Cycling etiquette

[oldgrandmama]

I know, after the mauling from my last post, I said I'd go and never darken the Mumsnet doors again, but I'm a bit peeved and would welcome the comments from the lovely ladies here. I am walking along an Islington road. A lady cyclist - at a glance, I estimate in her late thirties, suitably accoutred in crash helmet (excellent - wish all cyclists would wear one) and nice lycra gear, comes bombing towards me. As she approaches me, fast, because, I suppose, I don't move fast, she shrieks: 'Get out of my WAY, you stupid old [c] word!'

Despite my seventy plus years, I hurl my arthritic self sideways into the hedge and railings, because, YES, you got it, I am actually walking along the PAVEMENT, where I though pedestrians were supposed safely to be able to walk without being called 'stupid old [c]' words or being in danger of run down by cyclists.

Now, before the more vehement graduates of the Mumsnet charm school pour scorching vitriol on my white head, I have absolutely NO OBJECTION to kids cycling along pavements. In fact, I would encourage it, since traffic is lethal in so many places. But, really - adults using pavements as thoroughfares? That 'lady' who shrieked at me is not a one-off - an awful lot of cyclists seem to consider it a handy cycle-lane and this is not good. Not just for ancient crones such as I, but for everyone - a mum with a pushchair and toddler is especially at risk.

OK - puts on tin helmet ...

I would have stuck my leg out or if I had been happening to be carrying a broom, would have inserted the handle in the spokes.

broom handle in spokes

hahahaha

NOT!

how about when pedestrians wander into the cycle lane during my commute (happens pretty much daily). Can I knock them over? bump them on the head as I pass?

I always pass carefully amd with plenty of space (as I'm conscious of my silent approach and I don't want startle or frighten anyone). I give a tut at the very most. but is physical punishment allowed?

What about when they cross on red? Can I throw things (I've had cans thrown at me when I was stopped at red once - from a car, not a pedestrian).

Well in that case I probably wouldn't have out my broom in your spokes dear. It is also fairly unlikely I would have been walking along in your exact area with a broom in my hand. Life. Get.

OP, YANBU (plus, thought you'd like to know I am typing this from my i-thingy )

But you appear to have brought out a few of the cycle-haters!
I ride on the pavement when there are not cycle paths, DH has the DSs in one of these and I may be "old enough" to ride on the road, but my arthritis makes me I far from comfortable there

I think you have to be a.pretty strong cyclist to handle busy roads and I am a pretty good cyclist. However it is not unheard of for cyclists to kill or injure pedestrians. But equally, you are extremely vulnerable on the road. I did a sportive today near Manchester, very busy in places and impatient drivers. You have to have nerves of steel