Why do cyclists ride on footpaths?

“As davendogs mentioned, it is primarily due to the condition of the road and a majority of poor drivers in the area the really make an impact on confidence and trust to users of the road, it seems every time I ride on the road, I spend more time trying to avoid being knocked off my bike by road users who lack the use of mirrors or don't give a comfortable breathing space when overtaking. Cyclists using the pavement isn't a bad thing as most of the cyclists in Grimsby (Or at least myself) have respect to all pedestrians on the pavements and personally I always give plenty of room between myself and a person walking on the path, No one likes a nasty surprise when a cycle comes whizzing past 10cm away from them.”

“funny been on this planet 50+ years and never been hit by a push bike must be lucky...”

“You can see the turf war brewing
In that jungle dark out there
To threaten Grimsby's lives and limbs
I bid you all beware.

Who will rule the pavements
Abandoned by the police?
It's a recipe for anarchy
A threat to global peace.

On the one hand are the cyclists
Varied in their age.
Not a brake or light between them
But known for speed and rage.

They are the sitting tenants
Unchallenged for thirty years
And any threat to their dominance
Is bound to end in tears.

But equally determined
An eager rival comes
The terrors of the flagstones
And gnashing evil gums.

Don't let their antique features
Catch you off your guard.
These charioteers are sharp as nails
And twice as blooming hard.

Ragnarok or Armaggedon
Are words that spring to mind
When bringing up the vision
Of these two groups intertwined.

So you that walk upon your feet
Alone or with your wives
When you see the pavement cavalry
It's best run for your lives!

Rambling Sid”

“I agree davendogs. Sometimes we just cant help it but do respect other pedestrians. Not everywhere has a cycle lane and it is much safer on the path.”

“because car drivers texting,applying makeup and on the phones will kill you...dont even mention taxis.”

“I completely sympathise with your concerns as there are unfortunatley a lot of careless people about with no concern for the safety of others....however...I take my son to school every day via bicycle and we always use the cycle path near to the school but find its usually riddled with pedestrians walking on the bicycle side of the path provided...infuriates me and my 8 year old son always questions why they do it when there is clearly a sign stating which path to use.This path is near Strand Community Academy school and all I want is to be safe....but on a few occasions Ive been rudely told to get out of the way...when Im riding on the correct path...I would never put myself,my son or anybody else in danger and because of this will always switch to the adjacent path to avoid collisions with people....but why on earth would they not use the correct path...is beyond me...but I totally understand the other side of the issue stated...”

“Always walk with a nice big brolly - through the front spokes as they ride past - rider ejected over the handle bars - job done!”

“Please don't tar all. A competent cyclist may choose the path but will always have respect for pedestrians. It's a survival thing considering the state of the roads and the local standard of driving. Dodgy cycles, reflectors removed are the culprits.”