cycling dangers

[tartanhaggis7]

yesterday went on a wee cycle along the fourth canal. very enjoyable and it did help that the RARE orange thing in the skye appeared!!! 🌞 2 main things pissed me off though 1st going through the parks dogs on extenable leads they should be by LAW fluorescent yellow 2nd people who don't move to single file when you ring bell!! normally because they are zoned out to blaring music!!! and a first for me accused of AGGRESSIVE bell ringing i'l not tell u my reply

I can only make you aware that not everyone can dismount and walk along, it's just not possible for some. https://wanderingdanny.com/oxford/2024/07/cyclists-dismount-they-can-get-out-and-push/

I can only make you aware of the SOAC (which governs the Forth canal in the OP btw) for cyclists, which is that pedestrians (and horse riders) which includes those with mobility issues have priority and are not required to stop, step off narrow paths, and allow cyclists to continue on their way unimpeded.

Under the Scottish Outdoor Access Code (SOAC), access rights apply equally to everyone, including people with disabilities. The code treats adaptive cycles (such as handcycles, recumbent trikes, or wheelchair-bikes) as mobility aids.

And I repeat - cyclists don't have the right to expect pedestrians (which includes those with mobility issues) to stop and step off narrow paths to allow them to continue cycling unimpeded.

Now, if the path is wide enough to be shared then of course pedestrians should use common courtesy and walk in single file to allow cyclists past if there is enough space - but it's not wide enough to allow that on many parts of the Forth canal path.

For me it isn't a question of law or of regulation. It's a question of common courtesy. All path users should act with consideration towards their fellow path users. If the path is too narrow to allow people to pass each other then pragmatism suggests that negotiation would be required to allow both parties to progress. At least one and probably both parties will need to compromise

And that's the way it usually works - but ultimately, pedestrians and horse riders have priority and on narrow paths (especially canal paths as per the OP) cyclists need to be aware of that. Unfortunately, many seem to be ignorant of this, and seem to think a ring of the bell means pedestrians have to move off the path for them.

Or perhaps many pedestrians just assume that the cyclist ringing a bell is demanding that they get out of the way, whereas, in reality, they're ringing their bell correctly, to make the pedestrain aware of their approach and so to initiate that process of negotiation.

The truth is that there are a few arseholes who walk/ride/drive, and there's no pleasing any of them, no matter their mode of transport. But many path-related conflicts are misunderstandings and can easily and happily be cleared up if people don't immediately think the worst of the fellow path users

I cycle to and from work daily with my 2 year old and drop him at nursery along the way

I’ve developed a kind of more zen approach now tbh I just go slowly on the paths that are shared never in a rush - I never bother to ding unless I’m sort of making someone aware I’m there but I’d stop anyway or wait til I can go around - nobody is listening anyway as they all have headphones.

everyone is gonna do what they gonna do anyway 🤷‍♀️ no point starting arguments.

im the same driving - my husband gets stressed when people beep him or want to overtake it he’s not fast enough - im just happy to potter along the road at my speed and il slow down if someone is aggressive behind me and by all means overtake me mate - if someone beeps me cus im too slow at a light - whatever won’t see them again

if someone cuts out in front of me I don’t really care either I’m not gonna bother beeping or getting angry anymore 🤷‍♀️

Indeed, a cyclist has to give priority to pedestrians and horse riders, a cyclist can stop out of the way to ensure they can pass without leaving the path. What can’t happen is to force someone to walk who is physically unable to do so

If I’m on the tow path approaching pedestrians I take my foot off the pedal - so that the pedestrians approaching can visible see I’m preparing to stop and give them priority. They can see I’m no longer forging a path towards them & preparing to stop. It creates a non confrontational environment. If approaching from behind, I’ll call out and say, just to let you know I’m behind you or I ask is it ok if I pass - it’s giving them a chance to decide what they want to do and not forcing them to “ get out the way”

if they decide to move to let me pass then it’s entirely there choice, and I thank them

On a narrow paths, a cyclist is not going to be able to stop out of the way to do that. If the pedestrian is willing to gather up on-lead dogs, buggies, children etc and step off the path (if the undergrowth beside the path allows it) then they are being incredibly accommodating and kind to do so - horse riders may not have the option to do this of course.

If that doesn't/can't happen, then cyclists have to follow the SOAC - which may mean getting off and walking until the path widens.

As an aside, as someone who's partially deaf, the chances of me hearing a cyclist calling me with the other ambient noises around me are slim.