Hail all!
As an occasional cyclist myself, I thought I'd post a few observations on the matters being discussed above and my own take on them.
Traffic lights:
As anyone who has read (And obeys) the Highway Code will know, traffic lights apply to
all vehicles and other traffic that uses the carriageway, and therefore I always take care to obey such signals at all times - Not only when I'm cycling, but also when I'm using the carriageway as a pedestrian at times when the footway is too crowded for me to use at my higher than average walking speed. 8)
I have to admit that I'm not entirely blameless in my use of the road though, as I sometimes perform C-SPADs (Cautionary signal pass at danger) as a pedestrian if - In my view - It is safe for me to cross the road/junction whilst that danger signal is showing, and that such actions will not affect or hamper any other road user. This only applies when I am on foot though, and I always comply with signals when I am on my bicycle.
Incidentally; If I am in a hurry and I get held up by a danger signal, I do sometimes dismount, walk my bicycle to the other side of the junction via the footway, then mount and continue my journey on the other side. However, I believe that this practice is lawful under the Highway Code.
Cycle lanes and carriageway usage:
My choice of either cycle lane or carriageway tends to depend on the conditions under which I am riding. If I'm travelling at a leisurely pace and in no hurry to get to my destination, then I tend to stick to cycle lanes all the way as I am generally only travelling at <= 15mph. On the other hand though, it's not uncommon for me to fly along at 30-40mph under ideal conditions, and in such instances I will prefer the carriageway as that is better equipped for such speeds.
After all, I would sooner chance being the weaker end of the equation where possible...My getting hit by a vehicle and coming off badly is one thing, but I would rather endure that than present a potential safety risk to pedestrians on a shared or segregated cycle path. If I hit a pedestrian at 40mph, there's a high chance that I would severely injure or possibly even kill them - Hence my preference for using the carriageway in such cases.
To summerise: I would say that up to 15mph is probabally a safe speed for a cyclist to use a shared foot and cycle path, and 20mph is probabally safe for segregated and dedicated cycleways. Above those speeds though, I would suggest using the carriageway for the benefit of pedestrians. Additionally, if a cyclist can accellerate to and maintain a constant 75mph over some distance (Some cyclists can!) then I would consider their use of motorways to also be safe and appropriate, although I am aware what the Highway Code says to the contrary.
hock:
Behavior on the carriageway:
Although I acknowlege and realise that my bicycle is both smaller and slower than the average car for the most part, I prefer to ride in the centre of my lane whenever I am using it - Taking this approach to "defensive riding" from when I was learning to ride a motorcycle about ten years ago. Obviously I do move aside where possible to allow other traffic to pass (Or stay in the cess if the traffic is heavy) but riding in the centre of the lane gives me a better view of the road ahead, plus it allows other road users to see me more clearly - Indeed, I take especial care to avoid entering drivers blind spots, and prefer insted to stay behind them where they can see me in their interior mirror.
Although I use the road in the same way on a bicycle as I would when driving a car (I.E: Yielding to others where the Highway Code says that I should, and vice-versa) I do make exceptions for some vehicles where safe for me to do so. Obviously I move aside ASAP to allow emergency service vehicles through, but where possible I also try to give priority to emerging buses if safe to - Even if that means holding up traffic in my lane briefly whilst doing so. 8)
in germany, any laws broken by cyclists may result in a fine or imprisonment. The latter of these offences can result in very large fine (>€2000), imprisonment and the loss of (car) driving licence, imprisonment is unusual, but the other two penalties are common.
I know that in Germany the matter of road safety is taken
very seriously, but can I confirm that a pedestrian disregarding a "Red man" light at a pedestrian crossing can earn points on his licence, or even have his/her licence confiscated?
hock:
I was told this by a friend last time I was in Hamburg (As I normally C-SPAD when using pedestrian crossings if safe to do so) and although it seems plausable to me, it does seem a little unreasonable, given just how long it takes to get a "green man" from the average German traffic light! :?
There is a brillliant cycle path near where I work too, it is over a footbridge, is signposted for cyclists to use, but just below the cycle route sign there is a sign saying "Cyclists Dismount".
hock:
:razz:
(For those who speak no Welsh: The text in Cymraeg roughly translates as "
Cyclists beware of your bladder infection!" :? )
Farewell...And stay safe!
>> Death <<