What defines a cyclepath.
 

Are cyclepaths like right of ways where they are defined on maps and
exist even if there is no obvious markings (across a field for
instance)? Or do they require the existance of marks on the pavement
to give them legal force?

I'm asking because the council has just resurfaced the pavement where
the one stretch of cyclepath I ever use is located. While there are
still the occasional blue and white circular signs on lampposts
indicating that there is a cyclepath all the painting on the floor has
gone. Am I now illegally cylcling on the pavement or does it still
qualify as a cyclepath.

Mark

Mark Stammers wrote:
Are cyclepaths like right of ways where they are defined on maps and
exist even if there is no obvious markings (across a field for
instance)? Or do they require the existance of marks on the pavement
to give them legal force?

They don't need marks on the pavement, or signage on the lampposts; they
exist regardless, provided that the appropriate authority has gone
through the procedure of making the route legal to cycle upon.

Having said that, it might take some explaining to police officers /
officious self-important city council "ambassadors" / irate members of
the public who may not know about the route, so an initially gentle prod
at the council to remind them to reinstate the markings would be my
first suggestion.

R.

On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 20:04:29 GMT, "Andy Howes"
wrote:

One point you might have overlooked is the sign designating the cycle path.

If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY be
used.

I've just had to point that out to the local cycling policeman (who does NOT
use the mandatory ones !).

AH
Driving Instructor
Leicester

There is currently NO LEGAL REQUIREMENT for a cyclists to use ANY
cycle path - regardless of the type of sign used. There are certain
roads on which cyclists are not permitted, and as such a cyclepath
may be the only option, but there are no cyclepaths where their use is
compulsory. A mandatory cycle-lane keeps cars out - not bikes in.

The local cycling policeman is quite within his rights to choose not
to use a cyclepath, and it is very rare for the road along which the
cyclepath runs to have a cycles-ban.

I would have expected a driving instructor to know this.



--
If, as Einstein said, space is curved and occupies ten
dimensions including time; How can you be certain which
is the underneath of a ladder? And how can you be certain
you haven't already walked under one next week?

"Andy Howes" wrote in message
...
One point you might have overlooked is the sign designating the cycle
path.

If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY be
used.

Anybody remember a Professor Branestawm story when he got out of the train
and saw the sign "Passengers MUST cross the line by the footbridge"?

I've just had to point that out to the local cycling policeman (who does
NOT
use the mandatory ones !).

Did he correct you? Or are there now two people going around with the wrong
idea?

AH
Driving Instructor

Possibly time to look at the cycling section of the HC? When you have, you
can point out to us where your misunderstanding lay.

I really hope you're not teaching your students that cyclists must use
cyclepaths...

cheers,
clive

One point you might have overlooked is the sign designating the cycle path.

If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY be
used.

Err. *beep* wrong. There is no requirement whatsoever for a cyclist to have to
use any cycle path. Please acquaint yourself with the Highway Code. All it says
is that (rule 46) "Use cycle routes when practicable. They can make your
journey safer." There is no *MUST* - so there is no law requiring cyclists to
have to use a cycle path.

The circular sign merely means the cycle lane is to be used by pedal cycles
only, i.e. not by cars, not by pedestrians... It is not a requirement that
cyclists must use it...

The rectangular sign is simply a recommended cycle route.

Cheers, helen s






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If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY be
used.

Is the wrong answer...


AH
Driving Instructor
Leicester

I'm glad I'm not getting instructions from you!

Cheers, helen s


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--Due to financial crisis the light at the end of the tunnel is switched off--

"Andy Howes" writes:

One point you might have overlooked is the sign designating the cycle path.

If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY be
used.

I've just had to point that out to the local cycling policeman (who does NOT
use the mandatory ones !).

AH
Driving Instructor

Perhaps you should take the time to read the Highway Code?

"Gonzalez" wrote in message
...
On Fri, 12 Nov 2004 20:04:29 GMT, "Andy Howes"
wrote:

If it is circular then the path MUST be used. If the sign is rectangular
then it is merely advising one of the presence of a cycle path that MAY
be
used.

If it is circular then the path MUST NOT be used by motor vehicles.
Cyclists can choose to use it al will.

I've just had to point that out to the local cycling policeman (who does
NOT
use the mandatory ones !).

Ahhh... I know the sort of person you are - leaning out of car
windows, "Gerr off moi road".

AH
Driving Instructor

Not one who knows the rules of the road, then.

the (ahem) last time I looked at the HC it categorised signs by shape and
colour:

Red triangle- Warning
Red circle Prohibition
Blue circle Compulsion

and blue circle bike lanes were compulsory (but that was along time ago)

"MartinM" wrote in message
...

the (ahem) last time I looked at the HC it categorised signs by shape and
colour:

Red triangle- Warning
Red circle Prohibition
Blue circle Compulsion

and blue circle bike lanes were compulsory (but that was along time ago)

Compulsory for what? If bike lane 'X' is compulsory, who must use it?

There is only such compulsion, and that is on paths with a cyclist bit and a
pedestrian bit - cyclists must use the cyclist bit. This sign only covers
that path - if they're somewhere else (eg the road next to it), the
compulsion doesn't apply.

cheers,
clive

"Clive George" wrote in message
...
"MartinM" wrote in message
...

the (ahem) last time I looked at the HC it categorised signs by shape
and
colour:

Red triangle- Warning
Red circle Prohibition
Blue circle Compulsion

and blue circle bike lanes were compulsory (but that was along time ago)

Compulsory for what? If bike lane 'X' is compulsory, who must use it?

There is only such compulsion, and that is on paths with a cyclist bit and
a
pedestrian bit - cyclists must use the cyclist bit. This sign only covers
that path - if they're somewhere else (eg the road next to it), the
compulsion doesn't apply.

Yes just checked the HC website, an oblong sign means recommended bike route
like the NCN even though it may be on a public road; the blue circle means
bikes only (but not compulsory). But there used to be compulsory cycle
/moped lanes alongside some A roads.