Which side of a cyclepath do you cycle on?

ellieb

I know there may be extenuating circumstances, so the rules are not mandatory. But after I ended up eyeball to eyeball with another bloke the other day, I just wondered if people saw things the way I do.........







On the left

always_tyred

I am guessing that he forgot what country he was in?

Kieran_Burns

Ahem. I usually bellow something like: "We're not bloody American!!!" just before the point of no return :evil:

The Chingford Skinhead

Left left left

redvee

Left as I would on the road unless overtaking other slower cyclists.

The Chingford Skinhead

Actually it depends on how wide the cycle path is - on some I'm left, middle and right

alfablue

On the Kennet and Avon canal path I was keeping left as usual (happened to be furthest from the canal), then a runner came the other way also keeping to my left (his right), as he passed me he moved just in time ( :shock: ) and said "you're supposed to be on the other side" to me. A few minutes later another runner was doing the same (but didn't say anything). It makes me wonder, is there some etiquette pertaining to canal paths or runners that I should know about (like, cyclists should pass nearest to the canal? Or is it like in sailing when we pass "port to port"?), or are they just wrong? Seems to me it must be safer to keep left as we do on the roads, that way more people will be familiar with that.

Kieran_Burns

If you check the signs on bridleways it clearly states that you should stick to the left... I can only assume that Canal Paths would be likewise.

alfablue

Kieran_Burns wrote:

If you check the signs on bridleways it clearly states that you should stick to the left... I can only assume that Canal Paths would be likewise.

Yes, no signs on the canal path, but I would expect it to be the same.

Jen J

The only cycle path I use is spilt with bikes painted to tell you which side to go on (left btw).

The 'unsaid etiquette' is an interesting one. My ex-boyfriend was nearly decked by someone when he was running in the Thames Path, as he was on his right and the other guy was furious as he apparently should always run on the left. (there are no signs at all suggesting which side you should be on)

I don't know if that 'ruke' was intended specifically to the Thames Path, but ever since then I stay on the left, and find that a narrow majority do the same.

It makes sense to copy the road ways, but just be aware that not everyone may have thought of that.

always_tyred

Jen J wrote:

The only cycle path I use is spilt with bikes painted to tell you which side to go on (left btw).

The 'unsaid etiquette' is an interesting one. My ex-boyfriend was nearly decked by someone when he was running in the Thames Path, as he was on his right and the other guy was furious as he apparently should always run on the left. (there are no signs at all suggesting which side you should be on)

I don't know if that 'ruke' was intended specifically to the Thames Path, but ever since then I stay on the left, and find that a narrow majority do the same.

It makes sense to copy the road ways, but just be aware that not everyone may have thought of that.

Was that two runners, or a runner + vehicle?

Its certainly possible to imagine confusion occuring, in which case slowing down etc. might be an appropriate criticism, but to berate someone for chosing the LEFT seems dumb as all hell.

Jen J

Always Tyred wrote:

Jen J wrote:

The only cycle path I use is spilt with bikes painted to tell you which side to go on (left btw).

The 'unsaid etiquette' is an interesting one. My ex-boyfriend was nearly decked by someone when he was running in the Thames Path, as he was on his right and the other guy was furious as he apparently should always run on the left. (there are no signs at all suggesting which side you should be on)

I don't know if that 'ruke' was intended specifically to the Thames Path, but ever since then I stay on the left, and find that a narrow majority do the same.

It makes sense to copy the road ways, but just be aware that not everyone may have thought of that.

Was that two runners, or a runner + vehicle?

Its certainly possible to imagine confusion occuring, in which case slowing down etc. might be an appropriate criticism, but to berate someone for chosing the LEFT seems dumb as all hell.

