One way street

[benb]

If there is a one way street, wide, with good visibility, is it acceptable (even though it's illegal) to cycle the wrong way up it, knowing that if a car comes the other way you can easily and safely pull over without endangering or inconveniencing anyone?

 

[benb]

[QUOTE 1613610"]
It's your call.
[/quote]

I just wanted to collect other people's opinions.

TBH, it only shaves off a ½mile, so it's pure laziness. I've done it a couple of times, but usually go the long way.

 

[Scoosh]

No.



AFAIK, the One Way Street sign applies to all traffic - of which we claim to be a part .....

I think you answered your own question:

(even though it's illegal)

You want to give motorists yet more 'ammunition' against cyclists ?

 

[benb]

No.



AFAIK, the One Way Street sign applies to all traffic - of which we claim to be a part .....

I think you answered your own question:



You want to give motorists yet more 'ammunition' against cyclists ?

I know, you're absolutely right, I won't do it. What I think I will do is email the council and suggest a cyclist's contraflow lane.

I do think there are some things where the illegality is irrelevant - like entering ASLs in places other than the feeder lane.

 

[Grizzly]

No.

Some motorcyclist claim that they should be allowed to ignore solid white lines as they can overtake quicker and with grater safety than a car. Where does it end? I know road traffic law is far from perfect but I don't think it should be acceptable that it can be interpreted differently for different road users.

 

[ohnovino]

There's a big risk of SMIDSYs because people won't be expecting anything to approach from the "wrong" direction.

I gave up using a contraflow lane near my house because of the number of pedestrians who'd only look the other way before stepping out in front of me.

 

[upsidedown]

I do it every night, the wrong way down Stourbridge High Street. Stourbridge is encircled by a 3 lane ring road with exit lanes to Birmingham and Wolverhampton. Not nice.
A 200 yard ride the wrong way misses it out completely.

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

No.



AFAIK, the One Way Street sign applies to all traffic - of which we claim to be a part .....

I think you answered your own question:



You want to give motorists yet more 'ammunition' against cyclists ?

Asking whether the one way system is there because of cyclists can lead to a different series of conclusions. Because, in truth, cyclists were never considered when they were introduced. They were mostly introduced as a solution for roads that were not wide enough for two-way motorised vehicles (or not wide enough for two-way motorised vehicles plus parked cars on one or both sides of the road.) Reintroducing two-way cycle routes by means of contraflows is probably the solution in many road systems. And very often safer for cyclists than the one-way system is.

We're still traffic, just not fat traffic.

 

[Mugshot]

Many years ago I rode up a one way street the wrong way, I then proceeded to get knocked off at the other end (which believe it or not is another story) however, I got a warning from the police for it when I was questioned about the accident, I was informed in no uncertain terms that I shouldn't be doing it, so I wouldn't bother risking it if I were you

 

[Peteaud]

No.

If you want to be treated with respect, have some respect, the law applies to all.

 

[jim55]

i do it every nite ,,the road in question used to b two way (its about 50 yds),, cars even use it the wrong way and the council have just put a few parking bays in (painted lines ,,but no other road markings at all),,i know its wrong

 

[deptfordmarmoset]

No.

If you want to be treated with respect, have some respect, the law applies to all.

Were cyclists treated with respect when the one-way was set up? Or were they simply caught up in a system designed to solve a problem that bikes don't cause? That is the underlying level of respect that exists. You won't get any more respect by meekly going along with a system that treats you contemptuously.

EDIT: Written whilst wearing my devil's advocate hat...

 

[gbb]

In Peterborough, there is a one way street where cyclists can ride opposing the normal traffic..legally.

But, it still causes angst from drivers and cyclists, drivers don't see the signs, cyclists are always complaining about car drivers 'assuming' they shouldn't be there.

Even when its right and allowed, it still causes confusion, so i wouldn't do it in OPs case.

 

[Hip Priest]

I use a shortcut on my commute home that includes a one way street.

I just get off and walk the bike along the pavement.

 

[on the road]

Just wait for a PCSO to ride the wrong way and ride behind them