Why do cyclists tend to hog footpaths when there are cycle lanes?
Posted by gggggenegenie@reddit | AskUK | View on Reddit | 96 comments
I'm not a cyclist, but I am curious. I walk lots (30k already today, for example) and in my part of the UK there are plenty of clearly marked and defined footpaths and bikepaths. Yet I regularly come across cyclists who will use the footpath only. If I stand my ground, I tend to get sworn at.
I had a farcical situation earlier today when I had to go onto a busy road to avoid being mobbed by a group of cyclists hogging the footpath, while the bikepath on the other side remained empty.
Fabulous-Wolf-4401@reddit
As a (mostly) pedestrian, I hate cyclists doing this. However, twice today an uber in front of us pulled over into the cycle lane without indicating, which meant the cyclist in front of us had either to pull into traffic/go onto the pavement. As the pavement had a high kerb, they chose to stop sharply and wait for a break in traffic. It must be maddening.
SavageRabbitX@reddit
Because cars and trucks will kill you if you get hit.
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Not seen cars and trucks on bikepaths though.
RealLongwayround@reddit
You haven’t looked very hard.
RevellRider@reddit
Where I am it is when then turn in on you. Most of the major cyclepaths here have priority for the cyclist, and motorists don't look out for you
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Fair point actually, I take it back. I've seen some scummy driving on those junctions. Feel for you.
lordsteve1@reddit
Cycling infrastructure in the UK is by and large utter shite. There are shared paths where nobody seems aware of other users, there’s lines painted on roads to make lanes that cars drive in anyway or park across, there’s millions of drivers who have no idea how dangerous they make cycling by close passes/tailgating/cutting up bikes.
It really is no wonder that in some situations bike users decide to go on a pavement if they feel it’s safer.
Of course there are idiot cyclists who zoom past pedestrians at speed. But there are also idiot drivers who endanger and kill cyclists all the time. And there are plenty of HGV/van/bus/tractor/digger drivers who endanger everyone in a smaller vehicle or on foot.
As a commuting cyclist you want to see the stuff off my GoPro that I have to put up with on a daily basis. Cars nearly killing me, horrendous road surfaces, unsafe road layouts, pedestrians not paying any attention when stepping off paths, e-scooters and electric motorcycles ridden by idiots illegally, dog walkers with uncontrolled dogs or leads strung across cycle paths, runners with headphones in unable to hear a bell or yelling.
If I have to use a shared path or go on a stretch of pavement I’ll do it with some consideration for others and slow down or stop if needed. If everyone tried to be less of a bellend when going from A-B I feel most of the issues in this thread could at least be manageable. The rest is on the government to get infrastructure sorted properly.
swordoftruth1963@reddit
Where I live motorists seem to think cycle lanes are just for cars to park in
HawkwardGames@reddit
Because a lot of them are entitled arseholes who think everyone else should move for them. Not all cyclists obviously, but the ones bombing down footpaths instead of using the cycle lane usually do it because it suits them and they don’t care that it makes things worse for pedestrians.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
Are you a cyclist? Have you experienced how terrible a lot of cycle lanes actually are?
HawkwardGames@reddit
Again, that changes nothing. A shit cycle lane does not give you the right to use the pavement any more than a shit road lets a driver mount the kerb and drive down the footpath. Pedestrians should not be pushed out of the way because the infrastructure is crap.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
Of course it changes things. If something is built that isn't fit for purpose, people won't use it and will find another way. Riding on some roads can be a death sentence.
You can moan all you like, but that's the truth.
HawkwardGames@reddit
Your reply is basically proving the point. It’s that exact ego of “rules don’t apply to me, I’ll just do what suits me instead” that people are fed up with.
rob-c@reddit
I assume you drive. Have you seen the stats of drivers’ adherence to speed limits? I’ll assume you are equally fed up with all drivers too…
HawkwardGames@reddit
That’s a complete deflection. Drivers already get points, fines, bans and prosecutions for breaking the rules. So are you arguing cyclists should face proper penalties as well?
rob-c@reddit
No it’s not, because Police can and do fine dangerous cyclists.
I am saying that you believe people are fed up with cyclists because they break rules, but you don’t apply the same to drivers when they break rules. It shows your prejudice.
The Home Office tell police to apply their discretion to cycling on pavements so it’s also not as clear cut as you think anyway.
