What are the rules for using cycle path?
JUST recently I was approached by a friend who is a keen cyclist. He knew I write now and again to the Press column and asked if I could enquire about a situation he frequently comes across on his behalf.
He likes to cycle along Les Banques and likes to use the main road instead of the pavement cycle path. On the last three Sundays he has had motorists abusing him to ride on the pavement instead of the main road. He seems to think that there may be a speed limit on the pavement track, so could someone clarify through the Press the correct situation, which does seem confusing?
R. S. MAUGER
Valletta,
Rue des Frieteaux,
St Martin’s,
GY4 6XA.
Editor’s footnote: Traffic & Highway Services said:
Cycle paths are in place so cyclists can enjoy traffic-free space; this provides a safer environment for cycling and in many instances helps speed up a cyclist’s journey because they can avoid roads with high volumes of motorised traffic. There is no provision in Guernsey legislation that states a cyclist must ride along a cycle path where one is provided, and it is recognised that some cyclists choose to travel on the road, which they are entitled to do.
There is no speed limit along cycle paths, but it is recommended that cyclists ride at a safe and appropriate speed, and in particular ‘share with care’ in areas where they have to share with pedestrians.
One of the reasons that cyclists, particularly more experienced ones, choose to ride on the road is that they wish to ride at a speed higher than would be appropriate for the current paths.