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N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

There is write up of a tragic court case on a few of the Online Newspapers. Briefly a pedestrian is walking towards a cyclist coming towards her on the pavement. The pedestrian shouts and waves her arms at the cyclist who swerves of the pavement into the path of a car and is killed. After a re-trial the pedestrian is found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 3 years. The link is easily found on the DM ,Mirror and probably other

My take on this is a mis-carriage of justice in the sentence. There could have been no intention of the pedestrian to harm the cyclist. Pedestrians should not be in a position whereby they encounter a cyclist on the pavement. The whole think is indeed tragic but the pedestrians life is ruined also. An argument in the trial is the width of the pavement given at 2.4 metres. Although this might appear wide enough to pass on parts of the pavement there are all sorts of posts protruding into it which would narrow it and just looking at the pictures it does not seem wide enough. It is disputed whether the pavement was intended for bikes and foot. The pedestrian does according to the trial seem to have a few physical problems. In any case what do others think?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

Without having seen or read anything about it, my take from your description is that the pedestrian tried to get the cyclist's attention (perhaps indicating some disability, or more likely to imply 'get off my right of way') and the cyclist tried to swerve round without slowing, and made a hash of it.

Must look for the video ....

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

As Sammy says it's been reported in various media:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-64824...6

www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2023/mar/02/pedestrian...n

www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-11810311/Woman-49...l

IMHO the verdict of the Jury (I've not seen anything that mentions this being a retrial) looks right. The sentence seems to be, perhaps, at the sharp end of the reasonable range. However there will be guidelines and it's clear from the reports that, aside from mitigation for health etc, there were compounding features including Ms Auriol leaving the scene, being less than honest at interview and only showing remorse when time as a guest of His Majesty was inevitable.

It's open to her to appeal either conviction or sentence but, based on the CCTV, conviction seems like a slam dunk.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 02/03/2023 at 14:21

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

I have seen the video and read the article. Everyone seems to be vague on whether it was a footpath or a shared surface, which isn't at all helpful. I did also see a news report where the reporter was stood in the same spot and a cyclist passed with ease.

In the incident, the woman kind of lunges towards the cyclist and forces her to swerve into the traffic. A manslaughter sentence does seem rather harsh, she didn't physically push her. Had I been the cyclist, particularly as the attacker was verbally abusive and clearly not mentally well, I would probably have either ridden in the road or at least slowed and prepared to stop if something happened.

Quite honestly, it just makes me sad for all involved.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

Just had a look on the BBC News website and (unless you feel cyclists should not be allowed on the pavement) it appears to be entirely the fault of the pedestrian. The pavement is not that wide granted, but plenty wide enough for a pedestrian and a cyclist on a compact folding bike to get by. The pedestrian appears to block the cyclists path while shouting and swearing, the cyclist is almost stopped when she appears in the video footage, loses balance and is falling onto the road when the footage stops.

The pedestrian is partially sighted and has cerebral palsy.

Edited by badbusdriver on 02/03/2023 at 14:24

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - bathtub tom

Just had a look on the BBC News website and (unless you feel cyclists should not be allowed on the pavement)

Cycling on the pavement is a criminal offence, as is driving on it.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Brit_in_Germany

According to the BBC report, the judge was of the opinion that it was a shared cycleway. There may be no evidence that the cyclist was pushed but seeing the video it at least seems to be a possibility that she was. For manslaughter there does not have to be an element of intention to do harm.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

For manslaughter there does not have to be an element of intention to do harm.

That I think is the bit folks don't always get. Manslaughter covers deaths where there is either gross negligence or unlawful act. Neither is applicable where the intention was to kill or cause grievous (ie very serious) bodily harm; the charge there would be murder:

www.cps.gov.uk/legal-guidance/homicide-murder-and-...#

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

There is write up of a tragic court case on a few of the Online Newspapers. Briefly a pedestrian is walking towards a cyclist coming towards her on the pavement. The pedestrian shouts and waves her arms at the cyclist who swerves of the pavement into the path of a car and is killed. After a re-trial the pedestrian is found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 3 years. The link is easily found on the DM ,Mirror and probably other

My take on this is a mis-carriage of justice in the sentence. There could have been no intention of the pedestrian to harm the cyclist. Pedestrians should not be in a position whereby they encounter a cyclist on the pavement. The whole think is indeed tragic but the pedestrians life is ruined also. An argument in the trial is the width of the pavement given at 2.4 metres. Although this might appear wide enough to pass on parts of the pavement there are all sorts of posts protruding into it which would narrow it and just looking at the pictures it does not seem wide enough. It is disputed whether the pavement was intended for bikes and foot. The pedestrian does according to the trial seem to have a few physical problems. In any case what do others think?

The judge determined this was a shared use cycle path.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

"""The judge determined this was a shared use cycle path."""

Did he? the article I read said it was not determined. Here we have 2 people heading towards one another probably in the middle of the pavement. One is there legally the other perhaps not.. The cyclist should have slowed down perhaps even have stopped. The new highway code gives the must vulnerable priority. Most shared paths are lined and "segregated" to show where cyclists should be and where pedestrian usually with an illustration chalked on the path. The path in question looks like an ordinary pavement. If you look further up the pavement there is a 2 pole traffic sign which would restrict the path of a pedestrian let alone two If the pedestrian has poor eyesight then the law is an ass. An unfortunate accident

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

The article I read said that both the police and the council highways department did not know whether it was a shared path or not. It was only the judge that was positive. It looked to me (I looked at it this morning so may be wrong) that the path was surfaced with flagstones which is unusual for a cycle path.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

The article I read said that both the police and the council highways department did not know whether it was a shared path or not. It was only the judge that was positive. It looked to me (I looked at it this morning so may be wrong) that the path was surfaced with flagstones which is unusual for a cycle path.

This sort of (at best) ambiguity is quite common. Many shared cycle / pedestrian pathways are often poorly signposted / marked (on the pavement itself), often because the latter is either worn off (not maintained) of those designing / installing the 'system' have done a poor job.

I agree that it is rare that pathways surfaced with paving stones would be designated cycle paths (or shared ones) due to the easy manner to which they get pushed up and are dangerous to cyclists, as well as the elderly / vision-impared. Sometimes bricked pavements are used instead (especially in town centres), but they are mostly tarmac or equivalent.

Many such areas (stupidly and often) last just a few (tens of) metres and are a complete waste of public money and have no beneift - in fact they often make things worse, with cyclists coming on and off or crossing roads with little warning to other road users. My home town is one such example.