HawkwardGames@reddit
Its very clear cut its illegal.
rob-c@reddit
Beginning to understand why you think the way you do… 🫣
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
Oh wind your neck in. Im not even a road cyclist. I ride MTB on trails.
All you're proving is that you hate cyclists.
HawkwardGames@reddit
Typical bike bellend. Pavements are for pedestrians, not for some clown who thinks a bike exempts them from basic rules.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
As I said, I don't ride on roads (or pavements). I ride strictly offroad.
So not sure why you're having a meltdown at me.
Maybe you should take up cycling, its good for mood
HawkwardGames@reddit
You’re still justifying the shitty behaviour. “I don’t do it” adds nothing when you’re here defending the people who do.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
Aww diddums. Haven't you got a flag to attach to a lamppost or a hotel to shout at?
HawkwardGames@reddit
Cheers for proving you’ve got no argument, just childish insults and a rotten attitude.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
You started with the insults. Nice to know you have zero self awareness.
MadJen1979@reddit
They are the ones who jump red lights at pedestrian crossings too.
CriticalCentimeter@reddit
Why does that actually matter?
MadJen1979@reddit
Because I have nearly been run over by cyclists when the green man was on for pedestrians. Cyclist came bombing along the road, ignored the red light and missed me by inches. This happens frequently. I believe a cyclist did this, hit a pedestrian and the pedestrian died as a result of their injuries. Cyclist didn't see why they were at fault, even when sent to jail.
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Definitely seen a fair few of them!
ExplodingDogs82@reddit
I don’t get this either - if it’s not a shared use pathway then cyclists should never be cycling on it as per the highway code R64 and the Highways Act S72.
I have a two year old who loves to walk to nursery with me and I’m tired and angry at the frequency that I have to shield her from maniacs cycling at us on a non-shared use footpath.
This includes a subway which is very clearly signposted for cyclists to dismount to pass through, yet so often we are met by a cyclist hurtling through with very little space for us to move out their way (given it’s tunnel).
Had a moped zoom at us through there once too but that’s it’s own special type of madness.
Bottom line is non-shared use pavements are legally for pedestrians, and the law is in place to prevent collisions with people walking and potential injuries or even fatalities.
If there’s no blue shared‑use sign, cyclists must assume cycling on that pavement is not allowed.
If the road feels unsafe, cyclists can: • dismount and walk the bike • choose quieter (safer) routes • use cycle tracks or lanes where available
If you are a cyclist that doesn’t feel safe and chooses to put pedestrians at risk rather than get off and walk your bike, you are a selfish rat and you need to grow up.
Come at me downvoters. Like a shark with knees.
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Great points and I totally empathise with you (and your son!)
blusterybristol@reddit
What is the answer you want to hear? That all cyclists are inclined to do as much harm and bother to as many people as possible at all times, or is it maybe something to do with the specific time and location you happened upon said cyclist?
As I’m sure you’ll see elsewhere, most cycle lanes are pieces of crap not designed, or maintained, or respected by other road users with cyclists in mind.
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Assume you're a cyclist?
For the record it has nothing to do with the specific time and location, and I experience every single day. Not with the same cyclist either.
blusterybristol@reddit
Very astute of you.
Good post, lots of rage bait. Proud of you
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
That wasn't the intention, as it's against the rules and regs of the sub. I am sorry people can't account for you individual tetchiness when responding.
nsfgod@reddit
Never attributed to malice what can reasonably be accounted for by incompetence.
Our cycle infrastructure is incompetent, incomplete and disjointed.
Cycle networks in the Netherlands work not because the cyclists are better people, but because the network is better engineered and more competent.
Brickie78@reddit
If anyone needs further illustration, rhe Warrington Cycle Campaign keeps a record of "Facility of The Month" showcasing dreadful cycle lanes ...
Atompunk78@reddit
That’s fucking hilarious, thank you!
Tuarangi@reddit
Cycle lanes in the UK are basically the place where all the debris from road accidents gets swept to get it off the road
When you have decent lanes they still manage to screw it up like the ones on Bristol Road in Birmingham where you have multiple roads and driveways crossing them and drivers routinely ignore the give way lines
MJ-Franklin@reddit
Cycle paths everywhere would be an absolute dream!
