You do not have right of way in Wirral cycle lanes (From Wirral Globe)

You do not have right of way in Wirral cycle lanes

12:45pm Tuesday 4th September 2012 in Letters

IN a recent letter to the Globe, J Jackson-Ellis exhorts pedestrians to “keep out of his cycle lane” on the promenade passing Vale Park, accusing them of being ignorant because they stray between the white lines that mark the cycle route.

In fact, by making such a demand, Jackson-Ellis is assuming rights he simply does not have.

It is in fact he who is ignorant; ignorant of the legal situation pertaining to cycle lanes imposed on a public walkway.

The website “Cycling and the Law” clarifies this, warning that: "Cyclists must not assume they have the right of way on a shared-use facility".

According to the Ministry of Transport: "Cyclists should always show respect to pedestrians, even if they stray onto the cycling side; they are entitled to do so."

Official advice is that cyclists "always thank people who move out of the way."

Unfortunately, a number of our two-wheeled friends have moved a long way from any such behaviour.

Perhaps with its duty to health and safety, the council should take steps to inform prom-users of the ministry's words to stem the tide of reckless and rude behaviour we are now witnessing from an increasing number of cyclists.

For Jackson-Ellis is certainly right in one very important aspect.

There is an accident waiting to happen...

Ian Taylor, New Brighton.