Sorry - two runners. One very grumpy...

always_tyred

Well, on rivers/canals you DO pass on the right, so next time it happens, just throw them in!

alfablue

Yes, two runners, one maybe grumpy and vocal, the other maybe just grumpy (after I broke their rules); It was his conviction that I was on the wrong side that has made me wonder ever since, I really want to be a "good" cyclist, and show utmost respect to other path users, so I don't like not knowing if there is some rule I am unaware of. But maybe they were just confused or stupid.

toshmund

Always the left. Avoid the Tissington/High Peak Trail like the plague on any Bank holiday - always finish up front wheel to wheel with someone.

Along with the walkers, 5 abreast. Approach them from behind...ring a bell - jump out of their skins...approach slowly and ask and you get "Where's your bell?" You just cannot win. Area is dotted in footpaths, but they prefer to tut and chomp on the Werther's under their breath. "Cyclists on a cycle trail...whatever next!?"

Next one, gets the bobble hat shoved where the sun don't shine :shock:

fizz

Left, but this sensibility seems to be lost on alot of the cyclists that use the cycle paths that I do on my route to work.

bornagainbiker

Can i just add the STUPID dog owners who insist that riding with a dog on a lead is perfectly safe :evil:

biondino

The only time I've come off in Richmond Park (apart from my so far unique clipless moment) was when I was on the dirt path on my road bike. I was on the left, went round a 90 degree bend, and the bloke approaching me was on my side too. We both took evasive action, with me pulling onto the grass - and him pulling onto the grass. I hit him, not very hard, and the sudden turn of my handlebars pulled my shoulder out. Ouch.

Jen J

biondino wrote:

The only time I've come off in Richmond Park (apart from my so far unique clipless moment)

Do tell.

(and an issue with the yellow brick road in RP (is that what you meant?) is that it attracts a lot of leisure riders, and is probably the only time they do ride, and so they're not quite as confident/able/aware of other path users - I use to hate running round there,and was quite anti-cyclist for a while)

snooks

Out on the bike last year, cycling down a narrowish bit of canal path (just wide enough for two bikes to pass) and I see a couple cycling towards me.

I'm on the left of the path, and so are they (their right)...we get closer, I'm still on the left, so are they :? ...we get closer still, I sticking to my guns, and staying left, so are they! :? :?

I've never been good a chicken, so as we closed, I pulled right, so did they :? ...I saw them going right so I went back left...they saw me going right and went left :oops:

So now we're are wobbling back and forth trying to avoid each other. In the end we both stopped I said "sorry" and then in a german accent he said "sorry, we are from the continent!" :roll:

MoonCircuit

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Ahem. I usually bellow something like: "We're not bloody American!!!" just before the point of no return :evil:

How clever of you.

chuckcork

To ask a question, on a narrow cycle path, are cyclists that ride 2 abreast as if there is noone ever going to come around that blind bend towards them, any better than pedestrians who hog the path likewise?


Had some near misses with this, no so much left, right or middle as all of it!

grayo59

I've always assumed keep left - but thinking it through if I was walking on a road with no pavement I seem to recall I should face oncoming traffic (ie my right their left) so that I can avoid it if it veers to close as it comes towards me.

Perhaps the runners sometimes apply this to cycles on unmarked cycle paths?

I'll be more aware in the future!

ansbaradigeidfran

I tend to ride on the top side of the cycle path: too many pipes and earthworks on the bottom. :P

lvquestpaddler

Left- though I do notice that dog owners tend to walk on opposite sides of the path to their beloved pets(or is it the other way around?) so then it's down the middle scaring both if oncoming or they both cross simultaneously to the other sides. A lot of glaikit dog walkers don't seem to enjoy walking their beloved bonzo where I commute- they wouldn't notice if the dog was abducted by aliens, as they walk along with hoods up smoking a fag/joint while texting and listening to an Ipod/MP3 player. I know because even when I blast my visually naff but aurally superb £5.99 Halfords Bugle they don't flinch....until the moment I pass :twisted:

AndyManc

I'm sure there's a dual direction cycle path on the way into Manchester that puts the cyclist on the right :roll: , I'll check next time I'm there .

