Lou's Women get on their bikes

Louise Jew writes: "I've just nearly been knocked over by a man on a bicycle whilst I was walking on the pavement. Has anyone else noticed how many cyclists are using pavements now? Grr! Let's start an off yer bike campaign."

This was the irate phone text from Lou's Woman Gail Millard, of Bilston last week.

And I suddenly felt guilty – because I've been known to cycle on pavements, which is against the law but the authorities generally turn a blind eye unless you are endangering pedestrians.

As a fair weather cyclist I'm not doing this all the time – it's just that, when I do feel brave enough to venture out on two wheels, I generally feel safer on a pavement, as long as it's wide enough.

And if I come across anyone on foot, I get off my bike and just push it along or skirt back on to the road to get past them.

It seems that those Lou's Women who ride bikes confess that they too will sometimes go on to the pavement to avoid the juggernauts and speeding traffic.

And it's apparent the reason they do that is that there just aren't enough proper cycle lanes and routes.

Other countries do it – and lots more people cycle in places like Holland, France and Sweden.

We keep getting urged to get fitter and regular cycling will definitely to that for you.

And lip service is also paid to the need to reduce carbon emissions by using vehicles less – while public transport gets more expensive and, in any case, there isn't enough of it.

Isn't it about time the Government and local authorities set the wheels in motion and created more cycle friendly routes around our towns, cities and countryside?

Find out what the other Lou's Women say on this issue – one of them even raises the spectre of rogue buggy pushers.

Adventurous Elaine James, of Cookley, says: "I haven't travelled vastly in Sweden but have visited Lund many times and the surrounding area.

"They have many designated cycle roads that are completely separate from the main roads but run alongside them.

"Where this is not possible the footpaths are made wider and split into two where one side is a cycle path and the other side is used for pedestrians.

"It's safer for cyclists as they do not use the road and safer for pedestrians because they have their own side of the footpath to walk on.

"Because cyclists in Sweden have been accommodated in this way then more people use cycles instead of cars, therefore polluting our air less, getting more exercise, more cost effective and safer.

"I definitely think we should encourage cyclists but it would appear that as far as our Government is concerned they are the forgotten few."

Feisty Bilston mum Gail Millard says: "I am amazed at how many cyclists speed along pavements.

"One in particular dangerous place is on the Wednesfield Road, Wolverhampton.

"I have a choice because they can try to beat me and the traffic by whizzing round the barriers and across pedestrian crossing or whilst I'm waiting at the bus stop to go into town.

"They expect me to move on to the road because there isn't enough room to get past the seats and me in the bus stop.

"Kids in particular have no fear on bikes. They just pull out on to the roads. I think if there were more law enforcers on the street perhaps there would be more consideration to others.

"One last thing - most men who cycle wearing cycle shorts have nice rear views so it's worth an oggle whilst I'm moaning!"

Chris Armstrong, our "Llama Lady", says: "I feel afraid for cyclists on the busy roads as drivers just don't seem to care when they overtake.

"Apparently the further you ride from the kerb drivers will give you that much space when they overtake you.

"So if you drive very close to the kerb they will just skim you as they overtake.

"If you drive three feet away from the kerb they will give you three feet distance when they over take. Or so it says in my partner's cycling magazine so it must be right!"

Regular cyclist and chess player Julie Wilson says: "Sorry to hear about Gail's misfortune - the man was obviously a 'bad cyclist'.

"I am a keen cyclist and do sometimes cycle on the pavement when I feel it is safer to do so.

"This is usually on roads such as the Stourbridge ring road which are difficult for cyclists or when there's congestion.

"I normally do it when there are no or very few pedestrians.

"If there are pedestrians on the pavement I will slow down or sometimes get off and walk dependent on how much space there is.

"Cyclists cannot expect to be able to cycle at full speed on the pavement and those that do give the rest of us a bad name.

"I believe strictly speaking it is illegal to cycle on the pavement but in this area the police turn a blind eye to it if the cyclist is not affecting pedestrian traffic.

"Dudley (and Worcestershire) does not do enough in terms of providing for cyclists.

"There are almost no cycle lanes and often when roads have been narrowed as part of a traffic calming measure, there is enough space to put in a cycle lane but they have not bothered."

Willenhall Carnival queen Stacey Senior says: "I certainly feel safer on the footpaths when I cycle; which isn't often.

"I guess if you are courteous while riding then there is no reason why we can't share the footpaths with cyclists.

"I would argue parents and buggies pose more of a threat on our footpaths.

"The amount of times I've nearly been run over by a buggy and forced on to the road perhaps worries me more.

"Of course, it's all about being courteous, no matter what you are doing, being respectful and remembering your manners will out, every time."

Student Holly Dodd says: "Particularly in sleepy villages like mine, 'the cyclist' seems to be a breed of its own and an entirely different one, at that, to the city wheeler.

"Generally, in my village, pedestrians reverently avoid traffic; sheepishly nipping back to the pavement under the approach of oncoming vehicles, but give some people two wheels, a metal frame and a suit of lycra and they become invincible.

"Most days you'd be frustrated, but not surprised, to see cyclists riding two or three abreast, casually carrying out their conversation, forcing cars cautiously up into the verge to avoid sending them stacking and barely acknowledging the effort.

"Many of my friends were taught cycling proficiency at school or a recreational organisation.

"I don't think it would be a bad idea to have this as a compulsory part of the curriculum to help ensure children's safety on bikes so they are not in the situation where it is safer to ride up on the pavements and, at best, inconvenience pedestrians and, at worst, endanger others and themselves."

Language coordinator Irina James says: "Cycling on the pavement is illegal and really not safe.

"On occasion, a few yards from my house, I have cycled on the pavement.

"I only attempt this when there is nobody about, because it frightens people, particularly the old, mums with pushchairs.

"If cyclists don't feel safe on the bike and/or on the road, it is advisable to either join a cycling club or take a road safety test.

"All children should do this regardless. As to safety, everybody should have a bell and working lights on their bike (and use them).

"I fail to understand how caring parents let their children ride bikes without them, particularly after dark.

"Police should issue fines if these are missing. Furthermore I think it is important that cyclists should be insured, for their own benefit as well as other road users."

Zumba teacher Lou Thomas says: "I think promoting cycling to work etc to improve fitness is a great idea but I do worry about the safety aspects of cycling on our busy roads.

"My husband had a work colleague who cycled to work every day – a very fit man until he was hit by a car and now is severely disabled.

"Local authorities need to put much more effort into creating cycle only lanes."

Conservationist Sheena Hamilton says: "It's extremely dangerous to ride on the pavement and it shouldn't be allowed.

"It's a two-edged sword – the cyclists go on the pavement for their safety but they make it dangerous for pedestrians.

"It's a selfish thing to do."