I want to firstly say that I am not anti cycling. It has many benefits, but as overall I am a pedestrian. I like to stay safe when walking, however I am often at a loss to know what to do when walking on the pavement and then being confronted with a speeding cyclist heading towards me. What reasonable protection can I take to prevent myself being struck. Am I for instance able to push the cyclist off his bike to protect not just myself but also others..

Best protection is step to the side and when the cyclist rides past, push the bastard off. im a cyclist myself and i cant stand people that ride on pavements. The ONLY reason to ride on pavements is there are no reasons. Even if the road is busy, get off and push it.

Just to note i wouldnt actually advise doing it unless they are a severe hazard. such as if there are small children he is heading towards. you can be proswcuted for it and he' ll get away with a slap on the wrist.

Not like an Army mate in the 1960s riding on the pavement late at night (drunk) and attempted to ride into (wait for it - wait for it) a Copper, oh! well £10.00 (lot of money in them days) fine.

Best protection is step to the side and when the cyclist rides past, push the bastard off. im a cyclist myself and i cant stand people that ride on pavements. The ONLY reason to ride on pavements is there are no reasons. Even if the road is busy, get off and push it.

It was a serious question and to be honest I wasn't sure what answer I would get. Your reply made me laugh because I wasn't expecting it. I do tend to step out of the way because its easier to do so. The point about pushing a cyclist off their bike, I would always try to avoid but if I find myself having to do so, would the law protect me.

Just to note i wouldnt actually advise doing it unless they are a severe hazard. such as if there are small children he is heading towards. you can be proswcuted for it and he' ll get away with a slap on the wrist.

The fact that you can be prosecuted for protecting your right to walk safely on the pavement from cyclists who shouldn't be there is most concerning..

Of course you shouldn't be on the pavement but i have to say that in Birmingham going on the roads is quite dangerous.

Of course you shouldn't be on the pavement but i have to say that in Birmingham going on the roads is quite dangerous.

If the roads are too dangerous to cycle on then the answer is quite simple. Don't cycle. Get off the bike and walk with it until it's safe to cycle on the road.

Pavements are for pedestrians, plain and simple.

what to do when walking on the pavement

You were walking on the pavement ! How selfish of you.

Is cycling on pavements actually illegal and if so what law could be quoted..

use to be that a copper could fine you on the spot, nio doubt like all rules etc are ignored.

https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82/overview-59-to-71

That shows the rules.

As for having to walk because car drivers are a danger that is a whole new issue.

Of course you shouldn't be on the pavement but i have to say that in Birmingham going on the roads is quite dangerous.

You're not kidding.

Should cyclists have to have Insurance of some sort..

Should cyclists have to have Insurance of some sort..

what!

Should cyclists have to have Insurance of some sort..

Totally agree that they should.

Should also have to have license plates of some kind so that they can be reported when they inevitably don't stop after causing an accident/hitting someone, and can be caught when they just sail through red lights. (In my experience, cyclists in London are particularly bad for the latter, not even stopping when people are crossing the road at red traffic lights, just screaming "Out of the way!" and then weaving between pedestrians)

Should cyclists have to have Insurance of some sort..

The idea is good, but totally impractical. What premium do you put on an 8 year old or other kids around that age or even a 3 year old for that manner.

If they can't keep up with cars being driven without insurance, they have no hope in hell of ensuring all bikes are insured.

You're not kidding.

I take it you know the hello hole that is Birmingham and the speedway track called the Aston expressway

The idea is good, but totally impractical. What premium do you put on an 8 year old or other kids around that age or even a 3 year old for that manner.

 

If they can't keep up with cars being driven without insurance, they have no hope in hell of ensuring all bikes are insured.

Children would be exempt as normally they can be educated to behave. Adults however should know better. There will always be people who would cycle without insurance as there are motorists who drive without insurance but the principle would be in place that all road users are to be treated the same.

I take it you know the hello hole that is Birmingham and the speedway track called the Aston expressway

I live locally, and quite like it to be honest. It's a great city. Oh yes I know the Expressway. Still can't get over there being no central reservation!

Its a pity to see tghe same usuual anti-cyclying claptarp rear its head here, i expect it in my local rag.

If a cyclist is on the pavement how can attempting to push him make it safer for you ?, surely its likely to create extra injuries for all concerned and perhaps others.

The questions of insurance and tax come up time and time again and both are IMo unwanted and uneeded and would of course reduce those cycling significantly, one of the main joys is being free from the burdens of tax, mot's insurance, fuel costs, etc.

Andy

I'm not anti cycling of course. I just do not want cyclists or motorists (come to that) to run Me over. I will take all reasonable steps to protect my self and others..

Its a pity to see tghe same usuual anti-cyclying claptarp rear its head here, i expect it in my local rag.

 

If a cyclist is on the pavement how can attempting to push him make it safer for you ?, surely its likely to create extra injuries for all concerned and perhaps others.

 

The questions of insurance and tax come up time and time again and both are IMo unwanted and uneeded and would of course reduce those cycling significantly, one of the main joys is being free from the burdens of tax, mot's insurance, fuel costs, etc.

 

Andy

Was meant as light humour andy. As a cyclist myself, if i have to go on a pavement, ill get off and push if other people are around. Ill only ride on it if the pavement is clear.

Was meant as light humour andy. As a cyclist myself, if i have to go on a pavement, ill get off and push if other people are around. Ill only ride on it if the pavement is clear.

Seems sensible enough of an approach for me

Was meant as light humour andy. As a cyclist myself, if i have to go on a pavement, ill get off and push if other people are around. Ill only ride on it if the pavement is clear.[/QU

 

Common sense..