Protocol on cycle paths

[G-Zero]

I appreciate that there is probably nothing written in legislation, but I have a query about a shared use cycle path that I use.... and it isn't about pedestrians for a change.

Is there a general rule of thumb that says we should ride on the left, the same as if we were using a road. I'm not referring to when the path is devoid of cyclists, but the busy periods.

The only reason that I ask is that the path that I use is fairly wide and caters for cycling in both directions.
It can get fairly busy with cyclists at certain times of the day and virtually every single one of us move to our left when we see another cycling heading towards us.

At the numerous points where the path crosses junctions and entrances etc, there are painted white "give way" markings on the path, advising cyclists to give way, but these are always on the left half of the path, supporting the 'ride on the left' theory.

I know that some cyclists may never have driven and find this concept alien, but they are out there, as two of them over the past three weeks have been very close to me by the time they wake up.

Unless of course they are out get me !!

 

[gaz]

Drive on the left, cycle on the left, walk on the left..

 

[summerdays]

I'm not sure that there is any rule that says that you have to though it seems to be fairly well adhered to.

 

[snorri]

Drive on the left, cycle on the left, walk on the left..

Walk on the right, facing oncoming traffic.

H.C. Rule 2

 

[HLaB]

I like to cycle on the left (like I drive) but not everybody does, so I prefer to be on the road at least most folk do there.

 

[gaz]

Walk on the right, facing oncoming traffic.

H.C. Rule 2

aaah yes, i was applying walk on the left to general walking on the pavements, down corridors and up and down stairs. I should have made that clear.

 

[summerdays]

Down corridors perhaps ... but on pavements ... there it is a ever changing flow where different people may be moving in different directions and definitely at different speeds. Generally pedestrians manage it without major collisions every day. I certainly never think to keep to the left, and I'm usually subconsciously assessing where the gaps are opening up to move into.

 

[Freddyflintstone]

From my experience on Canal towpaths
There is still signs still on every bridge I have rode a bike under stating "Cycling Not allowed"
Another story!
However
Nobody likes to pass next to the canal. So its a "gun ho" to travel next to the bushes.
Can't blame them really (bit cold for swimmimg LOL)

 

[the_mikey]

On cycle paths I aim to cycle on the left, sometimes however I end up on the right, like in this video where I take refuge behind some pedestrians to give way to some oncoming cyclists..