PerLin107@reddit
Exactly this. "Cycle lanes" are added onto roads often unsuitably, rather than designed from scratch.
Teh_yak@reddit
They allow for a much, much worse quality of cycling too. The infrastructure, laws and general attitude given much more leeway.
Which is good, generally. If nothing else, it gives kids freedom. Doesn't stop me complaining at everyone and everything though.
sunheadeddeity@reddit
A lot of cycle paths are badly maintained, poorly routed, little more than a few daubs of paint on the tarmac, and some are actively dangerous.
HawkwardGames@reddit
So are roads. That still doesn’t give them the right to use footpaths and force pedestrians out of the way. Bad cycle lanes are an argument for better infrastructure, not for treating pavements like their backup lane.
sunheadeddeity@reddit
Your point would make sense if motorists weren't surrounded by a 2-tonne metal box capable of moving at 120mph 🤣
HawkwardGames@reddit
Easy to laugh until it’s a child or an OAP getting cleaned out by a cyclist on a pavement they’ve no business being on, with no insurance and no accountability after it.
Tuarangi@reddit
Riders are often covered for third party liability from home insurance even if they don't have separate cover. There are typically 2 pedestrians killed every 3 years by riders while 40 people a year are killed on the pavement alone by drivers. Drivers are demonstrably worse and more dangerous hence why many riders don't like roads either
HawkwardGames@reddit
And what exactly has that got to do with OP’s question? This is about cyclists feeling entitled to use pavements, not another round of “but drivers.”
Tuarangi@reddit
Because of the point of greater harm - there are idiot riders who should be penalised, but, when it comes to limited resources and who we need to focus on, it should be the ones that cause the most problems. Should we focus on dealing with riders who are involved with fatal collisions in all scenarios once every 18 months or so, or deal with drivers who kill 40 people a year just on the pavement?
I am a cyclist, rather than a rider/bloke on bike, I ride on the road and drivers regularly attack us on socials for being on the road, indeed, 80-140 riders/cyclists are killed every year on the road.
OP asked why riders (not cyclists) are on footpaths - because of the two tonne boxes controlled by people on the phone, distracted by kids, drinks etc
geeered@reddit
They asked for an explanation of why some cyclists use pavements. You were presented with one that decided to argue against it.
Personally I don't use pavements for the most parts and if I do, at a walking pace around people; but as someone that suffered massive tragedy from a RTA when a motorvehicle hit one of my parents, I can fully understand why some people do.
Though I suspect in reality most of the people that annoy others are just lazy a-holes.
HawkwardGames@reddit
That’s fair, but they’re still brushing past the fact that plenty of them are just inconsiderate arseholes breaking the law, then dressing it up with points that have nothing to do with what OP actually asked.
sunheadeddeity@reddit
Motorists kill 2,000 people and injure another 20,000 annually every year in the UK. Let's look at the balance of harm shall we?
HawkwardGames@reddit
All you’re doing is excusing cyclists’ shitty behaviour with examples of motorists’ shitty behaviour, which is a piss-poor argument.
sunheadeddeity@reddit
22,000 actual examples, as opposed to your hypothetical OAP or child.
HawkwardGames@reddit
That still doesn’t justify cyclists on footpaths. All you’re doing is using one kind of bad behaviour to excuse another. Proper main character syndrome.
sunheadeddeity@reddit
Evidence-led main character syndrome
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
We're blessed with decent paths here though (north-east), otherwise I would totally empathise with you.
dookie117@reddit
That won't universally be the case in the entirety of the north east.
Assuming you're not a cyclist yourself — a bit of empathy is required here. Cyclists are highly vulnerable road users. If a cyclist deems themselves safer off the road and on a path, that is fair enough. A cycle path might appear to you as fine, but from the perspective of an experienced cyclist, the opposite may be true.
ActGrouchy5018@reddit
A pedestrian is also vulnerable, more than once I’ve had to take evasive action to get out the way of a cyclist and been shouted at to move when I’ve been on a footway (not shared use, a location where the cyclist should be on the road). As an occasional cyclist I completely understand that the footway may be the safer option, but the onus is then on the cyclist to take more care and slow down to protect the pedestrians in the same way drivers should protect cyclists. The truth is that our infrastructure is inadequate and therefore common sense needs to prevail from all parties.
dookie117@reddit
Yes of course. I agree. Shared paths are a failed experiment imo. Basically a bandaid on the problem which is the need for decent cycling infrastructure.
