tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664661573678938905.post1366787860235492265..comments2024-03-01T12:31:07.967+00:00Comments on Cottenham Cyclist: A road designed by a cyclist ?Cottenham Cyclisthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04341822746581357047noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664661573678938905.post-87649263196065850262012-07-25T10:27:49.316+01:002012-07-25T10:27:49.316+01:00Re Landbeach Road. You're not the only one who...Re Landbeach Road. You're not the only one who has noticed. I can't believe how late some folks overtake on the blind bends. It is homicidal, just to save a few seconds. <br /><br /><br />Q. Why don't cyclists use the cyclepath? <br /><br />We are all different types of cyclists and have different requirements. Slower cyclists who require extra safety will benefit most from the cyclepath most. Faster cyclists will notice the inconvenience.<br /><br />Here are a few reasons:<br /><br />A1. I assume you mean outside the 30mph zone. Inside it is a footpath and to ride there would be illegal. Safer for the cyclist, less safe for pedestrians.<br /><br />A2. There is a whole load of flint and glass near Cottenham Skips. If you don't have puncture proof tyres, you will get a puncture at some point. If you had a deadline, would you travel on the path with a much higher chance of getting a puncture? Your local council and councillors are trying to resolve this problem. Tip: Schwalbe Marathon Plus Tyres have a very good reputation for puncture protection. The road is naturally swept by cars.<br /><br />A3. It can be inconvenient to cross over to the cyclepath in the northerly direction and cross back due to the high levels of traffic. Worst case, I once lost 2 mins crossing, that is 10% of my journey time. It is a balance of safety and convenience.<br /><br />A4. Using the cyclepath limits your speed. You need to watch out for: cars coming out of driveways; pedestrians and dogs; the Roller-Coaster of Driveways; parked cars blocking path. Average cyclists won't be slowed down however.<br /><br />A4. Overtaking other cyclists isn't that easy due to the width. There can be a big variation in the speeds of cyclists - a bit like getting stuck behind a slow tractor.<br /><br />A5. A lot of cyclists who come through Cottenham are on longer distance rides. The cyclepath only runs for 2 miles and requires you to ride slower. rather than natural road bike pace. Experience teaches us that UK cyclepaths only last a few hundred yards before you have to give way at a side road or pedestrian.<br /><br /><br />There are a lot less commuter cyclists using the road now because the balance of convenience and safety has tipped favourably for them. Mostly, it is road-racing cyclists who are not using the path - the path was not designed with them in mind.<br /><br />Enjoy riding the sunny weather.Cottenham Cyclisthttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04341822746581357047noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7664661573678938905.post-81487292135461963172012-07-25T08:33:59.446+01:002012-07-25T08:33:59.446+01:00i also live in the village, but i use the cycle pa...i also live in the village, but i use the cycle path down histon road as the road isnt the best place to go, why is it that the council spend all this moeny on upgrading it for cyclists to not use it??. as a driver i understand why others get annoyed, the fact is, cyclist have a path to use, so use it, not the road along that stretch..<br /><br />on another note, landbeach road, drivers i've followed while driving need to be a little more careful, overtaking cyclists on two of the blind bends, this will again end in an accident!...THINK!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com