At least those that are reasonably wide (often not the case), tarmac only and with a marked (lined) darmarcation will have some idea that it is a shared area, even if the marking to say which side is which have worn away. Too often they are put right next to the road, meaning that people taking avoiding action have nowhere to go but into the road, which is incredibly danegerous for all concerned.

A very sorry tale.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - KJP 123

I read the report and the verdict did seem harsh. Not just the finding of manslaughter but more so the sentence. Having seen the video I think it even more unjust.

Sammy1 who started the thread said that the trial was told that the pavement was 2.4 metres wide, that is 8 feet. It looks nowhere near that in the video.

A major detail in the case seemed to be if the pavement was pedestrian only or cycle and pedestrian. As I understand the law cyclists are not allowed to ride on ordinary pavements and that looks like a normal pavement; so I think that the judge was wrong.

Bromptonaut is correct in saying that Ms Auriol’s actions after the incident were not of the best but that only affects the sentence not the finding of guilt.

Maybe Ms Auriol expected the cyclist to stop or go to the left keeping on the pavement; this may have been influenced by her limited vision. Maybe all she could see was a cyclist heading straight towards her and she would be injured.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

No matter how much you are on the side of the pedestrian, that cannot be described as an 'accident'.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

The pedestrian was described as suffering from CP which affects a persons balance movement and posture. Yes some can walk but not as you and I might. She would probably not been able to move out of a cyclists way quickly either. Knowing this the pedestrian would possibly have panicked and tried to wave away the cyclist. People who are not well react very differently from the norm and was rightly on the pavement which would give her the past possible sanctuary her eyesight was poor also. If the cyclist had gone to her left it would not have happen and unfortunately fell off the curb, The judge said he did not make allowances for her medical conditions.

I believe that on appeal this will be reversed otherwise I just give up.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

Have you watched the video, Sammy? She can clearly walk perfectly well. A little ungainly, perhaps, but totally in control. She can also see well enough to spot a cyclist at distance and start yelling at her.

Her behaviour is obviously aggressive. She's not trying to hide, she's trying to bully the cyclist into the road. Her behaviour, including just going shopping afterwards and then denying everything, suggests that she probably has a learning disability, but she has stated that she doesn't, so I guess gets treated like everyone else.

Ultimately, though, the judge and jury know a lot more about this than we do and we're really just speculating.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

"""Ultimately, though, the judge and jury know a lot more about this than we do and we're really just speculating.""

Agree they just might> All the media seem to have the same report so if something else went on why is it not made public. There was no physical assault, swearing is everyday language these days The pedestrian clearly has some ongoing health issues certainly ungainly on her feet and other problems may be un-diagnosed. Something I did pick up is that the road is one way so it would suggest to me anyway that the road is perhaps a bit safer than the norm. If you look at one of the still pictures further along the pavement there are 3 posts holding up a road sigh which is a considerable bottle neck on the pavement and two people could not pass. So how the pavement could be said to be a purpose pedestrian/ cycle path is a nonsense. Local authorities/police these days are happy to go along with cycles on the pavement to hide their own shortcomings in providing proper cycling networks. I have no problem with pavement cycling especially for children but in most cases cyclists abuse it and pedestrians now have e scooters to contend with.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

. I have no problem with pavement cycling especially for children but in most cases cyclists abuse it and pedestrians now have e scooters to contend with.

Same here. I was assaulted by a cyclist a year ago whilst standing at a pelican crossing by the push button thingy. He demanded I move out of his way. I refused as there was plenty of room for him to go around me and there was no cycle path on this side of the road. So he smashed his full drink can into the side of my head. Luckily it was opened otherwise it could have been quite painful. It's a pity I didn't have my stout walking stick with me .

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

There have been a few comments on the pedestrians health, and speculation on the incident from her point of view, but none from the cyclists. This was a 77 year old slightly built lady, probably not a confident cyclist, who has come cycling along minding her business only to find the pedestrian behaving in an aggressive manner, shouting and swearing, gesturing, blocking her way forcing her to an unplanned stop whereupon she loses balance and falls onto the road. The poor woman was probably scared out of her wits and probably thought she was about to be assaulted. From the video clip I have seen on the Beeb, the cyclist comes into shot very late, by which time she has already almost stopped.

The issue of whether she should have been on the pavement is less important to me (because while the pavement was not that wide, there was more than enough space for them to have passed each other without incident) than where people think she should have been, if she lacked the confidence (like many) to cycle on the road?. Also, if this had been a child, would they be expected to cycle on the road because the pavement was not considered a shared space (if that is the case)?

This poor woman death is an absolutely tragedy, especially as there was no need for it to happen.

Edited by badbusdriver on 03/03/2023 at 08:34

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - John F

A dreadful example of.... a) 'justice'. b) The legal service (why did it take nearly 2.5 years to come to trial?) c) The disgracefully inadequate and unsafe fenced thoroughfare only inches away from a busy straight road with fast moving traffic for pedestrians and cyclists to proceed and pass each other.

I wonder if there was an inquest with coroner's recommendations? (not that, as part of the legal establishment, they are going to criticise the the absurdly protracted and expensive machinations of the justice industry.)

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - movilogo

The fundamental issue here is that cycling on road is dangerous. This was proven by the fact cyclist swerved to the road and was hit by a car and sadly, got killed.

The pedestrian did not physically push the cyclist off the footpath, so on that context jail sentence does appear bit harsh on this case but the pedestrian was at least partially responsible for the accident.

What we really need a peaceful co-existence of cyclists and pedestrians. There are often footpaths where hardly any pedestrians. So as long as cyclists are riding slowly and respectful to pedestrians there should be harmony.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

The fundamental issue here is that cycling on road is dangerous.

No it isn't, the fundamental issue here is that some pedestrian are aggressively intolerant of cyclists on the pavement. If the lady had been cycling on the road she would not be dead.

This was proven by the fact cyclist swerved to the road and was hit by a car and sadly, got killed.

Err, no, it most certainly does not!.

In what possible universe does a cyclist falling from a pavement onto the road, into the path of a car and being killed prove that cycling on the road is dangerous?. A pedestrian could have fallen from a pavement onto the road and been killed by a car, would that also prove that cycling on the road is dangerous?.

The only thing proven is that falling onto a road is dangerous.

Edited by badbusdriver on 03/03/2023 at 09:53

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

The fundamental issue here is that cycling on road is dangerous.

