Cyclists mega-thread (WARNING: Before posting you must read post #1)

Danjamin1

Vet Thrower wrote: »

No. I didn't suggest anything. I asked a question. How would they like it?

They deal with it all the time, some tolerate it, some get their knickers in a twist about it. They're purpose built/dedicated cycle lanes that cyclists have the option of using.

Jawgap

Vet Thrower wrote: »

How would cyclists like it if they had to share their cycle lanes with hundreds of people on unicycles and skateboards and scooters?

First off, the lanes are not there for the sole an exclusive use of cyclists - nor is their use obligatory.

Second, if you want to know how cyclists feel about sharing a cycle lane with hundreds of people "on unicycles and skateboards and scooters" (as well as push chairs, dogs / children on leads, go-karts etc) take a trip up to the Phoenix Park or to the Clontarf cycle paths - you'll find the majority don't mind given it adds a nice vibe to the experience of being out in the open air, enjoying the weather.

Tenzor07

Vet Thrower wrote: »

How would cyclists like it if they had to share their cycle lanes with hundreds of people on unicycles and skateboards and scooters?

If you have ever cycled or walked around "Cycle-lanes" in the Phoenix park, and Clontarf>Sutton cycle track you will find that they are shared with people on Unicycles(yes I Have seen this), skateboards, inline roller-bladers, joggers, prams/buggys, and have seen younglads on Motorised scooters on a southside cycle-lane recently...

Seaswimmer

Vet Thrower wrote: »

I don't know any of those places. Are they in parks and mainly recreational areas, or on main roads?

What difference does it make?

But bar maybe the unicycles, what you describe is a regular occurence on most cycle lanes.

Macy0161

Vet Thrower wrote: »

How would cyclists like it if they had to share their cycle lanes with hundreds of people on unicycles and skateboards and scooters?

Add in people walking their dogs, walking, power walking and jogging, and that's pretty much every cycle path I've ever used - either in parks and on main roads tbh. Most "cycle" paths are nothing more than a line painted down the middle of the footpath, but even where they are properly seperated (e.g. along the grand canal) they are free for all in my experience. Hence why it's safer to be on the road.

Pinch Flat

Tenzor07 wrote: »

If you have ever cycled or walked around "Cycle-lanes" in the Phoenix park, and Clontarf>Sutton cycle track you will find that they are shared with people on Unicycles(yes I Have seen this), skateboards, inline roller-bladers, joggers, prams/buggys, and have seen younglads on Motorised scooters on a southside cycle-lane recently...

Myself and my 7 year old decided to have one of long over due 'adventure days' on Sunday last, where we set off on foot or bike and see where the journey takes us.

We live quite close to the Phoenix Park, so this was decided upon as a destination - we packed our bags and set off on our bikes. Picnic, ice cream and check out Africa Day on the way back was the plan.

I hadn't been on the cycling track on the Phoenix Park in quite a while, but the six foot wide signs reminding people that pedestrians are not allowed (there's path that runs parallel in these cases for pedestrians), along with pictures of bikes interspersed every 200 hundred metres, I thought would be enough to remind people.

None of it. We must have used the bell on the bike about 20 - 30 times to politely move people - groups of walkers, dog walkers, roller bladers, pram walking families. What was surprising was the amount of people that were happy to engage with verbally abusive expletive ridden 'afters'.

It's a father and a son enjoying a Sunday cycle FFS - try walking up the middle of the road in the Park and see how you get on.

Vet Thrower

Jawgap wrote: »

First off, the lanes are not there for the sole an exclusive use of cyclists - nor is their use obligatory.

Second, if you want to know how cyclists feel about sharing a cycle lane with hundreds of people "on unicycles and skateboards and scooters" (as well as push chairs, dogs / children on leads, go-karts etc) take a trip up to the Phoenix Park or to the Clontarf cycle paths - you'll find the majority don't mind given it adds a nice vibe to the experience of being out in the open air, enjoying the weather.

What about outside of recreational areas? How would you like them on your commute? Slowing you down, swerving out in front of you without warning, etc?

corktina

Jawgap wrote: »

First off, the lanes are not there for the sole an exclusive use of cyclists - nor is their use obligatory.

Second, if you want to know how cyclists feel about sharing a cycle lane with hundreds of people "on unicycles and skateboards and scooters" (as well as push chairs, dogs / children on leads, go-karts etc) take a trip up to the Phoenix Park or to the Clontarf cycle paths - you'll find the majority don't mind given it adds a nice vibe to the experience of being out in the open air, enjoying the weather.

Many cycle lanes are in fact for the sole use of cyclists and they are designated by a solid rather than broken line

Danjamin1

Vet Thrower wrote: »

What about outside of recreational areas? How would you like them on your commute? Slowing you down, swerving out in front of you without warning, etc?

They're traits of all road users

Pinch Flat

Vet Thrower wrote: »

What about outside of recreational areas? How would you like them on your commute? Slowing you down, swerving out in front of you without warning, etc?