Jay dubbleU

We have a lot of dual use paths in Swindon - why can't peds realise that a bicycle painted on once side of the track means that its for bikes ? I stick to the left but they seem to wander anywhere and jump when I ring the bell :roll:

sbsmac

Just the other morning on the towpath to work I came up behind a runner who made me pass on my left (Ie, I was undertaking). 100m further on, an oncoming runner made me pass on my right ! I try not to get too bothered by it tbh - on the towpath with a river to one side I reckon it is 'polite' to let pedestrians (particularly elderly or those with infants) take the side furthest away from the water, regardless of whether that is left or right.

Barney74

Just been reading about this issue on the British Waterways website. Here's their code of conduct for cycling on towpaths in London. The long and short is that there's no rule as to which side you should pass a pedestrian (though they do suggest the water side) and nothing whatsoever about passing a cyclist coming in the other direction. I'm with the lefties...

* Pedestrians have priority over cyclists on the towpath.

* Considerate cycling permitted providing this code of conduct is followed.

* Give way to oncoming users at bridges

Some bridges have poor visibility so check (using the mirrors if available) that someone isn’t already coming through.

Cyclists should slow down, ring with Two Tings and let other users through the bridge before continuing. Never pass a pedestrian or another cyclist underneath a bridge - there is not room to do so safely.

Pedestrians should listen out for the Two Tings warning from cyclists.
Please note cyclists no longer have to dismount to go under a bridge.

* Be extra careful at bends and entrances

Cyclists, be prepared to slow down, stop, or dismount if necessary.

* Consider other users and the local environment

The waterways and towpaths have many historic structures and important wildlife habitats for people to enjoy.

London's Towpath Code of Conduct

Code of Conduct for Cyclists

* Ring with Two Tings

Use a bell, giving Two Tings when approaching pedestrians. Ringing with Two Tings is not an order to pedestrians to get out of your way.
Be aware that some pedestrians may have visual or hearing impairments and might not hear your Two Tings.

* Pass people slowly. Give people space

Slow down when approaching pedestrians and only pass when it is safe to do so. Extra care should be taken when passing children, less able people and animals.

Try to pass on the water side of the path. Pedestrians will tend to move to the back edge of the towpath to allow you to pass.

Be patient and courteous to pedestrians. Saying “thank you” to pedestrians who move to let you pass will make them more likely to move next time.

* Ride at a sensible speed

The towpath is never suitable for cycling fast as there are many other users, low bridges and narrow sections. If you are in a hurry, use an alternative route.

Code of Conduct for Pedestrians

* Listen for Two Tings

Two Tings is not an order for you to move out of the way. It is to make you aware that cyclists are looking for a safe opportunity to pass. We advise you not to use headphones at peak times so you can hear a cyclist’s Two Tings.

* Allow cyclists to pass

Allow cyclists to pass you when it is safe. Remember that cyclists need room to brake and stop. If a cyclist stops or waits for you to pass, thank them and they will be more likely to stop next time.

nwallace

I ride in the middleish, then decide which side to pass based on what the person I am passing is doing.

Particularly on the TRB where the possibility for getting it wrong are stuffing into a lamp post or into a control panel box.

Example:
Jogger heading north on right
Me heading north

Possibility 1: Clear section with just lamp posts, pass jogger on left
Possibility 2: Control box on left, slow down more, pass on left after box
Possibility 3: oncoming user, slow down lots, figure out what to do after jogger has dealt with oncoming traffic

There is between zero and bugger all chance of communicating with a slower user of the bridge who is heading in the same direction, if they don't have headphones on the noise of the wind and traffic deafens you.

crankycrank

I'm in the USA so should I respond to the poll by saying I ride on the left which would be proper for the UK even though I ride on the right here. Or should I say I ride on the right hoping that everyone will recognize that I'm a "bloody american" and that is the proper side here or should I just withold my vote??? Please advise soon since I will be going to bed in an hour. 8)