No it isn't, the fundamental issue here is that some pedestrian are aggressively intolerant of cyclists on the pavement. If the lady had been cycling on the road she would not be dead.

This was proven by the fact cyclist swerved to the road and was hit by a car and sadly, got killed.

Err, no, it most certainly does not!.

In what possible universe does a cyclist falling from a pavement onto the road, into the path of a car and being killed prove that cycling on the road is dangerous?. A pedestrian could have fallen from a pavement onto the road and been killed by a car, would that also prove that cycling on the road is dangerous?.

The only thing proven is that falling onto a road is dangerous.

I have had another look at the CCTV. The pedestrian is walking in the middle of the Pavement as she is entitled to. She is not waving her arms frantically she just appears to turn her left wrist 3 times. There is no view of the cyclists approach or how fast she was riding. There must have been other witnesses to say that she was swearing? But so what these days. It still seems to me that the cyclist lost control and fell, maybe she pulled the front brake too hard? Even if she was startled or abused how can the pedestrian be liable. Certainly not a 3 year jail term

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

The pedestrian is walking in the middle of the Pavement as she is entitled to.

She may well choose to walk in the middle of the pavement if there is nobody coming the other way, but she has no more entitlement to do so than anyone else using the pavment. Common sense and/or courtesy dictate moving to one side or the other if some is coming towards you. Or do you feel she would be entitled to hog the middle if there was a parent coming along with a pushchair, someone in a wheelchair etc?.

She is not waving her arms frantically she just appears to turn her left wrist 3 times.

Nobody said she was waving her arms frantically, but she clearly is waving her arm gesturing.

There is no view of the cyclists approach or how fast she was riding.

No, there is not. However this is a 77 year old lady on a folding bike with small wheels having just came back on to the pavement after crossing a junction/entrance, just how fast do you think she was going?.

There must have been other witnesses to say that she was swearing?

No need for eye witnesses for the swearing, there is sound on the clip used by the BBC. She shouts, "Get off the f****ng pavement".

It still seems to me that the cyclist lost control and fell, maybe she pulled the front brake too hard?

Imagine you are the 77 year old cyclist on the pavement, a pedestrian is in front of you shouting at you to get off the f'ing pavement while gesturing you towards the road. She does not know what, if anything, the pedestrian planned to do once she got within reach, how should she have dealt with it?.

Even if she was startled or abused how can the pedestrian be liable.

Because her actions caused the death of the cyclist.

Certainly not a 3 year jail term

She is entitled to appeal which, according to the Beeb, she plans to.

Edited by badbusdriver on 03/03/2023 at 15:54

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Steveieb

The main concern in my town is accidents involving E scooters .

Our orthopaedic surgeons wrote to the council asking them to reconsider extending the contract after recording over 250 accidents many including pedestrians having ankles broken and accidents involving riders.

The green agenda won out yet again and we have them for the next five years.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< She does not know what, if anything, the pedestrian planned to do once she got within reach, how should she have dealt with it?.>>

I haven't looked at the clip, but the simple answer to this question is either to stop, or to divert into the road, which she apparently did, clumsily. I still think the sentence is disproportionate. Most 'pavements' I am familiar with are not intended to be used by cyclists, but that view has become outdated I think, especially with e-scooters on the scene.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Manatee

Grey was trying to bully the 77 year old cyclist off the footpath into the road and she succeeded. The consequences were fatal.

I struggle to have an opinion on this, other than to say the sentence is harsh in comparison to, say, this one -

www.mynewsmag.co.uk/road-death-woman-gets-suspende.../

(causing death by dangerous driving, on the wrong side of the road and distracted by Snapchatting, killed cyclist, sentence 12 months suspended for 2 years and a driving ban).

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

Grey was trying to bully the 77 year old cyclist off the footpath into the road and she succeeded. The consequences were fatal.

I struggle to have an opinion on this, other than to say the sentence is harsh in comparison to, say, this one -

www.mynewsmag.co.uk/road-death-woman-gets-suspende.../

(causing death by dangerous driving, on the wrong side of the road and distracted by Snapchatting, killed cyclist, sentence 12 months suspended for 2 years and a driving ban).

It does seem incongruous, 3 year sentence Vs suspended 1 year sentence.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Brit_in_Germany

No doubt if she had entered a guilty plea at an early date she would have been given a suspended sentence.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

No doubt if she had entered a guilty plea at an early date she would have been given a suspended sentence.

According to what it says on the BBC website, the Judge said Grey had given a "dishonest account in interview", and, "not a word about remorse until today"

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

The main concern in my town is accidents involving E scooters .

Our orthopaedic surgeons wrote to the council asking them to reconsider extending the contract after recording over 250 accidents many including pedestrians having ankles broken and accidents involving riders.

The green agenda won out yet again and we have them for the next five years.

The problem with legislating, or trying to, against e scooters is that it's way too late for that.

People were able to buy them online well before any thought was given about if or where they should/could be used legally. Because there are so many, trying to legislate against them now would be a bit like trying to stop an incoming tide with a sweeping brush. Even if the legislation against them was successful, who would implement it?, and who would pay for it to be implemented?.

Rightly or wrongly, e scooters are here to stay now. The best that can be aimed/hoped for is educating riders on being more considerate towards others.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

""Rightly or wrongly, e scooters are here to stay now. The best that can be aimed/hoped for is educating riders on being more considerate towards others.""

May be the fact that orthopaedic surgeons are complaining about the number of injuries on their operating tables will open some ones eyes. The deaths and injuries sustained by these and e-bikes will become undefendable

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

""Rightly or wrongly, e scooters are here to stay now. The best that can be aimed/hoped for is educating riders on being more considerate towards others.""

May be the fact that orthopaedic surgeons are complaining about the number of injuries on their operating tables will open some ones eyes. The deaths and injuries sustained by these and e-bikes will become undefendable

Maybe, but ultimately the politicians who matter are driven by ambition. The e scooter riding youths who were most guilty of antisocial riding when they first came on the go are voters now, possibly still using an e scooter to get to work. Those who are doing it now will be voters tomorrow.

Plus, even if it was decided to ban them, there is still the huge logistical and financial burden of trying to implement that while the country is in such dire financial straits wit no end in sight.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Manatee

The deaths and injuries sustained by these and e-bikes will become undefendable

Seriously, there's no reason to think legal e-bikes are a problem. I use one because my heart won't get me up hills, not that I need an excuse. I am regularly overtaken by MAMILs and MAWILs for that matter.

