Footpath/Cycle track rider today. GRRRRRR

[excuseme]

Early this morning, (7.50) I decided to do a quick 30 minute walk with 4 of the girls all on leads and perfectly behaved at heel. It was the first time that I had done this since I retired 5 / 6 years ago and the first time Dainty, (now 16 months of age) had ever walked along beside the busy dual carriage way, this was a new experience for her and I think one of the others too "Sprinkle".
We were well away from the main road walking along an old piece of sunken road, this was the original road before the dual carriage way was constructed, it is now a pedestrian right of way /footpath and cycle track.
We were walking along a fairly narrow area with high nettles one side and over hanging black thorn bushes on the other. Suddenly a bicycle rushed past us scaring both Dainty and Sprinkle, who in their panic almost knocked me over! I shouted at the cyclist "Asshole", he replied that he had rung his bell but I had taken no notice!! Strange that neither myself or any of the dogs heard him coming! He answered me so he must have a tongue in his head, (he could have called out "excuse me"). What a rude person and such a dangerous thing to do, it is no wonder that cyclists have such a bad reputation
During our quick walk 3 other cyclists had passed us going in different directions, and all had acknowledged that I had pulled the dogs in close or gave a nice wide birth when passing, (one had actually gone onto the main road to give us good space) Thank you.
Why do cyclists think they own these dual purpose tracks, after all they were pedestrian footpaths long before they were nominated to be cycle tracks!

Sorry about my long rant but I am furious.
Dainty and Sprinkle are, but just a bit shaken.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Oh, the lycra lunatics (as we call them) everyone cycles here but these tour de france wannabes are the bane of a dog owners life. They use many forest trails and footpaths as if they are off road cycle courses and they never have bells lights or manners, it seems its a condition that is spreading.

Glad you and the dogs are ok btw

 

[JudyN]

I've had similar. No, I'm sorry, but I cannot pick up my dog's poo and manouevre his right over to the side of the narrow path in 5 seconds you gave me. And no, there ISN'T a sign saying that dogs should give way to bikes

I quite like calling out 'I'm sorry, I didn't hear your bell' when they whizz past unexpectedly. I'm sure it goes right over their heads though.

 

[JoanneF]

I see them a lot in Edinburgh city centre and I know it's not the same thing but the risks they take are shocking. It's as if they think normal road rules don't apply to them.

 

[Ari_RR]

We haven’t met any bicycles with Miles yet.
But with Ari (110 lbs of Ridgeback) on long line, walking down the trail - the usual procedure was for the cyclists to stop and let us pass. Or to make darn sure we were aware if they were coming from behind.

I guess XL size and extra mean look helped?

 

[JudyN]

I guess XL size and extra mean look helped?

Is that you or Ari?

Of course, it's not just with dogs that inconsiderate cyclists are a pain. When DS2 was still at home and cycled to work, partly along a trailway, he'd often come home cursing about the behaviour of other cyclists. Mainly, either not having lights after dark, or having bright lights angled so he couldn't see a darn thing.

 

[Alanward87]

I think the general rule is regardless of where cyclists are they think they own the place, roads, footpaths and woodland.
Funny how they give that impression when the ride a vehicle and don't contribute to the upkeep of these transport systems.
If you haven't guessed I'm not a fan of the lycra clad fools

 

[JudyN]

To be fair, bikes do pretty much no damage to the roads, and the more that can be done to encourage people out of cars and public transport the better. The majority of cyclists are polite and considerate, as are the majority of drivers, dog walkers, etc. I'm sure cyclists moan about dog walkers whose dogs chase bikes and who can't call them back again.

 

[Mad Murphy]

The point is a small minority ruin it for all the people who do play by the rules. Its the same with everything.

I think its just an antisocial element who are idiots in life generally and give good people and groups a bad name.

 

[JoanneF]

We were once driving through the Scottish highlands on a single track road but with good visibility ahead and passing places. The usual etiquette is for the driver who has the passing place on their side to pull in, there are exceptions but those are generally when you can't see far enough ahead to anticipate meeting another vehicle. Anyway, we were in our motorhome and a cyclist on a pushbike coming towards us flatly refused to use a passing place on his side, hogging the middle of the road. I get that he has as much right to be there but he was just making an issue of it (and a p**** of himself).

 

[Caro Perry]

I've given up walking into Bath along the shared path by the Avon. Quite frankly it is far too dangerous with entitled cyclists speeding through. It's only a matter of time before a child or other pedestrian is badly hurt.

 

[excuseme]

There should be a law against cyclists, they are just rude and ignorant things

 

[Josie]

Oh they are a real pain

They whizz by so fast, they don’t give you any warning!

I was once walking a Weimaraner (who is the actual size of a pony) who lunged at a cyclist who shot past. The man shouted out abuse but it’s funny he had to do it from a safe distance!!

Den does have a bad habit of wandering in front of cyclists so as long as I see them I grab him!

 

[JudyN]

There should be a law against cyclists, they are just rude and ignorant things

Nooo, against inconsiderate cyclists! Some of my favourite people are cyclists! If DS2 encounters a dog on a pathway he will ring his bell if needed, slow down and cover his brakes just in case the dog wanders into his path, and smile at the owners. There really are plenty like him, it's just we remember the other ones.

 

[excuseme]

Yes I agree, 3 out of four this morning were reasonably considerate

Who is DS2 ?

 

[Mad Murphy]

There should be a law against cyclists, they are just rude and ignorant things

Oi Im a cyclist... I have lights brakes dont cycle on the pavement and I obey traffic lights... I also hate the inconsiderate ones though, like the ones cycling through the park this afternoon even though theres a big sign saying Foootpath..

 

[excuseme]

Oh Mad Murphy, I'm sorry
You have made me smile

 

[JudyN]

Who is DS2 ?

Oops sorry - 'Dear Son no. 2' I also have a DS1, but no DDs. And OH is my Other Half.

 

[Mad Murphy]

Actually I am curious what will happen in July when a new law comes into force here saying that cyclists are banned from using phones while cycling... € 95 fine if they are caught...

Not much I suspect if the amount of car drivers still using phones are anything to go by.. plus sometimes the phone is the only thing you see when they cycle in the dark !

 

[Flobo]

I guess XL size and extra mean look helped?

I have been waiting to cross at a pedestrian crossing twice now with my Leonberger/mountain dog, who is rather large, we have had the green man up to cross only for a cyclist to go straight through the lights and when I've shouted at them they have had the audacity to turn and swear at me!!!