Originally Posted by Rob (Post 35254733)

So that is an issue in the USA perhaps. It wouldn't apply here as unfortunately it isn't compulsory for cyclists to use cycle lanes when they are provided. That gets rather annoying as they can have a nice bit of path set aside for them, but they still inisist on wobbling in the main carriageway hindering every other bit of traffic going. Maybe we shouldn't be bothering with cycle lanes and instead devote the space to wider roads that we can all genuinely share.

Originally Posted by martyh (Post 35254918)

Maybe we should start fining cyclists for not using the cycle lane .A motorist can get fined for using bus lanes and in Newcastle there is dedicated cctv to ensure that cars do not use the bus lane ,so why not fine a cyclist for using the incorrect lane

Originally Posted by Product 13 (Post 35254900)

Not far from where I live, the council are actually norrowing the roads. They're causing chaos on a major 3 lane road, one of the 3 lanes is, or was a bus lane. Believe it or not it's going to be turned into a single lane in to Manchester and a single lane out.

I really do believe they have it in for the motorists, there are so many people who I know that have had enough, and have thrown in the towel and are now cycling or using public tranport.

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 35254920)

Because there's no requirement to use the cycle lane?

Originally Posted by martyh (Post 35254925)

I know and what i am saying is maybe there should be

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 35254938)

If that were to happen, a lot of cycle lanes would have to be made a lot more practical, since there's quite a few that aren't fit for going more than 5mph or require coming to a nearly full every 20 yards.

Originally Posted by Maggy J (Post 35254959)

I understand cyclists not wanting to use cycle lanes on the carriage way where cars are parked.
What I don't get is why they won't use off the carriage way specially made cycle tracks where there are no motor vehicles not even parked ones.:shrug:

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 35254967)

Well, for one, some of them require you to give way on every side street/lane, which you don't have to do when riding on the road. Some have very poor surfaces with tree roots bumping up the tarmac providing a bumpy ride. Some are raised and don't have (proper) dropped kerbs at intersections/driveways meaning you have to come to a stop every couple of yards. Some have bloody big trees in the middle. Then there's the ones that make you cross a busy road twice in the space of 100 yards as the path stops and then continues on the other side of the road.

The upshot is that while some cycle lanes/paths are fine, there are many that are thoroughly ill-conceived and/or maintained and are better described as obstacle courses than cycle paths. What looks perfectly fine from a distance may be a nightmare to actually ride. The latter will be particularly true for people on road bikes with very narrow tyres that tend to travel faster (i.e. the lycra lads) ;)

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 35254967)

Well, for one, some of them require you to give way on every side street/lane, which you don't have to do when riding on the road. Some have very poor surfaces with tree roots bumping up the tarmac providing a bumpy ride. Some are raised and don't have (proper) dropped kerbs at intersections/driveways meaning you have to come to a stop every couple of yards. Some have bloody big trees in the middle. Then there's the ones that make you cross a busy road twice in the space of 100 yards as the path stops and then continues on the other side of the road.

The upshot is that while some cycle lanes/paths are fine, there are many that are thoroughly ill-conceived and/or maintained and are better described as obstacle courses than cycle paths. What looks perfectly fine from a distance may be a nightmare to actually ride. The latter will be particularly true for people on road bikes with very narrow tyres that tend to travel faster (i.e. the lycra lads) ;)

Originally Posted by Maggy J (Post 35254976)

Our council has spent lots of money on the off road tracks.They have even utilised where the old railway tracks used to be. When I had a cycle I used them and they were an excellent way to get around the town without having to use the roads.Frankly they are far better than the on road cycle tracks which are subject to car parking and poor road surfaces.

Originally Posted by Maggy J (Post 35254871)

:tu:

I'm really resentful at how much has been spent by my council on off road cycle lanes some of which are barely used while the speedo clad macho riders seem determined to risk life and limb to prove some point whilst riding in the gutter.:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by nffc (Post 35254997)

Agreed, even if they're just pavements marked as shared cycle/foot, it is easier than them being on the road, especially if they have done the usual trick which happens round here of narrowing the carriageway with central refuges and hatching which makes it harder to pass.

Originally Posted by danielf (Post 35255000)

Do they still have that path on Castle Boulevard coming out of the centre of N'ham? The one with the big trees in the middle... ;)

Originally Posted by Cobbydaler (Post 35254923)

I know exactly where you mean. It used to be convenient to carry on from the end of the M61 to where I live.

Not any more, I'll be driving further & hence causing more emissions because of this... :confused:

Originally Posted by heero_yuy (Post 35255300)

Why would anybody cycle around in "Budgie smugglers" :shrug:

Originally Posted by LondonRoad (Post 35255306)

I tend to wear the cycle shorts that have got industrial strength padding. It would take about 50 pairs of speedos to provide the same amount of cushioning. :D

Originally Posted by LondonRoad

Speedo clad macho riders? Have you been watchin, erm, specialist movies again Maggy... or been at the Sherry;)

Originally Posted by Maggy J (Post 35254871)

off road cycle lanes some of which are barely used while the speedo clad macho riders

:rolleyes:

Originally Posted by Cobbydaler (Post 35255632)

She's looking rather green & rolling her eyes, so probably the latter... ;)