Scooters OTOH look lethal unless you can guarantee you will never hit a pothole.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

The main concern in my town is accidents involving E scooters .

Our orthopaedic surgeons wrote to the council asking them to reconsider extending the contract after recording over 250 accidents many including pedestrians having ankles broken and accidents involving riders.

The green agenda won out yet again and we have them for the next five years.

The problem with legislating, or trying to, against e scooters is that it's way too late for that.

People were able to buy them online well before any thought was given about if or where they should/could be used legally. Because there are so many, trying to legislate against them now would be a bit like trying to stop an incoming tide with a sweeping brush. Even if the legislation against them was successful, who would implement it?, and who would pay for it to be implemented?.

Rightly or wrongly, e scooters are here to stay now. The best that can be aimed/hoped for is educating riders on being more considerate towards others.

Sadly not much chance in getting through to the majority of e-scooter users, who in my estimation (based on the demographics of both groups and their actions using them) are exactly the same as those insenstive and often dangerous lot (not little kids) who regularly ride cycles on the pavement when they shouldn't, at high speed and engaging in dangerous maneuvres.

I mean, how many people 'read the manual' before using a complex product, never mind a relatively simple one?

Like this case, this issue won't end well, I fear.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

Perhaps this topic should be brought to a close?

news.google.com/articles/CBMiPWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiY...n

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

Perhaps this topic should be brought to a close?

news.google.com/articles/CBMiPWh0dHBzOi8vd3d3LmJiY...n

We're you trying to link to this?

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-64835...7

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

Yup. Just picked the link straight out of Google news

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - John F

Some have suggested the cyclist should have been on the road. I don't think that was possible as it appears to be a two lane one way straeet, so she would have been cycling against oncoming traffic. Another reason why better provision should have been available for her passage, unless she was wilfully ignoring a safer but perhaps longer route.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

Some have suggested the cyclist should have been on the road. I don't think that was possible as it appears to be a two lane one way straeet, so she would have been cycling against oncoming traffic. Another reason why better provision should have been available for her passage, unless she was wilfully ignoring a safer but perhaps longer route.

The video as seen on the BBC shows that while the woman convicted was going in the opposite direction to the cars the cyclist on the pavement was going the same way.

Whether as an elderly person on what looks like a very simple seventies style step through frame (folding?) bike could properly use that road is a another question. To be honest even as younger person and on a more capable bike I'd feel very vulnerable on an urban ring road like that.

The situation is an illustration of what I've said many times; it's much easier and safer riding on Central London's main thoroughfares like The Strand than in an average town.

Other than perhaps minor mitigation/aggravation at the sentence stage whether the pavement was, or was not a designated shared use path is neither here nor there.

As per a one line comment on another forum, Cyclechat:

A person lost their life due to the stupid aggressive actions of another. The pedantry of whether it was a shared path or not, is meaningless.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 04/03/2023 at 14:24

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

""A person lost their life due to the stupid aggressive actions of another. The pedantry of whether it was a shared path or not, is meaningless.""

N0 it is not in my opinion meaningless. The path is not wide enough for a pedestrian and a cyclist to pass safely. Just a bit further on is a road sign with 3 poles sticking out of the pavement where a pedestrian would have to squeeze through. It is not a dedicated twin use path and the police or council cannot say it is. The cyclist had ample opportunity to give way to the pedestrian but attempted to squeeze past. The pedestrian is disabled and a bit on the large size and should not have been confronted by a cyclist bearing down on her. Surely this has been and should be the continuing use of a pavement for PEDESTRIANS. The incidence of coming together of bikes e-scooters etc on footpaths is increasing and pedestrians being more vulnerable when hit by a moving object. Indeed some of these incidents are when bikes etc come at pedestrians from behind. My wife was walking an 8foot wide path and hit by a bike coming towards her ridden by a 15 year old accompanied by his father both were going too fast to stop. The so called shared paths are also more dangerous to pedestrians Just because there is a line painted which you see in parks for instance does not protect children as some do not understand this invisible barrier. Modern day traffic is too dangerous for bikes but they should not take over the pavements but give way to pedestrians

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

The path is not wide enough for a pedestrian and a cyclist to pass safely.

The pavement is plenty wide enough for one cyclist and one pedestrian, even someone a bit larger, to pass without problem.

Just a bit further on is a road sign with 3 poles sticking out of the pavement where a pedestrian would have to squeeze through.

As this is not where the incident happened, this has no relevance whatsoever.

The pedestrian is disabled and a bit on the large size

The pedestrian has CB, but is able to walk without the aid of a stick. She is partially sighted but it is obviously not that bad as she does not use of those sticks for blind/partially sighted and she is obviously able to see well enough to know that the person coming towards her is on a bicycle. And she isn't that big, so again, irrelevant.

The cyclist had ample opportunity to give way to the pedestrian but attempted to squeeze past.

As the pavement is wide enough for them to pass without hindering each other, there is no reason why she needed to give way.

should not have been confronted by a cyclist bearing down on her.

We know the pedestrian is behaving aggressively, we can see and hear it on the CCTV footage. But you do not know anything about what the cyclist is doing until she comes into shot right before she ends up falling onto the road, so don't make out like this 77 year old was behaving like a selfish speeding youth on an e scooter. I wonder if you would be quite so keen on jumping to the pedestrians defence if the cyclist had been a 10 year old child?

Surely this has been and should be the continuing use of a pavement for PEDESTRIANS. The incidence of coming together of bikes e-scooters etc on footpaths is increasing and pedestrians being more vulnerable when hit by a moving object. Indeed some of these incidents are when bikes etc come at pedestrians from behind. My wife was walking an 8foot wide path and hit by a bike coming towards her ridden by a 15 year old accompanied by his father both were going too fast to stop. The so called shared paths are also more dangerous to pedestrians Just because there is a line painted which you see in parks for instance does not protect children as some do not understand this invisible barrier. Modern day traffic is too dangerous for bikes but they should not take over the pavements but give way to pedestrians

This has no relevance to what happened here.

Edited by badbusdriver on 04/03/2023 at 17:59

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

"""The path is not wide enough for a pedestrian and a cyclist to pass safely.

The pavement is plenty wide enough for one cyclist and one pedestrian, even someone a bit larger, to pass without problem.

Just a bit further on is a road sign with 3 poles sticking out of the pavement where a pedestrian would have to squeeze through.

As this is not where the incident happened, this has no relevance whatsoever.""

