ok, the actual wording of “rights” is clearer than most people think
http://www.kent.gov.uk/environment_and_planning/countryside_access/about_public_rights_of_way/using_public_rights_of_way.aspx
For walkers only. You are allowed to take a pram, pushchair or wheelchair along a public footpath but please be aware that many routes may not be physically suitable for that purpose. Public footpaths are mostly waymarked with yellow arrows.
BUT!!!
Although footpaths, bridleways and restricted byways exclude motor vehicles, this is without prejudice to any higher public rights that may exist. For example, in certain cases private access rights may exist.
It may be argued that the path you are using *should* carry a higher status and thus you are entitled to use it. It’s that key phrase “without prejudice” that counts.
There are exceptions to this where a local bylaw has been passed, e.g. in the Peak District National Park there’s a bylaw making it an offence to ride a bicycle on a footpath. I’ve yet to hear of this rule being enforced, though.
Oh and with respect to the zebra crossing case, the judge made it clear that it was becase the cyclist had dismounted PRIOR to cirssing the road – if they had set off riding, then jumped off the bike, the situation would have been different
Having said all that, my personal position is to ride paths based on suitability for biking, and be nice to people that I meet