ActGrouchy5018@reddit
I think the failing of road-users as a whole is that each individual group (drivers, cyclists, pedestrians, other road users) forgets that a significant proportion of each of the other groups is somewhere on a spectrum of unknowingly incompetent to knowingly being a 🔔end. You have to factor this in and constantly be on the lookout.
dookie117@reddit
Bellends are everywhere in every group of people
ActGrouchy5018@reddit
Exactly
MisterIndecisive@reddit
Because cyclists can do no wrong according to the majority of reddit
Beartato4772@reddit
Literally the opposite.
MisterIndecisive@reddit
Sure. Every thread related to it is just excuse after excuse with 99% incapable of admitting a cyclist could ever do wrong.
Beartato4772@reddit
Go to literally any car thread and it’s all “why are they on the roads they should get on the pavement”
HawkwardGames@reddit
This is about the truest thing I’ve seen on here.
lems93@reddit
Dude…
VolcanicBear@reddit
Eh, who knows.
I only cycle on the road. Including when there are shitty cycle paths. If there were ones that weren't full of cars or potholes I'd use them.
I will never use a shared cycle path.
I am what is known as a "full kit wanker".
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Nothing wrong with a FKW! Saw a chap in the Bora Hansgrohe shirt earlier. Really nice kit.
Beartato4772@reddit
And of course you get shitty comments on Reddit for doing that too
VolcanicBear@reddit
Oh, of course.
If sitting behind my 20mph average for a few seconds makes someone late for something, they really should learn to plan their journeys better.
Yuji_Ide_Best@reddit
As a disabled person, nothings worse than all the drivers parking on the pavement in the most obtuse possible way, combined with a cyclist thats clearly not going to stop, coming the other way.
Every time. Every feking time i waddle out into oncoming traffic with my crutches because if i stop, its remarkably difficult for me to get going again. Id like to do my physio out and about, but i guess pedestrians arent entitled to the pavement.
This is a rant yes, im sure my area is just particularly shit for this kind of thing & others have their own experiences. Thing is, what I described is my reality & it sucks. It happens 2 out of every 3 times i go out, so certainly frequent enough.
Nobody thinks "oh can a wheelchair user get past my badly parked car here?" Or a cyclist thinking "clearly that mans disabled, best to not rush or impede them & just let them go by since theres only space for 1".
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
Mate that's crap and I am sorry to hear this. Some people are just damn inconsiderate.
Beartato4772@reddit
On the plus side at least you’re already carrying something that might “accidentally” collide with a car that’s parked like that.
Warm-Marsupial8912@reddit
There were 2 separate cyclists, in their 50s, on Sunday cycling on pavements on a very, very quiet residential road. The pavements are really narrow, barely 40cm wide and have overhanging bushes. Just why would you not cycle on the roads? Makes no sense.
bahumat42@reddit
It's an infrastructure issue, the quality of cycle lanes in this country varies massively from properly segregated ways to cycle drains. And then there's cycling on the road where a lot of drivers just have no spatial awareness.
AromaticVacation3077@reddit
Believe me, the cycle path I use is usually jammed with pedestrians blithely ignoring the massive white bicycles painted on the ground and meandering up the middle of the cycle path while staring at their phones with their mouths open. It's like playing Resident Evil.
Upstairs_Yogurt_5208@reddit
I had the opposite today. The path is split in two, pedestrians on the left and cyclists on the right. Every pedestrian I came across was on the wrong side and I got plenty of dirty looks when I was approaching.
Tuarangi@reddit
Runners seem to be allergic to pavements as well, any sort of bike lane or road pulls them in rather than run on the designated area for pedestrians!
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
I get that. I've seen that too, and I don't get thst either! Sorry, on behalf of my fellow pedestrians.
Upstairs_Yogurt_5208@reddit
Mate I’m a pedestrian, a cyclist and a driver, I just try to be mindful regardless of how I choose to get around. There are bad cyclists, drivers and pedestrians but I’ve noticed that they never think they’re in the wrong. I’m pretty easy going so I just take my time and try to avoid confrontation.
