AlaninWales wrote:
Yes, the lack of cycle signage may well be a contributory factor. I frequently see wide smooth tarmac for stretches beside the road as I cycle: Whether these are cycle paths or not is usually unclear. I generally ignore them as IME (and in others' as shown above) they often come to bad ends. Jumping off the road onto the intermittent smooth path (when you notice it) and then finding your way back to your route when it runs out, is onerous. If I saw it, realised it was meant to be a cycle path and could see it continued to the next roundabout, I'd probably think about joining it but, by the time I had made up my mind I would be past the entrance... If it went to the next roundabout, would it carry on in my direction using a safe course around the roundabout (unlikely)? Or would it simply end in a give-way sign at right angles to traffic flow, forcing me to stop and making my path to the correct lane for my exit dangerous because I would be starting so much slower (likely). Nah, I'll be "bloody minded" and ignore it, probably wasn't a cycle lane anyway and if it was, it'll be micturate poor design and dangerous.
If I'm in an unfamiliar area I will generally ignore cycle paths at the side of roads for exactly the reasons you give. They run out, they have daft give way restrictions, they suddenly veer off where you don't want to go, or they just finish. If I don't know the area, and it's a shared use path (spit) then I will have no idea of the number of wandering pedestrians likely to be on the path. The road is often, ultimately not only quicker, but often easier than taking a chance with an unfamiliar 'facility'.
Yes, I too am "bloody minded" and happy to be so too!
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Leicester; Riding my Hetchins since 1971; Day rides on my Dawes; Going to the shops on a Decathlon Hoprider