warthog1 wrote:MikeyD360 wrote:blkmcs wrote:Or we could just slow down and take care when we see a dog on the shared path.
This is the problem right here.
We ride on the roads and drivers tell us we are a danger to ourselves and should ride on the footpath/PSPs.
We ride on PSPs and are a danger to dogs and pedestrians.
We are left with the only "acceptable" method of cycling being recreational pottering at a lowly 10km/h along a PSP on our mountain bikes with reflective vests, mirrors hanging off our bars and helmets, whilst watching the birds and whistling tunes from Mary Poppins.
I personally ride for fitness, and also to get from A-B in place of a car. Therefore moseying along a shared path slowing down for every Tom, Dick and "Rover" is not suitable as I need to be able to travel at 35-40km/h for it to be worthwhile/enjoyable.
Thats precisely why the whole idea of creating PSPs everywhere is not the answer to safer cycling infrastructure as this only suits one section of the cycling community.
good post, I liked the Mary Poppins analogy
PSPs are a no go zone for me for that reason. No dedicated cycleways where I live. I think I would get very annoyed with pedestrians on them if there were.
I'm the same.
I've had two run ins with pedestrians this weekend on a local shared cycle/footpath. The entire length of the shared path is actually signposted as part of the 'NSW Coastal Cycle Trail' and is used by cyclist nearly non-stop - it would not be uncommon to pass a dozen other cyclists every few kms.
I usually stick to the road, but my missus has recently acquired a road bike (after being injured running, its a non-impact way for her to get her exercise). She can ride the MTB fine, but is getting used to the new cleats/shoes, gears, brakes, seat etc. So we are dawdling along the cycle path at all of about 10km/h - we are in no rush...
I come up behind some pedestrians, walking in the middle of the path, I'm travelling at barely walking pace - as in, I am barely keeping enough momentum to stay upright...I politely cycle up to them and say 'excuse me there' - all I want them to to is shuffle over a bit, my main interest is so my wife can pass safely.... I am ready to follow up with a 'lovely morning'...but get stopped in my tracks by the fools complaining about how 'us cyclists' are dangerous....
Seriously, its not like I bolted past at 35km/h - like I said I'm barely moving (literally, the average speed for our ride from the Garmin was 12km/h) .... some people just astound me.....