It has relevance as to the suitability of a shared pavement What happens if two people come together here? Either one stops and gives way or one steps into the road. You cannot have shared if there is a blockage and in any case the pavement is simply not wide enough other wise the cyclist would not have fallen off and she was not pushed.

The pedestrian only starts turning her wrists when the cyclist is about 25 feet from her and still riding you do not know how much room the cyclist had to pass otherwise she might not have fallen off when they meet and you or I do not know how fast the bike was going.

The last part you highlight is my take on the circumstances of what happened. If the local authority and police used common sense and the law as it stands this might never have happen, Just because cyclists appear to have now claimed the pavements does NOT make it right and old people, children and adults minding their own business are the ones who come off worse.

It does your opinion no good to decide what is relevant.

The case is subject to appeal and the pedestrian is in Jail. She waited some 2 years for this to come about after a re-trial. The judge declared the pavement a shared access which is nonsense. The local authority who responsibility it is have no record

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Brit_in_Germany

According to the police statement referred to above, even if it was not officially a shared cycleway, it was treated as such. The other side of the road has the blue signs but the pavement is no different.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

"""The path is not wide enough for a pedestrian and a cyclist to pass safely.

The pavement is plenty wide enough for one cyclist and one pedestrian, even someone a bit larger, to pass without problem.

Just a bit further on is a road sign with 3 poles sticking out of the pavement where a pedestrian would have to squeeze through.

As this is not where the incident happened, this has no relevance whatsoever.""

It has relevance as to the suitability of a shared pavement What happens if two people come together here? Either one stops and gives way or one steps into the road. You cannot have shared if there is a blockage and in any case the pavement is simply not wide enough other wise the cyclist would not have fallen off and she was not pushed.

No reason at all for two people to come together where it happened, as there is more than enough room. The pedestrian was right in the middle of the pavement swinging her right arm from the elbow leaving even less room, while shouting at the cyclist to get off the f'ing road.

It does your opinion no good to decide what is relevant.

What may or may not have happened along at the road sign is not relevant. That is not my opinion, it is fact.

If the local authority and police used common sense and the law as it stands this might never have happen,

And if the pedestrian hadn't behaved the way she did, it definitely wouldn't have happened.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

The opinion of a Mr Thompson in a letter to the Telegraph (today's letters page) sums the issue for cyclists up well:

They referred to another correspondant about dual-use (pedestrians and cyclists) pavements being often a bad idea because you constantly have to keep an eye out for both pedestrians (likely making sudden movements which cannot be anticipated) and cars coming out of driveways (where they often can't see you or don't bother to look).

Thus as Rule 61 of the HC says, “While such facilities are provided for reasons of safety, cyclists may exercise their judgment and are not obliged to use them.” They said it was for those reasons, they mostly stick to riding on the road.

I generally follow the same ethos, often because cycle paths (incl shared ones) are often poorly designed as previously stated, even those that have a clear demarcation. Similarly, a lot of cyclists stay out of road cycle lanes because they are poorly maintained, both the quality of the tarmac surface, number of sunken / prodruding drains and the profileration of debris that can easily deflate a tyre.

Unfortunately, those more elderly cyclists who bravely go out are then forced between a potentially very dangerous ride on a main road or risking coming off or (as here) being pushed into the road via the actions of pedstrians. That's not to say some cyclists (mainly younger people) don't take the Mick and ride recklessly on the pavement, whether allowed to or not.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

The Mail on Sunday has more views of the pavement at the site of the accident. The pedestrian is walking in the middle of the pavement, She appears to be avoiding the manhole covers. There are 3 to her right which she has passed and one to her left where the incident occurred. From the shot from across the road at the pavement it can be seen that the pavement at the edge of the curb is in a poor state with a groove between tarmac and kerb stones. The cyclist does ride past the pedestrian and there is clearly not enough room to do so. Reading the article in the MOS the pedestrian is clearly one of life's misfortunates and sad that a person lost their life the pedestrian should not have been jailed.

Re bikes on pavements people living in terrace houses are confronted by bikes whizzing past and there was an accident not long ago that a person stepped out of a shop into the path of a bike in a shopping precinct. It is like Dodge City before Wyatt Earp with SOME cyclists and e-scooters.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - badbusdriver

The Mail on Sunday has more views of the pavement at the site of the accident. The pedestrian is walking in the middle of the pavement, She appears to be avoiding the manhole covers. There are 3 to her right which she has passed and one to her left where the incident occurred. From the shot from across the road at the pavement it can be seen that the pavement at the edge of the curb is in a poor state with a groove between tarmac and kerb stones.

Still flailing about looking for reasons to excuse Grey from her actions I see.

However your latest argument holds no water either. At no point during the CCTV footage does Grey so much as glance at the pavement surface, so she is clearly not concerned about any potential tripping risk from manhole covers, etc. Furthermore, if she was, the most sensible place to walk would be as close to the fence as possible in order that if she were to stumble she might prevent a fall by grabbing on to it, but also, being at that side of the pavement would minimise the possibility of ending up on the road were she to trip.

The cyclist does ride past the pedestrian and there is clearly not enough room to do so.

Do you think if you keep repeating this it will become true?. There clearly is enough room on the pavement for a cyclist to pass a pedestrian, and regardless of you often state the opposite, this fact will not change!.

Reading the article in the MOS the pedestrian is clearly one of life's misfortunates and sad that a person lost their life the pedestrian should not have been jailed.

I'm in agreement that Grey's sentence is unduly harsh when compared to other incidents, like the one mentioned earlier. But there is no getting away from the fact that her intolerant actions and behaviour were (regardless of intention) directly responsible for the death of the cyclist.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - bathtub tom

There's NO evidence the pavement was a dual use for pedestrians and cyclists, it's only the judges opinion that it was so. There's an opinion on another site from a local resident who's looked at the area and states:

The road in question is a two lane one way inner ring road of the older parts of Huntingdon. The path in question is a footpath not a shared path/cycleway and I'm surprised the judge felt unable to clarify by taking that position. It seems both police and local authority felt unable to say for certain so with a death on their hands took the easy option that it might have been deemed shared which the judge seems to have echoed.

To explain why I don't believe it was ever intended to be shared use anywhere near the incident...

There is a footpath either side of these two traffic lanes... both paths never wider than a medium width and in places hardly the width for two pushchairs to meet.

The footpath the other side of the two traffic lanes is clearly marked with the blue pedestrian/cyclist symbol signs. On average these are placed every 56m and face both directions.

