Why do cyclists ride on the road when there is a cycle lane
Discussion
On my way to work I frequently see cyclists using the road/gutter to cycle in when there is a cycle lane available to them. I cannot understand why they put their lives in jeopardy by cycling in busy peak time traffic when they could travel more safely on a path specifically provided for their safety? Am I missing something?
Cycle lanes are frequently hazardous to cyclists in their own right. Poorly maintained, strewn with glass & used by kamikaze dogs & their owners.
My first & last post on this thread before it degenerates into the entirely predictable cyclist bashing fest that you can bet your mortgage on round here.
I would only add that my own cycle commute is available with a very good path & yet on the days I drive, I often see cyclists using the road, so equally, you have to accept that some are thick/unaware/don't care.
My first & last post on this thread before it degenerates into the entirely predictable cyclist bashing fest that you can bet your mortgage on round here.
I would only add that my own cycle commute is available with a very good path & yet on the days I drive, I often see cyclists using the road, so equally, you have to accept that some are thick/unaware/don't care.
cjb1 said:
On my way to work I frequently see cyclists using the road/gutter to cycle in when there is a cycle lane available to them. I cannot understand why they put their lives in jeopardy by cycling in busy peak time traffic when they could travel more safely on a path specifically provided for their safety? Am I missing something?
Is the cycle lane well maintained?Is the cycle lane clear of debris?
Does the cycle lane have priority over side road junctions or does it give way?
Is the cycle lane shared with pedestrians?
Safety has to be balanced with utility.
There are several reasons. Here are a few off the top of my head.
Firstly cycle lanes are rarely as well contructed as a proper road which makes a big difference on a road bike with tyres inflated to 100-120PSI. You feel every tiny imperfection in the tarmac and some are so bumpy that it's impossible to keep up a decent pace. Secondly they're often strewn with gravel and broken glass which is less than ideal. Thirdly on mixed-use cycle/pedestrian tracks walkers will frequently stray onto the cycle track.
Firstly cycle lanes are rarely as well contructed as a proper road which makes a big difference on a road bike with tyres inflated to 100-120PSI. You feel every tiny imperfection in the tarmac and some are so bumpy that it's impossible to keep up a decent pace. Secondly they're often strewn with gravel and broken glass which is less than ideal. Thirdly on mixed-use cycle/pedestrian tracks walkers will frequently stray onto the cycle track.
ewenm said:
cjb1 said:
On my way to work I frequently see cyclists using the road/gutter to cycle in when there is a cycle lane available to them. I cannot understand why they put their lives in jeopardy by cycling in busy peak time traffic when they could travel more safely on a path specifically provided for their safety? Am I missing something?
Is the cycle lane well maintained?Is the cycle lane clear of debris?
Does the cycle lane have priority over side road junctions or does it give way?
Is the cycle lane shared with pedestrians?
Safety has to be balanced with utility.
That's my question answered, I'm not a cyclist but would appreciate posters not using this as an opportunity to bash them.
Spare tyre said:
I'm not a cyclist but all the cycle lanes are round here are just painted areas full of holes, cracks and debris. It's annoying as a motorist but I understand 100% why they don't get used
I love this sitehttp://homepage.ntlworld.com/pete.meg/wcc/facility...
Some paint does not make a cycle lane
MC Bodge said:
ewenm said:
Does the cycle lane have priority over side road junctions or does it give way?
This is one of the main reasons. They treat bikes as pedestrians on wheels rather than vehicles that typically travel at an average of 15-20mph.Particularly on a downhill having to stop at every side road is a massive pain. Imagine having to do it in a car?
Add to that most cars coming out of the sideroad will be aiming to stop at the end of the side road so will not be expecting you to cross 5 or so meters back from the end.
My one recent accident on my bike was when a driver panicked coming into view and slammed on the anchors stopping exactly over the cycle lane. I binned it avoiding smashing into the side of his car. Entirely my fault for not planning on stopping but I'll stick to the road now instead and have right of way.
kers out of my way as I race the cars on the road. Staying on the road also means I can smash more wing mirrors off and run red lights easier.cjb1 said:
On my way to work I frequently see cyclists using the road/gutter to cycle in when there is a cycle lane available to them. I cannot understand why they put their lives in jeopardy by cycling in busy peak time traffic when they could travel more safely on a path specifically provided for their safety? Am I missing something?
Near me there's a cycle lane which is basically a dual-use path, so shared with pedestrians. As others have said there's more lilely to be debris or people or other hazards on the path than on the road.However, even when the cycle path is clear there is a disadvantage compared with the road, and that is "priority at junctions". I.e. when travelling along the cycle path which is adjacent to the main road, the cycle path has to "give way" each time it crosses over a side road. So a cyclist will have to stop if there's cars turning in or out of the side road, as a pedestrian would do.
Whereas if they ride on the road, then vehicles wanting to turn in or out of the side road have to give way to the bike which is on the main road. This can be advantageous in terms of conserving momentum. The ride is also smoother by not having to go up and down the "drop kerbs" each side of the side road they cross.
HTH with a genuine answer from a person who sometimes drives and sometimes cycles.
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