Letter: Those Making Decisions on Our Cycling Routes Clearly Don’t Cycle

Published on: 30 Jul, 2020
Updated on: 30 Jul, 2020

From: K Alger

In response to: SCC Awarded £848,000 to Increase Cycling and Walking But Little’s Being Done

One of our favourite things about being in proper lockdown was family bike rides. For the first time, it didn’t feel scary riding on the roads with younger (sometimes wobbly) child-cyclists.

I’d love there to be more cycle lanes; lanes that ideally didn’t suddenly stop, have huge potholes in them, be overgrown or full of gravel. I’d love for cycling to become a normal and preferred means of transport for people living in and around Guildford.

For anyone who currently does cycle in and around Guildford, it’s obvious to see that the people making decisions about cycling here don’t.

Responses to Letter: Those Making Decisions on Our Cycling Routes Clearly Don’t Cycle

Ramsey Nagaty Reply

July 31, 2020 at 4:11 pm

We will work with SCC to try and correct the situation.

Safe cycle routes are necessary if we are to get modal shift and less pollution.

Ramsey Nagaty is the GGG borough councillor for Shalford and the GGG leader.
Sue Fox Reply

August 1, 2020 at 3:19 pm

Today I walked to our local Waitrose on Worplesdon Road, I do not understand why cyclists old and young think the narrow pavements are cycle paths, especially with cars parked across part of the pavement.

I have been rung at to move out the way when walking my dogs. I am a driver and but do not use my car when it is entirely unnecessary.

What are pavements for? I always thought pedestrians.
Eddie Ward Reply

August 3, 2020 at 10:43 am

The law in England states that riding a bicycle on public footpaths is illegal. Enforcing that is the problem, as in other areas of behaviour.

Even a couple of days ago, there were four young boys weaving in and around pedestrians, as they travelled a fair rate of knots, down the High Street pavements. More by luck that judgements, nobody stepped unknowingly into their path.

All pedestrians should have a go at this type of cyclists. You can, of course, expect abusive replies, as is the norm, but pavements are there for pedestrians’ use.

Editor’s note: The Highway Code states: “You must not cycle on a pavement.” The offence of riding a bike on the pavement is punishable by an on-the-spot fine, a fixed penalty notice of £30. This is charged under Schedule 3 and Section 51 of the Road Traffic Offenders Act 1988.
Mike Robertson Reply

August 3, 2020 at 4:57 pm

It should also be illegal for cyclists to ride cycles without a bell – and not use it when necessary.

Time and time again, cyclists have silently approached me from behind and brushed past without any advanced warning. Just a slight deviation when walking in a supposedly pedestrian-only area or on the pavement could have resulted in a painful accident.