Cycle paths !!

I agree with you indoors, A few years ago a cyclist was involved in an accident with a lorry on a dual carriageway, he was seriously hurt, next to the dual carriageway is an off road cycle way. Why didn't he use it. We have been stuck behind a cyclists going up a hill on a bendy road because they decided not to use the adjacent cycle path.

Don't start me on bells, many a time I've nearly been tangled up with a cyclist on a joint cycle /walking path. Many cough or whistle if they don't have a bell, but many just speed past.

Cycle paths are an excellent idea and they will encourage more people out of their cars and onto bikes. When this question has come up before the answer usually is that experienced cyclists prefer the road because they always have right of way whereas on cycle paths it is usually required to give way at intersections. Personally Margaret and I always prefer cycle paths and are happy to stop at side roads.

David

If I can get away from big, hard heavy vehicles I do at every opportunity, including riding on pavements on occasions.

In answer to 'indoors' enquiry, my OH managed to break her bell within twenty seconds of getting on her bike. All will be reassured by the news that it has been replaced.

If a cycle path shared or not is made as,here and is "Ignored" by Cyclists then they should be charged with obstructing the highway if on the road 

But the law does not allow for that unless certain regulations are applied to said road like they would be on a motorway and some dual carriageways and I am not sure whether there is any provision to do what you suggest on ordinary roads. It might be different if the cycleway is actually part of the road but separated by a kerb or even a white line? We shouldn't be trying to discourage cyclists, after all if they choose the road they tend to take all the risk in terms of injury.

David

In answer to 'indoors' enquiry, my OH managed to break her bell within twenty seconds of getting on her bike

Probably showing off by riding her bike whilst sat on the handle bars 

There is a road locally that has cycle ways both sides, but as DK mentioned because of having to give way at junctions some don't use it. Unfortunately it has traffic islands at regular intervals to prevent overtaking. This can make it next to impossible to get past a bike safely, meaning you have to follow along behind with a rapidly building tail back. In these situations designation of the road as non pedal cycle, therebye forcing use of the cycle path, would certainly make sense.

My wife and I have this discussion often, my view of using the cycle paths is that one cannot not continually cycle along them.

Imagine that a a car driver having to stop every time there is a side road junction and then moving off again, even where you currently have right of way. It'd be frustrating.

This country is woeful in terms of cycle path provision. Stupid town planners who have never used a bike in many instances:

Whilst there are stupid town planners they don't have much say over cycle paths. For that you have to turn to the experts who are the local authority highways departments.