It's complete news to me that bikes are used for recreational purposes only. Have I being doing it wrong all these years? And guess what - a lot of people cycle to work and have done for years. And guess what else (this one really blows people's minds!) - they have a car.

I'm held up every morning going through Lucan - it's clogged with traffic from the Strawberry Beds to the Lucan Flyover at Woodies. Slows me down no end. Would be much handier if I could chuck through there at 30km/hr odd. And guess what? the odd cars swerves in front of me as well. Jesus, I need to sit down after that....

Jawgap

Vet Thrower wrote: »

I don't know any of those places. Are they in parks and mainly recreational areas, or on main roads?

The reason most off road cycle lanes are avoided is because inevitably - despite the huge investment local authorities make in paint and lines and colouredy sand and signs - people still walk (sometimes several people abreast), run, stand (yes, stand) etc in them.

In my experience, that applies regardless of whether the cycle lane runs through a park such as the Phoenix Park, or runs alongside a main road such as the Old Airport / Santry Road.

Fundamentally, when you cycle in a cycle lane along side a main road you immediately lose your 'right of way' - traffic emerging from every side road, driveway, bus-stop etc has priority over you in the so-called 'cycle' lane. As a result it's both more convenient and safer to remain on the main road.

desertcircus

corktina wrote: »

Many cycle lanes are in fact for the sole use of cyclists and they are designated by a solid rather than broken line

The one southbound on Westland Row in Dublin that has a stationary car in it over 80% of the times I use it (seriously, I counted for a month) has a solid white line, as do an enormous number of cycle lanes frequently used by cars.

No Pants

Vet Thrower wrote: »

What about outside of recreational areas? How would you like them on your commute? Slowing you down, swerving out in front of you without warning, etc?

That happens too.

Is there an obtuse point that you'd like to make sometime today?

Vet Thrower

Pinch Flat wrote: »

It's complete news to me that bikes are used for recreational purposes only. Have I being doing it wrong all these years? And guess what - a lot of people cycle to work and have done for years. And guess what else (this one really blows people's minds!) - they have a car.

I'm held up every morning going through Lucan - it's clogged with traffic from the Strawberry Beds to the Lucan Flyover at Woodies. Slows me down no end. Would be much handier if I could chuck through there at 30km/hr odd. And guess what? the odd cars swerves in front of me as well. Jesus, I need to sit down after that....

I didn't say bikes were for recreational purposes only, don't know where you got that from.

Nobody has answered the question though. How would you like it if you had to deal with large, and constantly growing, numbers of people on unicycles, scooters and skateboards during your daily commute?

Either you are all modern day saints, or you are refusing to admit that they would be a nuisance and a hazard and would piss you off.

Vet Thrower

No Pants wrote: »

That happens too.

Is there an obtuse point that you'd like to make sometime today?

It's a simple question. I have asked it several times. Would you like to respond some time today?

laraghrider

Vet Thrower wrote:

How would cyclists like it if they had to share their cycle lanes with hundreds of people on unicycles and skateboards and scooters?

We do. We also have to share the cycle lane with parked cars or cars, busses, lorries etc... that take it upon themselves to drive in them.

Danjamin1

Vet Thrower wrote: »

I didn't say bikes were for recreational purposes only, don't know where you got that from.

Nobody has answered the question though. How would you like it if you had to deal with large, and constantly growing, numbers of people on unicycles, scooters and skateboards during your daily commute?

Either you are all modern day saints, or you are refusing to admit that they would be a nuisance and a hazard and would piss you off.

I already said as much, we already do, they bother some people and others don't mind it. We're not a collective group with a unified opinion!

Jawgap

corktina wrote: »

Many cycle lanes are in fact for the sole use of cyclists and they are designated by a solid rather than broken line

That may well be the intention, but in practice it's rarely observed.

For example........

Speed van in the N11 'cycle' lane

No Pants

Vet Thrower wrote: »

It's a simple question. I have asked it several times. Would you like to respond some time today?

No Pants wrote: »

I think it would be fun. Note that I almost never use cycle lanes, mostly because they aren't on the routes that I cycle, so they'd have to be on the road too.

No Pants wrote: »

That happens too.

Perhaps you should try this forum.

Darkglasses

The bike lanes are already full of nuisances and hazards. Skateboards and scooters would be an improvement if you could get rid of delivery vans, smashed glass, pedestrians waiting to cross, taxis picking up fares, etc. At least skateboards and such would be moving along.

No Pants

Jawgap wrote: »

That may well be the intention, but in practice it's rarely observed.

For example........

Speed van in the N11 'cycle' lane

That's not a speed van. He's there to offer you a lift if you need it.

CramCycle

Vet Thrower wrote: »

What about outside of recreational areas? How would you like them on your commute? Slowing you down, swerving out in front of you without warning, etc?

