Cyclists and pedestrians need to change behaviour to co-exist on shared paths

I wish to express my thoughts on the increased calls to regulate cyclists, particularly on pavements and the Park Connector Network (PCN).

We have been repeatedly told to share the use of pavements, PCNs and roads, but I believe few understand what sharing means.

Sharing entails having to make compromises and behavioural changes. An only child has all the toys and parents’ attention, but should expect changes when another sibling comes along.

Likewise, the increased bicycle use on pavements brings about changes. So what kind of behaviour should be encouraged of pedestrians?

The most common sense of all, is to keep left at all times and walk in a reasonably straight manner.

When walking in a group, do not use the entire width of the pavement— leave a reasonable gap for incoming pedestrians, or for runners and cyclists to overtake from the rear.

Walking with your head bowed, staring intently at your phone and expecting others to clear the way or look out for you is not just hazardous, but outright selfish.

And what behaviour changes should be expected of cyclists? 

The keep-left rule similarly applies. Lights should be made compulsory.

Tilt front lights downwards to avoid blinding others. The “right of way” mentality, when cycling on the roads, does not apply on pavements. 

Slow down at pavement junctions, especially at blind spots such as sharp corners, gates of residential properties and bus stops.

Reduce speed when overtaking, particularly when the party includes pets, children or older pedestrians.

Do not ring your bells incessantly. Just think about how unpleasant it is for you when vehicles blare their horns at you.

As cyclists, we should treat pedestrians the same way as we would want motorists to treat us on the roads. Refusing to make changes would not be sharing, but merely tolerating.

There is always a limit to tolerance. I believe such behavioural changes are required for pedestrians and cyclists to co-exist.

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