The footpath on the side of the incident has no such signs from its start in the direction the pedestrian was walking and just one sign if you were walking from the other direction and that is on a totally different section of the ring road three junctions and 400m away.

So I'd draw the inference the section of the incident even taking in several hundred meters either side was not shared use.

This can all be verified on Google street view.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

And that still goes back to the point that somebody has died because of what somebody else did to them. If a car is parked facing oncoming traffic (technically illegal, especially at night) it doesn't then follow that I can kill the driver without fear or prosecution.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

And that still goes back to the point that somebody has died because of what somebody else did to them.

Interesting choice of words : did Grey actually 'do' anything to the dead woman ? She swore and waved her arms, but was any contact made ? The video isn't conclusive, the cyclist seems to have swerved into the road and lost control. It's a bit harsh to blame Grey for everything - it's suggesting that she should have foreseen what would/might happen.

Edited by Andrew-T on 05/03/2023 at 23:10

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

And that still goes back to the point that somebody has died because of what somebody else did to them.

Interesting choice of words : did Grey actually 'do' anything to the dead woman ? She swore and waved her arms, but was any contact made ? The video isn't conclusive, the cyclist seems to have swerved into the road and lost control. It's a bit harsh to blame Grey for everything - it's suggesting that she should have foreseen what would/might happen.

Per the BBC article above:

"In police interview, Grey said she believed she had made light contact with Mrs Ward.

Det Sgt Dollard, who interviewed Grey, told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire: "I'll always remember the morning after it occurred obtaining the CCTV and watching it in its entirety.

"In all honesty it's horrific and not appropriate for wider release to the public, but, if it were, then I think a lot of the arguments in relation to appropriate responses would be null and void."

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - edlithgow

Similar incident (without fatal consequence) while I was back in Edinburgh, on Dalry Road.

Middle aged male started shouting and swearing at an oncoming cyclist who swerved onto the road to avoid him. He then continued shouting and swearing, widening the scope of his critique to include me, as the local representative of those who "Dinnae gie a f***" and left it to him to defend our pedestrian rights.

I agreed that I "Didnae gie a f***", but thanked him for his service.

Drink is often a factor in such incidents in Scotland, though I didn't smell it here.

I'd suspect similar vigilante motivations might have been in play in this case.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

There's NO evidence the pavement was a dual use for pedestrians and cyclists, it's only the judges opinion that it was so.

Since the Judge is reported as having said that the Council, who would have responsibility for designation and marking of shared use, are unable to say with certainty whether it was or was not then we can conclude he did so based on some evidence.

If it were 100% slam dunk a footway only what difference would it make to (a) verdict and (b) sentence?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - HGV ~ P Valentine

it is a very sorry tale, I agree but

I have always said the courts and i****s, and the police on a lot of occasions do not have the intelligence to get out of bed.

First and foremost their idea that they are not sure if it is a shared pavement is rubbish, it is NOT shared unless there is signage to state it is, either by a signpost, or markings on the pavement. Section 72 of the good book prohibits wilful use of a bicycle on the pavement, and also states you MUST NOT cycle on the pavement. There is also a fixed penalty of £30 for the cyclist. The bbc film footage shows no signage marking any part of the pavement as a cycle path.

This should not be news to a police officer or the courts, but as I said they are i****s. A mate of mine got pulled over by the police in a truck doing 50 mph on a single carriageway, this was the day after it went up as it used to be 40. ( it changed 2 year ago or there abouts )

When the police officer was told by the driver it went up, he went back to his car, called the station and then came back to the truck driver, stating I hate you hgv drivers and left. In another incident with me I told the police officer it is normal practice to give way to traffic coming from the right unless road signs indicate otherwise, and he started arguing that it was not the case.

They said that the average intelligence of a police officer/court judges is equal to that of a 5 year old, I think that is an insult to all 5 year olds.

Edited by HGV ~ P Valentine on 07/03/2023 at 12:51

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

There's no shared path signage visible on the CCTV excerpt of the incident some folks who've been back/forth on Streetview say there are signs some way back without anything later to show that the concession ends.

Whether it is or is not a shared pavement is, for the purposes of a Manslaughter charge, neither here nor there.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

There's no shared path signage visible on the CCTV excerpt of the incident some folks who've been back/forth on Streetview say there are signs some way back without anything later to show that the concession ends.

Whether it is or is not a shared pavement is, for the purposes of a Manslaughter charge, neither here nor there.

I suppose what it comes down to is whether the now deceased deserved what the other lady did to her, and that is a definite NO. Whether the guilty party deserves 3 years inside for that is a debate that will run and run. I can see each side on that score, being a pedestrian, cyclist and motorist.

I hope that the local signage gets improved so that users are clear about where cyclists can use any shared pathway.

Is there part of the law and/or Highway Code that states when a cyslist has to be either on the road or on a designated cycle path, i.e. when you take the stabilisers of a kids bike. The problem always comes when the kids are in that 10-13 age bracket when you could make decent arguments either way, even though the stabilisers have been 'off' since probably age 5-7. Maybe it was (is it still) related to the age when kids take (the equivalent of) the cycliing profficiency test.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

They said that the average intelligence of a police officer/court judges is equal to that of a 5 year old, I think that is an insult to all 5 year olds.

Sorry, PV, by using the wrong word(s) you have made your 'case' sound like a rant. Any court judge will have needed a minimum level of intelligence to become one. If you had talked about common sense it might have sounded better IMHO. Unfortunately the law forces them to follow rigid guidelines.

In the present case, I reckon that as a death has occurred the law is obliged to place the blame somewhere. The driver of the car won't do, the victim is dead, and unless something can be pinned on the local authorities the unfortunate pedestrian is the only one left. To my mind no-one was truly 'to blame', so a jail sentence is excessive.

In the very early days of rail travel fatal crashes were fairly common. To begin with the law could not work out where to place the blame, so the railway company often had to pay a deodand (literally a payment to God) as a deterrent. As Charlie Brown in Peanuts once said (about baseball I think) 'it's not whether you win or lose, it's where to place the blame'.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - mcb100
If this has already been posted upstream, then please ignore.
Joshua Rozenberg’s piece on the verdict -
rozenberg.substack.com/p/why-grey-got-three-years
N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut
If this has already been posted upstream, then please ignore. Joshua Rozenberg’s piece on the verdict - rozenberg.substack.com/p/why-grey-got-three-years

Thanks for passing that on. As a subscriber to Joshua Rozenberg's substack it was in my Inbox but I was working on another PC.

