I have mixed feelings about this one.
Police have begun a “zero tolerance” crackdown on cyclists using pavements in parts of Cardiff.
On the one hand, as a pedestrian, cyclists who charge through crowded pavement are a pain. However, the roads are often – as they say – hostile. And, let’s be fair, some of the so-called cycle lanes aren’t exactly safe places to ride. In Bristol we have cycle lanes marked out on wide pavements, thereby providing a sperate space for both them and the pedestrians, so is a compromise.
What annoys me more though is the sheer lack of roadcraft I observe (and, yes, cyclists are not the only offenders here). I very nearly had a cyclist off his machine one night last winter. Riding without lights he rode from the pavement on the far side of the road across the two lanes and straight into my path. It was only the movement in the shadows that drew my attention to him and it was only swift avoiding action on my part that kept him safe.
The seven-week operation, which will run one day a week in Canton until 31 August, could see cyclists receive £30 fixed penalty notices if caught.
Frankly, there are more serious offences that they could be concentrating on – jumping red lights is one, riding at night without lights is another. The other annoyance is that despite a well built and maintained cycle path clear of the traffic with excellent access points at regular intervals, some cyclists still insist upon riding on the dual carriageway, thereby placing themselves and other road users at unnecessary risk. That’s certainly worth a £30 penalty.
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Update: This kind of idiocy doesn’t help:
There’s even one side to it that cyclists aren’t aggressive enough. It’s safer to ride away from the kerb where there are cars parked and gutters.
Clearly this buffoon doesn’t understand the difference between “aggressive” and “assertive”. One being a good thing, the other being fucking dangerous.
XX The other annoyance is that despite a well built and maintained cycle path clear of the traffic with excellent access points at regular intervals, some cyclists still insist upon riding on the dual carriageway, XX
Mostly here it is as you describe, the cycle path is a lined off part of the pavement. But, similar to your “dual carraigeway”, you still get bastards insisting on riding on the pavement. even when the only thing dividing them from the, EMPTY, cycle path, is a white line.
And you just DARE “get in the way” when they are trying to win a yellow shirt, through the Saturday shopping crowd slalom!
Claymores are the only answer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/M18_Claymore_mine
No need for “zero tolerance” – any amount of tolerance below 100% would be an improvement.