Happens all the time, I usually say "Careful" loudly but wil have slowed down and moved around them safely, like any half decent road user, I know that travelling with the expectation that everyone else will do the stupidest thing possible is the only safe way to travel. It doesn't stress me, most smile back and sheepishly wave. So while not a preference, it doesn't bother me as such. That said I treat other road users and potential obstacles with respect, you should give it a try, see if your commute improves.

corktina wrote: »

Many cycle lanes are in fact for the sole use of cyclists and they are designated by a solid rather than broken line

Intended might be the right word, the ones near me are full of parked cars, Old men training for the Dublin marathon, children on the way to school, MPVs and PSVs, cars waiting to turn, cars pulling in to use their phone, dog walkers and so on. Does it bother me. No, I cycle on the road, its safer for me, them and only seems to stress out those who are incompetent drivers (a minority even if they are more memorable). Competent drivers never seem to mind.

Pinch Flat

Vet Thrower wrote: »

I didn't say bikes were for recreational purposes only, don't know where you got that from.

Ok, maybe I misread:

Vet Thrower wrote: »

What about outside of recreational areas?

My reading of this that was cycling outside of recreational areas in the 'real world' was your point. Anyway, moving on.....

Vet Thrower wrote: »

Nobody has answered the question though. How would you like it if you had to deal with large, and constantly growing, numbers of people on unicycles, scooters and skateboards during your daily commute?

Not really bothered TBH, I deal with cars, motorbikes, trucks, buses and all class of other road vehicles and pedestrians on my daily commute. Doesn't really bother me - anticipating the danger and planning to avoid it is what it's all about, rather than launching a one man crusade the internet.

Vet Thrower wrote: »

Either you are all modern day saints, or you are refusing to admit that they would be a nuisance and a hazard and would piss you off.

I don't think cyclists have this idea. Most of us recognise that there's all class of a$$hole on the road on a variety of modes of transport - and yes, some are nuisances. They create huge hazards everyday. If you travel with 'expect the unexpected' at the front of your mind, you'll have a much easier time.

Jawgap

No Pants wrote: »

That's not a speed van. He's there to offer you a lift if you need it.

I've never once in my life been caught by the broom-wagon!

I demand satisfaction

Vet Thrower

No Pants wrote: »

Perhaps you should try this forum.

Fair enough. I don't believe you're telling the truth, though. I have never seen a unicyclist, skateboarder, or someone on a scooter on any kind of main / busy road anywhere in Dublin in my entire life, and I don't believe anyone would think it was fun to have to navigate large numbers of additional hazards on their daily commute, unless they are some sort of thrillseeker or boy racer type.

desertcircus

Vet Thrower wrote: »

Fair enough. I don't believe you're telling the truth, though. I have never seen a unicyclist, skateboarder, or someone on a scooter on any kind of main / busy road anywhere in Dublin in my entire life, and I don't believe anyone would think it was fun to have to navigate large numbers of additional hazards on their daily commute, unless they are some sort of thrillseeker or boy racer type.

If the route is legal for skateboards, unicycles and scooters then I'll overtake when safe and slow down behind them when it's not. I'm not sure why it should be any other way.

No Pants

Vet Thrower wrote: »

I don't believe you're telling the truth, though. I have never seen a unicyclist, skateboarder, or someone on a scooter on any kind of main / busy road anywhere in Dublin in my entire life

Why did you bring it up then?

laraghrider

Vet Thrower wrote: »

Fair enough. I don't believe you're telling the truth, though. I have never seen a unicyclist, skateboarder, or someone on a scooter on any kind of main / busy road anywhere in Dublin in my entire life, and I don't believe anyone would think it was fun to have to navigate large numbers of additional hazards on their daily commute, unless they are some sort of thrillseeker or boy racer type.

I think you're possibly misinterpreting what is being said or at least the meaning. I'm both a cyclist and a driver as are most cyclist so we can see things from both sides of the fence. It's not a case of it being fun or us being thrillseekers etc... The simple fact of life is that when cycling be it in a cycle lane or on a road we constantly have to navigate our way around a large number of additional hazards. It's simply a fact of life that we deal with. It neither makes us happy or unhappy. It's just the way it is and we accept that and just make our way around these things.

No Pants

laraghrider wrote: »

The simple fact of life is that when cycling be it in a cycle lane or on a road we constantly have to navigate our way around a large number of additional hazards. It's simply a fact of life that we deal with. It neither makes us happy or unhappy. It's just the way it is and we accept that and just make our way around these things.

Drainage gratings, manhole covers (both of which can be sunken below or raised above the road surface), roadside debris and defects in the road which aren't noticeable in a car, yet potentially quite dangerous on a bike.

Vet Thrower

No Pants wrote: »

Why did you bring it up then?

It was a hypothetical question. Motorists have had to adapt to sharing the roads with large numbers of people on slower, less predictable modes of transport.

I was wondering how cyclists would feel about an analogous situation, but nobody was willing to answer honestly. It wasn't really much of a surprise.