The Judge's remarks stand on their own and need no additional commentary. They do though confirm that this was a second trial and that, on both occasions, Miss Grey chose not to give evidence.

They also seem to dispose of any suggestion that the deceased did anything silly. There is reference to a witness saying that she had stopped facing Miss Grey before the actual fall.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 07/03/2023 at 15:16

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Very interesting the views of the judge but questionable in my view.

!) you chose not to give evidence. This would not been the defendants choice but her lawyer perhaps because she does not articulate well. Was also said to have told lies at interview, well the police can be very intimidating to those who have not been there before.

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

3) The assumption that the defendant was not frightened she might be injured. You have a disabled person with a club foot and a splint on her leg, not walking normally on the video and legally in the centre of the footpath. She has a cyclist coming towards her and a witness saying ""appearing that they both stopped" This is not true, from the CCTV they pass one another without stopping and the accident happens The cyclist has NOT enough room to go past safely as the defendant is in the middle of the pavement where she is entitled to be so is some way responsible shouting or not.

4) Another driver might have anticipated what might happen when they observe a cyclist riding near the kerb. Just because someone is cycling on the pavement does not mean you should not give them due distance.

Yes the Justice System has guidelines but the judge also has discretion. What good does it serve sending the defendant to prison for her actions. Everyday you see reported that people who have committed serious crimes time and time again yes the ""professional Thugs and crooks getting let off with community service or suspended sentence time and time again. You have motorists convicted of serious traffic offences still driving around with 30 points or more a danger to us all.

In the first trial the fact the jury could not reach a verdict speaks volumes

The defendant is not danger to the public, she may have made an error of Judgement but does NOT deserve prison.

This country used to be a compassionate one, it is fast loosing direction.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

Very interesting the views of the judge but questionable in my view.

1) you chose not to give evidence. This would not been the defendants choice but her lawyer perhaps because she does not articulate well. Was also said to have told lies at interview, well the police can be very intimidating to those who have not been there before.

Almost 100% certain her lawyers said keeping her lip zipped was the only way she might avoid an adverse verdict.

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not.

3) The assumption that the defendant was not frightened she might be injured. You have a disabled person with a club foot and a splint on her leg, not walking normally on the video and legally in the centre of the footpath. She has a cyclist coming towards her and a witness saying ""appearing that they both stopped" This is not true, from the CCTV they pass one another without stopping and the accident happens The cyclist has NOT enough room to go past safely as the defendant is in the middle of the pavement where she is entitled to be so is some way responsible shouting or not.

As an aside, where is the splint and club foot mentioned in either the judges remarks or the media. The CCTV shows her walking near normally. The point about fear is related to her being proprietorial about the pavement. It's quite clear from the CCTV that in fact they did not stop. However a witness thought they did. Nothing odd there; have seen the film with the man in a Gorilla suit and students playing frisbee?

The fact that the cyclist had not got room to pass was entirely due to Miss Grey's actions even after the cyclist must have committed to passing on her left. That and the fact that Grey appears to lunge are key to why she's slam dunk guilty.

4) Another driver might have anticipated what might happen when they observe a cyclist riding near the kerb. Just because someone is cycling on the pavement does not mean you should not give them due distance.

Again that's neither here nor there.

Yes the Justice System has guidelines but the judge also has discretion. What good does it serve sending the defendant to prison for her actions. Everyday you see reported that people who have committed serious crimes time and time again yes the ""professional Thugs and crooks getting let off with community service or suspended sentence time and time again. You have motorists convicted of serious traffic offences still driving around with 30 points or more a danger to us all.

The Judge used his discretion in deciding both the extent of Grey's culpability and the harm done. He then decided on the sentence.

In the first trial the fact the jury could not reach a verdict speaks volumes

A retrial is what happens when a Jury cannot agree a verdict. If that is indeed why the first trial failed.

Do you expect the CPS and the relatives of the deceased to treat it as though it were an acquittal?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not.

In purely legal terms it may not. But some residents of Huntingdon have reported that while the pavement on the opposite side of this road is marked out as shared for pedestrians and cyclists, the one involved in the accident is not. For some reason the judge decided that they both were, although police and the council would not commit themselves. This 'may not matter' legally, but it makes the judge appear to make an arbitrary decision for which he is probably unqualified.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

By reason of this statement the judge appears to make every pavement in the country a shared footpath and gives credence to the free for all that some cyclists seem to enjoy.

What is missing in the judge's statement is any mention of the cyclists speed or position on the pavement. It would appear by the pedestrians gesturing that they were perhaps heading on a collision course. They do appear to be quite near each other when the waving starts.

Who is going to come off worse if they collide???

""""It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not."""

Surely this case revolves around this and all the other confrontations that are happening throughout the country between cyclists pedestrians and motorists. i.e. Where cyclists are legally entitled to be and obeying the Highway Code.. In this case the two involved should not have been put in a position of confrontation due to lax authority either by council or police. I wonder why in years gone by the police used to prosecute cyclists on the pavement. Perhaps these days were more enlightened.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Brit_in_Germany

This seems to be signage was makes it ambiguous whether the pavement is a shared use cyclepath. There is an "end" sign but it is not clear to which direction it applies as it is at 90 degrees to the pavement.

maps.app.goo.gl/rJ6JpyDHywriEKie6

It is at the junction of George St. and Walden Rd.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - bathtub tom

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not.

I believe it definitely does, because cycling on the footpath is a criminal offence. If you don't believeme, look it up.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not.

I believe it definitely does, because cycling on the footpath is a criminal offence. If you don't believeme, look it up.

It doesn't matter because the dead cyclist can't be prosecuted - even if she were cycling illegally, it was the action of the pedestrian that caused her death - hence the conviction for manslaughter.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

2) The question of the legality of the footpath it is not a shared path

It simply doesn't matter whether it is or is not.

I believe it definitely does, because cycling on the footpath is a criminal offence. If you don't believeme, look it up.

So is it now OK to kill someone you believe is committing a crime?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - FP

"... cycling on the footpath is a criminal offence. If you don't believeme, look it up."

Technically, I believe there is a distinction between a "footpath" and a "footway". The former is a route situated away from a road, while the latter is next to, or alongside, a road. Cycling on a footway is a criminal offence; cycling on a footpath is usually treated as a civil matter.

The fact that the cyclist in this case may have been breaking the law (though the judge didn't seem to think so) does not give someone else a free rein to do what they like; the question of proportionality arises.

