Bad Cycle Lanes

A cycle path of sorts

There are quite a few cycle lanes in Oxford which I try to avoid if possible. An example, is the cycle path on Botley Road. Firstly it is on the pavement with a white line down the middle. This means there is risk of collision with pedestrians using the pavement. I tried cycling once and often got stuck behind people walking. I didn’t want to ask them to move, as there wasn’t really anyway for them to go and I felt the pavement was really for them.

However, the main thing I dislike about this cycle path is you have to negotiate about 15 side streets in the space of 1 mile. In theory, you have to give way to traffic turning. This involves stopping and make sure no traffic is turning into the road. It’s irritating to have to stop so frequently and it feels more unsafe.

Don’t forget to give way every 20 yards.

Checking for turning traffic

Car blocking path

Going round the car

And finally back onto cycle path.

It’s a narrow path – especially at bus stop.

It may depend on the type of cyclist. Typically, I will ride down Botley road at 17-21mph. This is pretty much the same average speed as cars. It is a speed which is not safe on a crowded pavement / cycle path. If I was an old granny cycling at 8mph, the cycle path may seem more appealing. But, if I had been designing the Botley road, I would have made road wider and integrated the path into road, like these in Dublin.

Also, although you theoretically have to give way, I notice most cars are willing to give way to cyclists using the cycle path. The problem is the word ‘most’ Because it is not all, you can never trust a car to give way so have to be prepared to stop.

Generally, I dislike cycle paths on the pavement. One concern is that it seems to stem from a hope to push cyclists off the road. Cyclists need to be able to make use of roads without a feeling from drivers they shouldn’t be there.

Like this rider, I ignore the cycle path. At least it isn’t a compulsory cycle path. I would be very concerned and annoyed if this kind of cycle path was made compulsory.

Not all cycle paths are bad. This two way cycle path over Donnington Bridge is useful for providing a safe way for school children to get to school. It also enables cyclists to avoid crossing the road because it goes both ways.

actually, this man on a bike isn’t on the cycle path, but you can see the path behind him.

It is right that cycle paths in towns are designed for the average ‘cyclist’ rather than a small number who cycle very fast. But, even for the average slow cyclist I think there are real concerns about cycle paths squeezed onto pavements and which cross many junctions. Maybe it is better than nothing, but, I don’t think it is.

Also another reason I don’t use cycle lanes is that I’ve had more accidents on them than on the roads. The problem is pedestrians don’t look so just walk into the path of a cyclist.

• Crazy cycle lanes
• Cycling on pavements
• Cycling in Oxford