Please could parents ensure there kids have some sort of understanding of the rules of cycling, like signals, not stopping in the middle of a cycle track,narrow road etc,for no reason at all, not throwing their bike down,screaming and having a tantrum,not to swerve side to side across the track/road,to always keep left, to not ride at pedestrians, especially old people and try to scare them,and finally parents not every male cyclist is some sort of evil monster, but you do have to keep some sort of control on your sprogs, but getting hit by another cyclist or motor vehicle is more likely than somebody riding off with your kids.

While i realise some types of motorists do the above as if by habit, please have the decency to not allow your kids to the same.

I rode the camel trail last week with MsD. The first few miles were uneventful, but the last miles from Wadebridge were a nightmare.

I understand that people want to hire bikes with their kids, i understand that kids are slow (everyone is/should be on the Camel Trail anyway) but the amount of people who had no control over their own bikes, let alone ensuring that their kids had a clue was frightening.
The amount of kids i saw riding into the ditch, into oncoming pedestrians, into each other was amazing and the adults weren’t much better.

To give you all an idea, a young dutch girl coming the other way braked hard for some reason (don’t know why, i was 100yrds off) and went over the bars, her parents weren’t in the least bothered, saying “she’ll have to learn”. When i came up alongside and helped her up with others i attempted to say that the brakes are a different way round in the UK to European bikes and that should have been told that by the hire people. Not interested at all, even though the little girl was crying.

It was bonkers for that 6 miles between Wadebridge and Padstow, like a cartoon sketch! 🙂

and a similar shout out to the weekend warriors who treat family trails like an XC world cup , blasting around on carbon ibis and yetis , rocking the camelbak & full race combo and tutting when they have to wait a few minutes for an opportunity for me and my 7 year old to pull over.

and another thing, our local council has painted two white lines down the promenade about 6 foot apart, the prom is about 50 foot wide,with a beach to the side yet peds and dog walkers seem to think its ok to walk, crap in this area,despite plenty of space each side.

The camel trail is a real comedy free-for-all isn’t it? 😆

Most audi-driving folks’ formative experience of rediscovering cycling as an adult is on recycled railway paths. Especially outstandingly beautiful ones with bike hire and ice creams at each end like the Camel Trail. I think we have to see them and the comedy/appaling cycling on them as part of the ‘solution’ though, hopefully some of these people will start riding more adventurously and even commuting to work by bike.

I think we have to see them and the comedy/appaling cycling on them as part of the ‘solution’ though, hopefully some of these people will start riding more adventurously and even commuting to work by bike

But they need to aquire and obey real cycling skills befoere then or be killed by their felllow drivers.

Project – I reckon my 10 year old rides better than you.

Not having met or riden with you or your child, i doubt you can make that assumption.

Oh and if she can,perhaps she could helop educate other riders to the dangers they face on the roads.

Don’t get me wrong, i love seeing kids out on bikes and the Camel Trail is great place for them. What amazed/frightened/worried me was the sheer number of people on bikes who had absolutely no idea of how to ride one. Not just kids because thats understandable (if a little sad) but adults with no idea of space issues, adults who wandered all over the place, pulled/wobbled out without looking behind them, stopped dead in the middle of the trail to chat,ride 4 abreast chatting when other people are coming the other way, panic when another rider approaches and then pulls across them etc.

Simply put, if they drove with that little consideration for others the roads would be a war zone.

and another thing, our local council has painted two white lines down the promenade about 6 foot apart, the prom is about 50 foot wide,with a beach to the side yet peds and dog walkers seem to think its ok to walk, crap in this area,despite plenty of space each side.

We have lots of these shared use paths…but I’ve never yet seen a ped shit on the cycle bit

I feel for you bro

gwaelod – Member

We have lots of these shared use paths…but I’ve never yet seen a ped shit on the cycle bit

Maybe they are unaware of the ‘shitting on the cycle path’ code.

Project, are these the rules you speak of? I’ve not read them, so don’t know if i’ve broken any. I’ll print them out and digest them over lunch.

Maybe you could print up some flyers and bring them with you next time you’re on the bike. Maybe a small information pack containing the rules. Perhaps include a poopy bag for the animals and a tissue (useful for drying the children’s tears or doubling up as makeshift loo roll). I’d give some thought towards the colours and fonts used on the flyer/info pack if you want to be taken seriously.

The Highway Code
Rules for cyclists (59-82)

These rules are in addition to those in the following sections, which apply to all vehicles (except the motorway section). See also ‘You and your bicycle’.

* You and your bicycle

59

Clothing. You should wear

* a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
* appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
* light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
* reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark

Help yourself to be seen
60

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.

[Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24)]
61

Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
62

Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.

[Law HA 1835 sect 72]
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. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

* Multi-lane carriageways (133-143)

64

You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.

[Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A 1984, sect 129]
65

Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.
66

You should

* keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
* keep both feet on the pedals
* never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
* not ride close behind another vehicle
* not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
* be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted

67

You should

* look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do (see ‘Signals to other road users’)
* look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path
* be aware of traffic coming up behind you
* take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features
* take care when overtaking (see Rules 162-169)

* Download ‘Signals to other road users’ (PDF, 100K) Opens new window

* Help with PDF files

* Overtaking (162-169)

68

You MUST NOT

* carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one
* hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
* ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
* ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine

[Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by RTA 1991]
69

You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.

[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)]
70

When parking your cycle

* find a conspicuous location where it can be seen by passers-by
* use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible
* do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users
* secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction or hazard

71

You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic (see Rule 178).

[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 36(1)]

* Road junctions (170-183)

Road junctions
72

On the left. When approaching a junction on the left, watch out for vehicles turning in front of you, out of or into the side road. Just before you turn, check for undertaking cyclists or motorcyclists. Do not ride on the inside of vehicles signalling or slowing down to turn left.
73

Pay particular attention to long vehicles which need a lot of room to manoeuvre at corners. Be aware that drivers may not see you. They may have to move over to the right before turning left. Wait until they have completed the manoeuvre because the rear wheels come very close to the kerb while turning. Do not be tempted to ride in the space between them and the kerb.
74

On the right. If you are turning right, check the traffic to ensure it is safe, then signal and move to the centre of the road. Wait until there is a safe gap in the oncoming traffic and give a final look before completing the turn. It may be safer to wait on the left until there is a safe gap or to dismount and push your cycle across the road.
75

Dual carriageways. Remember that traffic on most dual carriageways moves quickly. When crossing wait for a safe gap and cross each carriageway in turn. Take extra care when crossing slip roads.
76

Full details about the correct procedure at roundabouts are contained in Rules 184–190. Roundabouts can be hazardous and should be approached with care.

* Roundabouts (184-190)

Roundabouts
77

You may feel safer walking your cycle round on the pavement or verge. If you decide to ride round keeping to the left-hand lane you should

* be aware that drivers may not easily see you
* take extra care when cycling across exits. You may need to signal right to show you are not leaving the roundabout
* watch out for vehicles crossing your path to leave or join the roundabout

78

Give plenty of room to long vehicles on the roundabout as they need more space to manoeuvre. Do not ride in the space they need to get round the roundabout. It may be safer to wait until they have cleared the roundabout.
Crossing the road
79

Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.
80

Toucan crossings. These are light-controlled crossings which allow cyclists and pedestrians to share crossing space and cross at the same time. They are push-button operated. Pedestrians and cyclists will see the green signal together. Cyclists are permitted to ride across.
81

Cycle-only crossings. Cycle tracks on opposite sides of the road may be linked by signalled crossings. You may ride across but you MUST NOT cross until the green cycle symbol is showing.

[Law TSRGD regs 33(2) & 36(1)]
82

Level crossings/Tramways. Take extra care when crossing the tracks (see Rule 306). You should dismount at level crossings where a ‘cyclist dismount’ sign is displayed.

Give yourself a punch in the balls if you actually read the rules

Project

(1) do you think this is in anyway relevant to the STW audience ?
(2) did you instantly become a cycling god or did you learn somewhere ?
(3) there was quite a good article in WMB for beginning with kids – but the STW Massif were very displeased at the waste of space – do you suggest a simple age limit on cycling ?
(4) you could always go “proper” mountain biking (you know with mountains and stuff) – generally its physically tough enough to keep most of the beginners (of all ages) out your way.

Apologies to any ladies reading. Give yourself the female equivalent of a ball punch. 😳

the female equivalent of a ball punch.

Titty twist?

My bugbear is people who ride like this with headphones in – I came up behind a woman on a bike while commuting home from work last week who was wobbling from one side of the canal path to the other. I called out repeatedly asking if I could pass by, then realised she was completely oblivious as she had headphones in. I ended up having to make a slightly dodgy passing manoeuvre on the grassy verge, at which point she nearly shat herself when I appeared alongside her.

Poly luv, yes it is, as a google search for cycling websites brings up singletrack and other web sites,

Euro, post reported for the threat of gratuitous violence, and wasting a lot of space.

Project – I reckon my 10 year old rides better than you.

project – Member
Not having met or riden with you or your child, i doubt you can make that assumption.

Oh and if she can,perhaps she could helop educate other riders to the dangers they face on the roads.
I know my 9yr old can spell better than him.

Won’t somebody think of the children?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sence

Also,

A combination of sense and scent. “Senced is a way to get you to think about things in more ways than thinking.”

project – Member

Euro, post reported for the threat of gratuitous violence, and wasting a lot of space.

I’m just off the phone to my lawyer and she said suggesting you punch youself in the ding-dings and threatening to punch you there are not the same thing. Phew!

How’s the info pack coming along?

Just checked the internet rules there and it seems i’m in the clear regarding wasting space too.