Courteous use of cycle lanes

[anonymous-user]

On my route there is a segregated cycle lane that, if I used it, I would be on it for about 15 seconds before having to get back into the traffic, or sit for 2 minutes waiting for the cycle filter lights at the end to turn green. I can travel about 20-22mph down that section of road so I tend to stay on the road. But I've had a few dodgy passes, beeps and 'get in the cycle lane' comments - not enough to put me off, but enough to make me wonder whether it's going to happen again every time I cycle down the street.

Is there a case for using the cycle lane for the benefit of others, just to keep the peace?

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/dir/55.8651768,-4.27...

[okgo]

I didn't personally petition for cycle lanes at all, I get that they're not designed for me, so I'll use it if its safe and not going to change the speed of my journey in a big way. Ones that are covered in st and intercepted by many junctions I will ignore.

There is one where I also get those comments, but I'm not going to use it ever so I'll live with the comments and shouts. Its covered in crap, would involved me crossing a lane of traffic, dealing with multiple give ways where I could get t boned, AND then it would require me to cross back over the road near the end anyway, all in the space of 2 minutes.

[Daveyraveygravey]

I'm with OKGO, I only use good cycle lanes. There are some round Brighton that are shining lights in how they should be done. And of course, there is one that has a GiveWay at the end of the cycle lane that is as least 1m out in the middle of the road crossing it!

It sounds like the one you are referring to is really pointless, so no I wouldn't use it. Anyone telling you to use it is ignorant; they are not compulsory. It staggers me how many cants in cars no bugger all about using the road.

[LordHaveMurci]

Half the cycle lanes are full of fking pedestrians around here! Yes, the same pedestrians that kick up a stink when cyclists cycle on a pavement

I do try to use cycle paths rather than a busy main road where possible, partly for my safety, partly to make life easier for the traffic.

[frisbee]

At least if they shout abuse it shows that they've looked up enough from their phone enough to see you!