carried on going. It broke its spine and two of its legs.

Yes, responsible ownership includes keeping your dog under control in public, especially around traffic of any sort. But some cyclists seem to be entitled and arrogant users of cycle paths, as well as the road. And this is said as someone who is married to a mountain bike fanatic!

Cycle paths, like bridleways, are for shared use, and cyclists should treat other users courteously & give way where needed, and be aware that dogs & children are unpredictable at times. Slowing down & making sure they've seen you is surely just common sense?

[diddl]

Jesus Spaniel, that's awful.

Over here many paths (pavements) are shared & it is often shown which part for bikes, which for pedestrians.

Doesn't mean that a pedestrian walking on the bike part can expect to be mown down FFS!

[VivaLeBeaver]

Sustrans do actually say (or used to) that on shared used paths dogs should be on leads.

I'm a cyclist and a dog walker. I've had a dog charge at me and knock me off my bike. I swore under my breath, not directed at the dog or the owner but just in shock. Another dog walker passing by shouted abuse at me for saying "bloody dog" and said he was sick of cyclists on the cycle path.

I do have a bell and I do use it.

When I'm on the path walking I must admit I don't have my dog on the lead. However I will grab her and hold her as cyclists come by. But I can't do this if a cyclist comes up quietly behine me and the first I know of them is as they zoom past my shoulder.

[bettycocker]

What annoyed me yesterday was the fact that I slowed down as the dog was running towards me and I did think that the woman would call it back. Obviously, I stopped once I realised she was happy to let it run right up to me. The dog then stood right in front of my bike and started barking at me.

I do slow down when I see people with dogs and small children, or anyone else. I still think dog owners should call their dogs to heel when people are approaching on bikes, especially if the bike is heading towards them on an open path!

The worst time was when a deer ran across the path and the owner just let their dog tear off after the deer. I was on my bike and that could have ended badly for me and the dog! It probably wasn't very nice for the deer either.

[SpanielFace]

Diddl, it was one of the most upsetting things I've seen. They had small children with them as well, who saw it happen. There are no licence plates on bikes either - it's a legal obligation to stop if you hit a dog in a car, and you can be fined if you don't, but there's no way of reporting a cyclist - how would you ever trace them?

As an aside, DH broke his leg as a toddler when he was hit by a cyclist (30 years ago now!). From what DMIL tells me of what he was like as a child, it's highly likely that he ran into the bike - but another good reason for cyclists to slow down on shared paths.

[bettycocker]

I'm totally shocked that someone would mow a puppy or child down on their bike! That's sociopathic behaviour.