Signs asking cyclists to dismount should be 'more polite'

[Alien8]

Cambridge cyclists have complained that “annoying” road signs aimed at getting them off their bikes in crowded areas should be more polite.​

What do you think? Are signs asking cyclists to dismount too blunt? Would Cambridge cyclists make sensible decisions without such instructions? Post a comment below this story.​

The ‘Cyclists Dismount’ signs appear across the city – often on bridges – where bikes and pedestrians share a space.​

But Cambridge Cycling Campaign says that as the signs are not legally enforceable they should simply encourage them to be more courteous and mindful of pedestrians, or just say ‘Be nice’.​

Members claim it unfairly discriminates against them as there is no equivalent for motorists to “get out and push”. Some signs in the city are fine, they claim – such as those which say ‘Pedestrian Zone – drivers and cyclists consider pedestrians’.​

Keen cyclist Julian Huppert has backed the group’s call.​

The MP said: “The Cambridge Cycling Campaign has made a very good point here. We need to have signs that are clear and promote consideration for others while at the same time not creating the wrong impression.​

“The ‘Cyclist Dismount’ signs give the impression that, if cyclists fail to get off their bikes they are breaking the rules; this is not the case.​

“Road signs should be clear and easily understood while at the same time giving the correct information. The ‘Pedestrian Zone’ signs fit the bill.”​

The cycling campaign has more than 1,000 members and is the biggest lobby group in the city.​

Simon Nuttall, the campaign’s events officer, said: “In the world of cycling the ‘Cyclists Dismount’ sign is amongst the most annoying. “There’s no equivalent for motorists suggesting ‘Get out and push’.​

“I think what the sign is really trying to say is ‘Cyclists: slow down and take extra care here as there may be pedestrians, children or dogs’.​

“The sign itself is ‘advisory and so does not legally require the rider to dismount, but the way the sign works is that even if the cyclist slows right down and takes extra care it looks as though the rider is behaving badly and irresponsibly.​

“Instead we need a sign that says ‘Be nice’.”​

A spokesman for the county council: “Cambridgeshire has far fewer of this type of signs than many other areas and they are only used where access is very restricted and pedestrians should be given priority. However, if the cycling campaign approaches us about changing the signs, we can consider their request on a case by case basis.”​

Linky if you want to read the inevitable responses about RLJing, no-lights etc.

 

[CopperCyclist]

I've never actually seen anyone obey a 'Cyclist dismount' sign anyway...

 

[Night Train]

I do the 'Be Nice' thing and cycle slowly at walking pace, as if I was a pedestrian, in the shared areas when other pedestrians are present. I then often get pedestrians suddenly steping out of the way and shouting 'Use ya bell!' at me.

You wouldn't get cyclist sudenly stopping at the curb and shouting at following drivers to use their horn would you.

I find the 'Cyclist Dismount' signs confusing as they state an action that could be perceived as an instruction that must be followed. That can lead to confrontation with pedestrians who don't realise the sign is advisory.

Maybe a sign that showed an image of a pedestrian and a cycle with the words 'Shared Route' would lead to better consideration and understanding on both sides.

 

[Crackle]

I've never obeyed one as they always struck me as precautionary because of their placement. So I was always more cautious. If they have that effect on everyone, job done.

Now if they said "get off the fecking bike ya eejit", I'd agree they need to be more polite but they don't: Non-story.

 

[HLaB]

I've never actually seen anyone obey a 'Cyclist dismount' sign anyway...

One of the local cycle routes is routed straight through a car park rather than staying on road its marked by a 'Cyclist Dismount' sign but as Copper says they are rarely (if ever observed) and the route is just asking for trouble. Fortunately its undergoing redevelopment and hopefully the final results are better but I doubt it given its a supermarket development.

 

[snorri]

Linky if you want to read the inevitable responses about RLJing, no-lights etc.

and illegal immigrants.

 

[akb]

I come across a couple of dismount signs on my commute. TBH, I very rarely dismount, but slow down to walking/slow freewheeling pace and the pick up again told to do so.

The problem I find is that it's all very well having a sign telling you to dismount. But I dont think I have seen a sign which 'enables' (prob not the best word!) you to get back on...!

 

[HLaB]

and illegal immigrants.

Are you working for the Daily Wail these days

 

[Mad at urage]

I usually ignore them (well, they are 'informational' anyway). One on my route that i do dismount at though - it's at the start of a climb of 25 steps (and I'm no longer daft enough to damage the bike riding up them and down the 32 the other side of the bridge ).

 

[snorri]

Are you working for the Daily Wail these days

No, I'm the only illegal immigrant in the village.

 

[sabian92]

Do you actually have to obey them though? I don't, as the only one I come across is across a bridge that nobody ever walks across, and I meet plenty of other cyclists doing the same thing!

 

[betty swollocks]

Do you actually have to obey them though? I don't, as the only one I come across is across a bridge that nobody ever walks across, and I meet plenty of other cyclists doing the same thing!

Have you noticed that you are never advised as to when you may remount? Where are the "Cyclists Remount' signs?
Ignore them. Just proceed with courtesy and caution.

 

[MissTillyFlop]

Linky if you want to read the inevitable responses about RLJing, no-lights etc.

Jings, who even wrote this?

Motorists don't get signs saying:

"25% change gear now, if you don't mind too much"?

It's a road sign, not an invite to a bleedin' baby shower.

 

[Red Light]

I've never actually seen anyone obey a 'Cyclist dismount' sign anyway...

The mistake is to read them as an instruction rather than a statement of fact. Cyclists do indeed dismount - at the end of their journeys and often at points in between. But quite why they need to liberally sprinkle signs about the place to inform people of that self obvious fact is beyond me though.

 

[Red Light]

It's a road sign, not an invite to a bleedin' baby shower.

I hear the knock knock knocking of Social Services wanting to know more about the bleedin' baby.