No_Doughnut_3315@reddit
Its unfortunate, but cars, bicycles, and pedestrians are quite incompatible with each other for various reasons that we are all fairly well aware of. The ideal solution is to separate the 3 groups. In some cities, in some countries, this has been achieved and it does make for a harmonious experience. Realistically, this solution may never come to pass for the vast majority of us, so we do need to find a compromise. I am a cyclist, but we are slightly the problem. We fit comfortably in neither the road, nor footpaths, but we should be allowed use of both. However, the caveat must be that when you are using either one, you must adopt the language of the primary user. I.e; use hand signals and stop at lights when on the road, and go slowly and take care of walkers when using footpaths, ring your bell now and then. I hate cyclists that think they can zip around pedestrians at speed and jump back and forth between pavement and road as it suits them. We are at an awkward pinch point and I think infrastructure will improve, but it takes time and money. Until we get there, be kind to each other, give grace, we all make mistakes.
LordSwright@reddit
Bike paths are a small line on a busy road and normally end after like 10 foot
llamasncheese@reddit
I see the inverse more often than i see this. Also, not saying it is every time because there are twats about, but a lot of the cycling infrastructure in the uk is terrible. Poorly signed, doesnt link up, dangerous potholes, often road signs are slap bang in the middle of the cycle lane etc etc. There are a lot of reasonable reasons, why a cyclist may not be using the designated cycle lane.
recchai@reddit
Not saying it is the case, but some of the places you're thinking of might actually be shared paths rather than footpaths.
As for your specific example, you may have accidentally answered it. The cycle path was on the other side of a busy road. They might not have seen it, they might not have had a clear route over to it, they might not have a clear route off it when they want to turn off.
Honestly, if you want to know why a cyclist might do something, there's nothing like trying to use the infrastructure on a bicycle to actually get from place to place to see where it lets you down.
CrazyCake69@reddit
There's a path like this outside my house. Every other month I normally get a cranky old man who decides that they want to own the path and shout get on the road or do you not know the highway code.
Always a polite, did you see the blue sign that says this is a shared path, then cycle past them.
-myeyeshaveseenyou-@reddit
Where I live we do have some designated cycle paths but a lot of our paths are both cycle and walking and not even split in two.
One one that is split I nearly fell off cycling with my child on the back in a toddler seat when the cycle side was covered in leaves.
The cycle lanes where I live are largely pretty rubbish
the01li3@reddit
I've been using the road when theres cycle paths and foot paths mainly cos the cycle paths are shocking. Potholes, leaves, mud etc which on a racer is just asking for pain. Never used the path when a cycle lane is available tho. Hell havent even used the path when a road is available without a cycle path.
FreeBogwoppits@reddit
Its a big problem where I am. Footpaths are thin, so pedestrians have to walk in the road to avoid being hit by the pavement cyclists.
According to the 'debate' on my local FB page, it's because cyclists don't feel safe on the road.
They also don't feel safe on the cycle paths or the slip roads.
They only feel safe on pedestrian footpaths. If that inconveniences pedestrians, pedestrian should stay at home
Our local council is currently creating running a project on How to make cyclists feel safe in the road. No part of their project mentions the footpath is for pedestrians and adult cyclists shouldn't be on it.
dookie117@reddit
Meanwhile, drivers complain "why do cyclists hog the road".
The reality is that many cycle paths are badly maintained and not suitable for cycling.
In other cases, cycle paths might be non-existent and using the road is unsafe for whatever reason, eg fast traffic, lots of traffic, poor lighting, complex road layout. Cyclists are highly vulnerable to being hit and badly injured if they are. Meaning even a complex road layout, for safety reasons, will force a cyclist to use a path, because other drivers may not be trusted on those roads.
Furthermore, many cycle paths stop out of nowhere, or don't lead to the intended end point of the cyclist's journey.
CALCIUM_CANNONS@reddit
It'll be a mix of things
I stopped cycling on roads because there were very very few cycle lanes where I am and I had way too many close calls on the road.
Now I just go to the local lakes area where there is a dedicate route for cyclists.
MJ-Franklin@reddit
Ever since my friend was literally mowed down on purpose biking on the road (ended up in hospital for weeks), I do not trust drivers at all. Even my mum has been in hospital from getting knocked off by someone not paying attention. I'm suicidal but not THAT suicidal.
gggggenegenie@reddit (OP)
I wonder if this is it to an extent. Bikes don't trust car users, so get off the road. Pedestrians don't trust cyclists so...?
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