Padestrian Safety

[freecyclist]

It seems to be the generally agreed that its ok for cyclists to hold traffic up by cycling in primary or 2 abreast if the cyclist decides that safety warrants it. Do we apply the same rule to pedestrians.
Is it ok for pedestrians to assert themselves and deliberately block the pathway to slow cyclists down if they decide their or their childs or their dogs safety requires it?

 

[sabian92]

Even though you shouldn't be on the path... it should be but it'd probably irritate people.

 

[Hip Priest]

When passing cyclists whilst driving on the road, I slow down until I can overtake safely.
When passing pedestrians whilst riding on shared paths, I slow down until I can overtake safely.

 

[Origamist]

I do block and slow cyclists who ride too quickly on narrow shared use paths - I hope you would do the same.

 

[freecyclist]

Even though you shouldn't be on the path... it should be but it'd probably irritate people.

No youre allowed to be on the path.
The recent "Doubling up on the road" debate has made me reconsider if i should be annoyed when pedestrians deliberately block the pathway or if really they are perfectly entitled to block me for the safety of themselves , their children or their dog.

 

[Hip Priest]

Do pedestrians deliberately block cyclists? I've never known it. Sometimes they do block the path, but it's normally because they're just enjoying their walk. A quick 'excuse me' and 'thank you' always does the trick.

 

[freecyclist]

When passing cyclists whilst driving on the road, I slow down until I can overtake safely.
When passing pedestrians whilst riding on shared paths, I slow down until I can overtake safely.

We all slow down but some pedestrians block the path so you cant get by at all.
Im wondering if in light of the new perspective ive got on things from the recent 2abreast debate that they are justified in doing this on grounds that they may be concerned for the safety of themselves , their child or their dog.

 

[400bhp]

Is it ok for pedestrians to assert themselves and deliberately block the pathway to slow cyclists down if they decide their or their childs or their dogs safety requires it?

If that is their reason for doing it, then of course it is.

I'm astounded you need to ask.

Oh, can you correct the spelling mistake in the title.

 

[Kestevan]

Shared path or pavement, if you're riding like a twat and putting my kids in danger I'll block you....

Keep doing it, and you'll probably find you end up on your arse.

 

[freecyclist]

Do pedestrians deliberately block cyclists? I've never known it. Sometimes they do block the path, but it's normally because they're just enjoying their walk. A quick 'excuse me' and 'thank you' always does the trick.

Yes ive experienced it - of course most of the time its just because they are unaware of you approaching but occasionally its clear the pedestrians are aware of you and deliberately block you like you as a cyclist have no right to be their.

 

[400bhp]

Yes ive experienced it - of course most of the time its just because they are unaware of you approaching but occasionally its clear the pedestrians are aware of you and deliberately block you like you as a cyclist have no right to be their.

Then it's not deliberate is it.

 

[MacB]

I do block and slow cyclists who ride too quickly on narrow shared use paths - I hope you would do the same.

always a partial measure with you, the correct procedure is to carry a 'stinger strip' and one of those flexy, telescopic truncheons. Slap down the stinger, wait until they stop to fix the puncture or, if the stinger's agressive enough, come off the bike. Then beat them with the truncheon while telling them not to ride so fast on a shared use path. If they try to feign ignorance of the law it would be handy to have some copies to hand out. You could read the relevant bits out to them first, again following the truncheon reinforcement method.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

It seems to be the generally agreed that its ok for cyclists to hold traffic up by cycling in primary or 2 abreast if the cyclist decides that safety warrants it. Do we apply the same rule to pedestrians.
Is it ok for pedestrians to assert themselves and deliberately block the pathway to slow cyclists down if they decide their or their childs or their dogs safety requires it?

Hmm, did this last night when this annoying trollop was cycling at speed down a very narrow path just outside a school and a busy railway station.

Yes the road was shut, but when the pavement is HEAVING, get off and bloody walk, don't sit behind me and ring your bell like you're an ambulance as I will ignore you.

You're even allowed on the pavement in the first place, so just be grateful I don't make a citizen's arrest!

 

[cd365]

No youre allowed to be on the path.

I'm sure it is against the law to be on the path, there is guidance about using common sense or something

 

[MissTillyFlop]

I'm sure it is against the law to be on the path, there is guidance about using common sense or something

Unless it is marked as a shared path, then no, you cannot ride the bike on the pavement, though you may push it along.