How to Deal with Pedestrians

Pru
Pru Posts: 53
edited October 2011 in Commuting general
I live in Milton Keynes where there are a lot of cycle paths that are not connected to roads, these are sign posted and painted red to signify that they are cycle paths. But still pedestrians are surprised to see a bicycle going down one of these.

A lot of pedestrians will just refuse to move until the last moment when they see you coming so what's the best way to deal with them?

Comments

  • Phil_D
    Phil_D Posts: 467
    All you can do is get a bell and keep ringing it so they know you're there, and cycle at a speed that is appropriate for a place that is shared by bicycles and things that will be hurt badly when one rides over them. If they don't move until the last minute, then you can't do anything about that, it's up to them, unless there is a clear priority for cyclists (usually a line down the centre saying which bit is for whom).
  • Keith1983
    Keith1983 Posts: 575
    Whilst not very proactive in dealing with inconsiderate people it may be worth getting accident insurance and a camera either for the bike or your helmet!
  • Pru
    Pru Posts: 53
    One of the best things I've actually done recently was get a really cheap freewheel for my bike, you can hear that thing coming a mile off so there's no excuses now. Of course this wasn't intentional, just a happy accident.
  • bdave262000
    bdave262000 Posts: 270
    Slow down and cycle around them.
    Fat lads take longer to stop.
  • nation
    nation Posts: 609
    This is basically why I tend not to use this kind of cycle path unless it's a really good shortcut.

    Too dangerous unless you're travelling at a walking pace, in which case you may as well walk.
  • Pru
    Pru Posts: 53
    In MK, other than the cycle paths, it's all dual carriage ways with big round abouts; not so cycle friendly.
  • Moodyman
    Moodyman Posts: 158
    Run 'em over. That'll teach 'em.

    I was only joking - don't do that.

    Best thing to do is slow down and cycle round them. Use a bell if you have one when you think someone is going to step into the road. Don't remonstrate or shake your head at them - it'll gain you nothing.
  • andi1363
    andi1363 Posts: 350
    Moodyman wrote:
    Run 'em over. That'll teach 'em.

    +1 :lol::wink: :twisted:
    http://www.strava.com/athletes/aself
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  • fossyant
    fossyant Posts: 2,549
    Use the perfectly good roads (OK less about perfectly good - scatter bombed) :D
  • drawblood
    drawblood Posts: 36
    If walkers are in the cycle lane, I usually offer a good loud " GOOD EVENING, LOVELY EVENING" and they always get out of the way.
    Would get down on the drops more if the gut wasn't in the way!
  • nation
    nation Posts: 609
    Pru wrote:
    In MK, other than the cycle paths, it's all dual carriage ways with big round abouts; not so cycle friendly.

    Birmingham's pretty much the same, to be honest. I'm still happier on those that on the cyclepaths.
  • Rule74Please
    Rule74Please Posts: 307
    nation wrote:
    Pru wrote:
    In MK, other than the cycle paths, it's all dual carriage ways with big round abouts; not so cycle friendly.

    Birmingham's pretty much the same, to be honest. I'm still happier on those that on the cyclepaths.

    Really I must live in a different Brum then. Cyling in my Birmingham is easy and extremely safe
    Don't know the Rules?

    http://www.velominati.com/blog/the-rules/
  • apreading
    apreading Posts: 4,535
    Last night I was cycling along the road and had a pedestrian step off the pavement, right into my front wheel - no time to react. Hopefully no damage but a very scary moment.

    Doesnt seem to matter where you ride - some are just brainless...
  • shouldbeinbed
    shouldbeinbed Posts: 2,660
    Polite conversation & let them know you want past:

    Hello, coming by on your right, or similar

    You could set your brakes with no toe in, a good bit of brake squeal will have even the most intransigent cycle lane hogger jump out of the way. :wink:
  • seataltea
    seataltea Posts: 594
    I'm now on my fifth year commuting and my patience has decreased to the point where I have just ordered an AirZound.

    Despite polite 'excuse me's' , coughs, gear changes and whistles pedestrians have become increasingly deaf thanks to earphones.

    Now I'm just going to blast them with an air horn.
    'nulla tenaci invia est via'
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    Boardman HT Pro fully X0'd
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    Genesis Aether 20 all season commuter
  • nation
    nation Posts: 609
    Rule74Please wrote:
    nation wrote:
    Pru wrote:
    In MK, other than the cycle paths, it's all dual carriage ways with big round abouts; not so cycle friendly.

    Birmingham's pretty much the same, to be honest. I'm still happier on those that on the cyclepaths.

    Really I must live in a different Brum then. Cyling in my Birmingham is easy and extremely safe

    Depends where you are, I suppose. My commute takes in Tyburn Road (A38), Lichfield road (A5127) into the city centre, and Dartmouth and Salford Circuses. They're not dangerous (with the possible exception of traffic cutting across from the far right lane to take an exit on those two roundabouts), but they are pretty intimidating.
  • AndyRubio
    AndyRubio Posts: 880
    bdave262000 wrote:
    Slow down and cycle around them.
    +1
    Be nice.
    My hour on the plinth

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