On the footpath, the cyclist is the fastest and most dangerous thing around. It may increase their safety, but it often decreases everyone else’s, which isn’t really a net gain.

Not when I’m doing it, as I’m not very fast. And I’m constantly on and off the footpath for all kinds of obstacles and reasons. As long as I get away with it I’ll do it. I’m not trying to justify anything, just describing how it is when one must adapt to raw necessity.

For the most part people are surprisingly good about it, they’ll even apologise for being in the way, That’s my cue to say that I shouldn’t really be there. As I’m probably taking advantage of a general ignorance of the law that might not be a good idea, but it does rather seem to tickle people’s sense of magnanimity.

BTW, in order to demonstrate his willingness to impartially enforce Council by-laws, back in the early 1900s the Mayor of Levin personally busted his own wife for riding on the footpath.

I'm also very courteous when using the footpath.

We could use a few of these signs around the place.
BIKERS MUST YEILD TO PEDESTRIANS AT ALL TIMES - PLEASE GO SLOW
As featured here:
http://www.grist.org/article/2010-11-07-we-need-real-bike-paths-for-real-bike-transportaiton

I suppose it's all relative - but yes, thanks, point taken - i'll be extra careful...

| Does anyone else use the footpath for short commutes around town?
| Surely the safer option?

Except for the pedestrians, of course.

Tell me... just exactly how many pedestrians have been injured/killed by bikes?

Does anyone else use the footpath for short commutes around town?
Surely the safer option?