classic33
Leg End Member
Footpath/footways are made for feet, not pedal powered wheeled transport.I'm both a driver and a cyclist, and I find the law requiring cars to leave a 1.5-meter gap when overtaking cyclists is silly.
Many roads in the UK are small, making it difficult to maintain that distance without putting other drivers in unsafe positions. Additionally, I think it's a bit unfair that this rule doesn't apply the other way. Often, when cyclists overtake or undertake cars, they only leave a few inches of space.
In my opinion, cyclists should ride on the path as I do, (when clear) rather than sharing the road with cars as it is safer for everybody.
What do you all think?
As for cyclists leaving the same space when passing cars, I do if on the outside, having had a rear door opened whilst moving at speed. Inside is harder do, as that is where we are expected to be(In the gutter). Made harder still when the "cycle lane" isn't even 2 feet wide, and I'm expected to use it.
Of the options I have been given over the years, I use non of them.
Footpath/footway, pedestrian use. In my opinion pedestrian and cycle traffic don't mix, and the speed difference can be as great as between a cycle and motor vehicle.
Cycle Lane, normally on the inside leaving very little room for when the driver feels I shouldn't be on their road.
Get off the road. No chance, I'm on a road vehicle whether they like it or not. I'll take, and hold, primary behind the vehicle in front if I'm travelling just as fast as they can.
Simple message for drivers is, cyclists have the same right to use the roads as they do. We are not getting in their way, they don't want a slower form of vehicle slowing them down on the way to the next red light. Cycles and cyclists, whether they like it or not are traffic.