Cycle Paths

Most seem not to be able to ping their bell, to give advance warning of their prescence. 

     Does the modern cycle have a bell ?

When we purchased a new bicycle recently we were told it was illegal to sell the cycle without a bell.  The bell is NOT included in the price in some shops.  What you do about the bell when you leave the shop is up to you.  Even if the cyclist doesn't have a bell they could call out to let you know they are there.  I mean saying something nice and polite nothing rude.  Any cycleways around here are shared with pedestrains and they generally have no defined sides for either   In some places the paths are not wide enough for two cycles going in opposite directions to pass, without adding in a pedestrain without a pushchair or wheelchair.  They have certainly not had any proper thought given to them - probably meeting targets

Most seem not to be able to ping their bell, to give advance warning of their prescence. 

     Does the modern cycle have a bell ?

I’ve bought five new cycles in the past ten years and only the most recent had a bell fitted.

When sharing a path with other users, I usually try to make others aware of my presence in a rather more subtle way than pinging my bell and demanding passage but there are some who seem to delight in taking people by surprise.

When out waIking I can't hear cyclists approaching from behind on roads or paths. I've got a bell on my my bike so I always use it. Some of the cycle paths are very busy with both walkers and cyclists. I often walk on the Camel Trail and it can get like the M5!

I have been tempted to use the cycle-designated path, when it’s not busy, to walk on the inner side of a long curve. This has been on the basis that it’s easy for a cyclist to pass around me and as a mild protest that too many cyclists invade ‘my’ space on pedestrian precincts, so it’s an opportunity to invade ‘theirs’.

As I cyclist and motorist I can see both views.    I often moan that the cyclists don't use the off road lanes provided but on reflection they do slow you down - not in speed but because you have to stop to give way at every road crossing etc whereas on the road you can just keep going.    Pedestrians often stray unwittingly onto the cycle side of shared paths, despite using bells and/or shouting in warning.

For on-road cycle routes, it is true, the attract all the debris, litter, broken glass and other rubbish left in there, plus all the pot holes which council can't be bothered to fix and can cause swerving, or falls not to mention damage to the bike.     Added to this, car drivers often veer into on-road cycle lanes either accidentally or more often on purpose (to block the access for a cyclist).     It's not easy being a cyclist as you never seem to be able to do right!

A lot of motorists and pedestrians who condemn cyclists should really try it now and again and see how bad conditions can be.    And as for lights etc, I am also frustrated by the lack of lights on cycles, lack of bright clothing but you won't miss me as I have a bright pink coat, numerous reflective attachments and my bike is lit up like a Christmas Tree. 

....A lot of motorists and pedestrians who condemn cyclists should really try it now and again and  .... 

No thanks .... 

Cyclists who drive seem totake on a different personality once they get on their bikes-Road Hogs comes to mind. Unfortunately like most things driven by vested interests (Sustrans) its a case of spending public monies without any real thought. You only have to see the foot thick tarmac roads built over our mountains here in North Wales.Never used by cyclists who persist in using the highays. Why??

Geraint Thomas must despair some days! And he is so proud to be Welsh!

Common sense and toleration, from drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, that's all it needs really. 

We have shared cycle/pedestrian paths all round where we live with line down the center with pictures of either cycle or pedestrian on but the Lycra cyclists do not use them as they are "obstructed by the speed?" Their words when questioned!!! So would rather obstruct people who have paid to use the roads,I think if cycle paths are there and ignored then they should be given a ticket for causing an obstruction