Why Would I Use A Cycle Lane?

[nottmtrucker]

He he he

[nottmtrucker]

Yet another cyclist who thinks he's special and doesn't have to use cycle lanes that tax payers money had spent providing them! Then Fucking moan when they get hit by a motor vehicle! Do us a favour stay of the roads!

[couldntcareanyway]

@nottmtrucker If you can't think of anything intelligent, best keep quiet or look like a fool (in case you were wondering, you look like a fool). Don't bother replying, this is as much time as I'm willing to give to someone like you

[kmcyc]

@Aerozine50

Thanks! Yeah it's always good to get that little lift when it's available. London buses at least run pretty clean as they operate within the Low Emissions Zone and so following one really isn't as bad as you might think. I guess we must have got close to 30 mph but sadly in London bus stops are too close together for sustainable bus drafting! ;)

I'm usually able to maintain 20 mph on the flat on my own, so would tend to ride the line but no more than that of most cycle lanes.

[colindryburgh]

i think u should use it.... i dont drive in a bus lane........... because its for buses and taxis so you should use your cycle lane however small

[kmcyc]

@colindryburgh

You don't drive in bus lanes during their hours of operation because it's illegal and they mostly have cameras so you know you'll get a ticket. Otherwise we'd see a lot more drivers using them when they should not.

Cycling in cycle lanes is not compulsory however large they may be, Highway Code Rules 61 & 63.

This cycle lane is not always a safe option with the pinch points and large craters in it. CTC, Bikeability and DoT recommend not using cycle lanes at speeds of over 15mph.

[kmcyc]

@colindryburgh

If a cycle lane does nothing to improve a rider's safety, then they should not be cycling in it! It is a common misconception that cycle lanes improve rider safety, when in many cases it is known they do not. A large proportion of cycle lanes have been installed to meet quotas with little thought for the purpose for which they were intended. And besides, if motorised traffic cannot keep up with a cyclist, then why would a cyclist need to be relegated to the cycle lane anyway?

[colindryburgh]

@kmcyc i suppose thats true..... sometimes cycle lanes are to small especially where i live, and on the widest road in my town... its on the pavement lol

[ScottTheGent]

such a poor lane! how can anyone be expected to ride in it? especially those who would like children!

[gadgetmind]

Cycle lanes that narrow are more ornamental than useful. Anything less than 2m wide is suboptimal and anything <1.5m wide is actively dangerous.

[kmcyc]

@gadgetmind

Oh, this is a pretty wide lane. A little before this area the cycle lane is barely 50 cm wide in a part where the road is only barely wide enough for a vehicle to pass between kerb and pedestrian reservation. There, I often see cyclists riding in the cycle lane without bothering to look behind for overtaking motorists. There is also damage to said pedestrian reservation consistent with being crashed into by some sort of motor vehicle.

[LanterneRDavid]

It's interesting to note that whilst it's a lane in bad condition, the solid white line does indicate that it's a mandatory lane! :-)

[kmcyc]

@LanterneRDavid

LOL, well observed! It's still up to the cyclist whether or not to use the cycle lane. The mandatory element only means that motorists must not use it.

Highway Code

63

Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable...

140

Cycle lanes. These are shown by road markings and signs. You MUST NOT drive or park in a cycle lane marked by a solid white line during its times of operation...

[DRGeoduck]

I hope that as you passed him, you gave said passenger a jaunty wave.

[kmcyc]

@DRGeoduck

This one got away without a wave, the road looked too busy to ride one handed... I thought a demonstration of effortless speed more appropriate! ;)

[thomase1]

Cycle lane? You should get off the road and be on the pavement :P

[kmcyc]

@thomase1

LOL, but the pavements are often in even worse condition!

[thomase1]

@kmcyc Well get a car then.... :D

[kmcyc]

@thomase1

LOL!

[electrictactical]

I am all for the cycle lane if it follows the following criteria:

The cycle lane is in good condition and well made (not gutter central and doesn't have debris in it like glass).

The cycle lane is wide enough for me to fit in fine and a car can overtake safely.

The cycle lane isn't occupied by illegally parked cars or a door zone.

The cycle lane will allow me to go where I need.

[kmcyc]

@electrictactical

Good enough criteria for using a cycle lane. If only those who made them knew this stuff!

[HLaB75]

Grow Up :-)

[gaz545]

AT least the cycle lane is of the same poor quality throughout it's length!

[kmcyc]

@gaz545

Yes, consistency is the key here! Stay consistently to the right of the cycle lane in other words! ;)

[gaz545]

@kmcyc I have a similar cycle lane that i 'use' daily as well. It is takes you into the doorzone for a mile and a half. Funnily enough you won't catch me riding in it!

[kmcyc]

@gaz545

Hmm, but I'll bet you see a lot of other riders who don't know any better.

[gaz545]

@kmcyc Actually no, it's on the outskirts of croydon, i rarely see a cyclist there.

[kmcyc]

@gaz545

Ah. Your own, personal, dedicated lane and you don't even bother to use it! LOL!

[jonredhornet]

Ha, classic :)

[kmcyc]

@jonredhornet

Oh it was rather satisfying that my 'instructor' only managed to stay ahead so briefly! :)