Why Do Cyclists Think That Dinging A Bell Legitimises Riding On The Pavement?

[ToraToraTora]

Just had a run in with an idiot cyclist, riding on the pavement when there is a perfectly good road to his right. Dinging the p0xy little bell for pedestriants to get out of the way! Was there ever a device that has a more opposite effect? All it does for me is tell me there is a retard comming make sure you block him! Why can't cyclists ride on the road? Not too tricky is it?

[Baldric]

As someone mentioned on Telly the other night when talking about problem cyclists,
"Just put a Sniper on every junction!"
;-)

[poorclare]

Thank you Murraymints, I agree.

[MallyJ]

The bottom line is that people who cycle on pavements are breaking the law. I am delighted to hear that they are being fined in some areas. It is my experience that if I do not move out of their way when they are breaking the law then I am treated to a mouthful of abuse. If they are not competent to ride on the roads why should they put pedestrians at risk by riding of the pavements? I will have to stop there because these law breaking idiots make me so angry..

[tonyav]

They ought to be charged road tax ( or whatever it's called these days ) imo.

[Slapshot]

Driver, motorcyclist and a cyclist and I've had a fair few run ins..... If drivers were a bit more considerate fewer bikers would have run ins with cars!!

PS A shimano SPD cleat makes a lovely dent in a car when it tries to take you out!!

[joeluke]

'The bottom line is that people who cycle on pavements are breaking the law.'

Not on designated cycle paths we ain't

Pedestrians just need to be less ignorant and learn a bit of courtesy and move aside. We all have places we need to get to, cyclists can get there quicker so just put aside your 'why should I move' attitude and get out of the fecking way!

[Baldric]

//designated cycle paths// are not Pavements

Pavements are not designated cycle paths either,

If cyclists could work this out it would help a great deal!

[joeluke]

'Pavements are not designated cycle paths either'

The ones I ride on ARE

It's the giveaway cycle route signage and markings on the pavement which make me think I may be correct

[joko]

i dont really mind cyclists on the pavement too much - as long as they are not
-going really fast,
-not trying to ride down a crowded pavement
-not weaving all over the place
-dont round corners tightly and at speed.
- riding really close to doors -either shops/houses, or cars, and nearly hit you when you step out
if the pavement is mostly empty and the road packed, i dont mind - but i think more need to make the right choice and use common sense when its safe.

[Theland]

As an old decrepit cyclist that rides on the pavement, the bell works for me.

[lcg]

joeluke is a prat....on a shared cycle and walk way.....pedestrians HAVE THE RIGHT OF *** WAY!!!!! please read the highway code for more details, and i have pushed more than one idiotic cyclist into the hedges where i live because they too, cannot read or think like a normal, polite human being. rant over.

[ChillDoubt]

PS A shimano SPD cleat makes a lovely dent in a car when it tries to take you out!!
-----------------
I'll see your SPD cleat and raise you a Speedplay Zero!

[Baldric]

I know some are finding this difficult to grasp but designated cycle paths are not pavements, what they are is the section cycles are allowed on which run alongside the bits people walk on, usually designed and marked so that the two don't mix. I'll see if I can find a Janet and John type explanation if that would help?

[ChillDoubt]

Apologies for showing this again but it may give an inkling as to why some ride on the pavement.
Bar I beleive one instance in UK, cyclists do not kill pedestrians nor motorists.
I'm not condoning it(I never do it myself), just giving an insight as to possibly why many do.
And yes, it is me and yes, there is a lot of Anglo-Saxon expletives at the end.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rHg_Ei2XaM

[ChillDoubt]

Believe, even.....

[ToraToraTora]

joe's changed his tune, so now you only ride on designted cycle paths?? right oh bowlocks, are you seriously saying that when they stop you ride in the road or walk your bike? Cobblers, given your level of ignorance I do not believe it. Ok they splash a bit of paint about and call it a cycle path fair enough and I could almost tolerate that but they ride on all pavements everywhere anyway. sorry mate you need to have a look at yourself, I bet you are one of those idiots who shout abouse at any pedestrian not getting out of the way fast enough. Go on be honest with yourself. They should have a crack down on these morons and start slapping fines on them big time.

[vulcan42]

Nearly a hundred answers and people are still trying to justify why they break the law.

[ChillDoubt]

TTT
Take a deep breath and count to ten........

[agchristie]

A woman cyclist on the pavement turned a corner and almost rode straight into me. There were a few choice words I tell you. She didnt have time to ding her bell.

Not having the required lighting fitted is another bugbear or those who, on the road, think that a traffic light on red doesn't apply to them...