Bikes and pedestrians

A member of the public has complained that bikes are not giving way to pedestrians crossing the bike lane in our local area

1/2/2018

Issue:
A member of the public has complained that bikes are not giving way to pedestrians crossing the bike lane in our local area.

Background:
The Highway Code does not provide specific guidance on who has the right of way in a bike lane - the pedestrian or the cyclist - other than:

Rules for pedestrians:
Rule 12
Bus and cycle lanes. Take care when crossing these lanes as traffic may be moving faster than in the other lanes, or against the flow of traffic.

Rules for cyclists:
Rule 62
Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements......Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary.....

An internet search of other countries indicates people crossing a bike lane on foot should treat it like a regular street lane and that cyclists usually have the right-of-way in a bike lane, unless the law states that the lane is also for pedestrian use.

Conclusion:
A common sense approach for pedestrians crossing a street should also apply to crossing a bike lane; look both ways and only cross when it is safe.

Suggestion:
It is suggested that the Highway Code be updated to clarify/stipulate this for pedestrians and cyclists alike; and that cyclists have the right of way on a bike lane, but should give due consideration to pedestrians in the vicinity.

SBHOA EO

2 Comments

Benjamin Dickson

23/6/2019 16:27:35

If this is being addressed to the government I would wish you to consider revising the Highway Code to address the issues that Blind and visually impaired pedestrians find on a daily basis. My local council have installed cycle lanes and Dutch style bus stops to the city which I would like to mention must break the Equality Act but I cannot pursue because I am unable to as a poor individual in a normal economic environment. The law is supposed to protect me at face value to which it fails! Please consider a revision in this law to protect those who cannot protect themselves.

Andrew

13/8/2022 10:09:03

In my area, Walthamstow, cycle lanes were built taking up half the pavements on both sides of the road.

In crossing the road, one has to cross two cycle lanes as well and perch on the kerb in busy periods with the danger of being hit by wing mirrors of vans. Some cyclists do not slow down, regarding the cycle lane as their right of way and indeed shout or swear at anyone trying to cross the road.
It is not often easy to judge the speed of an approaching bike and simultaneously watch out for oncoming traffic on the road and also watch out for speeding bikes on the other cycle lane on the other side and the bikes often are being pedalled at great speed and the cyclists just don't want to slow down.

I myself was caught out and sworn at by an oncoming cyclist who was travelling at great speed and in the heat and dazzle of the sun I misjudged his speed but he did not slow until braking hard feet from me and then swearing at me.
Additionally, in the pandemic there was a need to socially distance on the pavement.
There will be an accident sooner or later, possibly involving an elderly person as these cycle lanes are feet from people's front gates.
A letter to the local press during the pandemic drew some comments that I was being silly to enter a cycle lane at all
where I am only seeking clarification on a difficult situation for pedestrians.
I seek not to have arguments with anyone but to clarify for my safety and other pedestrians safety.

A member of the public has complained that bikes are not giving way to pedestrians crossing the bike lane in our local area

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