My view (for what it's worth) is that the judgement in this case was correct, but the punishment excessive.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

"""So is it now OK to kill someone you believe is committing a crime?"""

How on Earth have you come to this conclusion. No body is saying this and the defendant did not kill anyone. It was an accident.

FP the verdict in law may be right but I agree the punishment is just wrong.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

"""So is it now OK to kill someone you believe is committing a crime?"""

How on Earth have you come to this conclusion. No body is saying this and the defendant did not kill anyone. It was an accident.

FP the verdict in law may be right but I agree the punishment is just wrong.

Because whether cycling on the pavement is or is not illegal is only relevant if that somehow changes whether manslaughter is manslaughter.

The defendant did kill someone; that's what manslaughter is. She has been found guilty, in court, by a jury that has seen all of the evidence not just little snippets they've picked up from the news.

I still agree the sentence seems harsh but, having killed someone, she did then just walk off to do her shopping.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - FP

"... the defendant did not kill anyone. It was an accident."

The defendant's actions directly led to the cyclist's death. So the defendant DID kill the cyclist, in the eyes of the court. Of course it was not premeditated - that would be murder.

Manslaughter is the crime of killing a human being "without malice aforethought".

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

The defendant's actions directly led to the cyclist's death. So the defendant DID kill the cyclist, in the eyes of the court. Of course it was not premeditated - that would be murder.

This technicality could reach reductio ad absurdum. It is believed or suspected that Grey made some contact with the victim, the result of which was that she fell into the road. Let us imagine as a slight variation that instead of gesturing, Grey had suddenly shouted an obscenity as the victim passed, with the same result. Would she still have 'killed' her ? Killed by shouting ? Same sentence ?

Hmmm. If a cyclist loses balance as easily as that, I don't like the idea of blaming anyone else for the consequences.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

I believe it definitely does, because cycling on the footpath is a criminal offence. If you don't believe me, look it up.

I've been into utility cycling of one form or another for all but 50 years including a long period as a commuter in Central London.

I know what the law says and agree it's possible that the victim was not, and knew she was not, on a shared use path.

Where I'm struggling is why that has any bearing on either guilt or sentence so far as Manslaughter is concerned.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

""""District Judge Leo Pyle said: "Pavements are for pedestrians and people in wheelchairs or infants in prams. They are supposed to be free of vehicles of any type.

"This mode of transport should not be there. This tragic incident was avoidable.""""

The above is the quote from the trial of a 14 year old on an e-scooter who knocked down and killed a 71 year old grandmother in Rainworth Nottinghamshire which is awaiting sentence.

Another trial different circumstances different Judge, but which judge makes the most sense?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Brit_in_Germany

The point is is that in the UK you are generally not able to mete out justice yourself, so even if the old lady was riding illegally it was not for the pedestrian to intervene in a violent manner. The e-scooter case is of no relevance.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Update to the 14 year old on the e-scooter for those who may be interested. He was given a 12 months Referral order and a 5 year driving ban. Ok is is young and the incident was not intentional but neither was this other case.

I do not see the logic of a driving ban. . If e-scooters are illegal was he ""driving "" it on the pavement or riding the thing. Why do you need a driving licence to use one if they are illegal? About time the authorities clarified the position of these I am aware of the "legal" trials that appear to be open ended.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - bathtub tom

I do not see the logic of a driving ban.

He was driving an unregistered, uninsured, untaxed motor vehicle, without a driving licence. Let's see him try to get insurance when he does want to drive a car.

I note his parents were also chastised and rightly so.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

Update to the 14 year old on the e-scooter for those who may be interested. He was given a 12 months Referral order and a 5 year driving ban. Ok is is young and the incident was not intentional but neither was this other case.

Different set of facts though. First of all, the perpetrator/defendant was a minor. No aggression was shown towards the victim who is reported as having stepped out in front of the lad. Guilty pleas were put in and reports say the boy is full of remorse.

If Ms Grey had been honest from the start, hadn't been looking for a scrap and plead guilty asap, and then she might have avoided gaol too.

I do not see the logic of a driving ban. . If e-scooters are illegal was he ""driving "" it on the pavement or riding the thing. Why do you need a driving licence to use one if they are illegal? About time the authorities clarified the position of these I am aware of the "legal" trials that appear to be open ended.

We have them in the centre of Northampton as part of the trial. As they don't meet the exceptions available to pedal bikes with 'battery assist' they're motor vehicles and need a licence and insurance. They're illegal because, except for a concession for those available for hire, there's nothing in the Construction and Use Regs to cover them.

You can be done for riding them while over the prescribed limit and lose your car licence as a result:

www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-gloucestershire-6124...3

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

YEs Regardless of all the differences of opinion, how about some comment on the opposite views of the two judges. They cannot both be right and the get out cannot be the shared pavement which it is not.

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes being exempt as a motor vehicle is a nonsense They are becoming more of a problem than push bikes because they are travelling much faster and yes some are using the pavements.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

YEs Regardless of all the differences of opinion, how about some comment on the opposite views of the two judges. They cannot both be right and the get out cannot be the shared pavement which it is not.

To me, the facts and locations are so different that you cannot make any meaningful comparison.

If Judge Enright, in the Huntingdon case, was wrong and the footway was not shared use, it makes no material difference to whether Manslaughter was the right charge or whether Miss Grey was guilty. The only relevance might be whether it was mitigation in sentencing but it's not a clincher.

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes being exempt as a motor vehicle is a nonsense They are becoming more of a problem than push bikes because they are travelling much faster and yes some are using the pavements.

I'm honestly struggling to understand what you mean.

There is legislation that limits what you call an e-bike in terms of max speed while powered and that power stops if the pedals are not turning, If the thing you're riding meets the conditions then it's OK.

Scooters are a different thing. They need, but do not have (with some exceptions for organised hire), legislation to say what they can do in terms of speed, brakes, power/weight ratio etc.

I don't think, at least in terms of what is allowed/banned rather than as it should be, you and I differ much.

Edited by Bromptonaut on 09/03/2023 at 17:29

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

It's not quite the wild west; there is formal guidance not to fine or prosecute people cycling on a pavement if they've got a decent reason to do so.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.

Sounds like this story and debate has a lot of legs left in it. Just yesterday some OAP riding an electric mobility scooter decide to force me aside by 'beeping' (very quiet if was - I didn't know what the noise was until the thing was within 5m of me) and then shouting at me to 'move out of the way' whilst he 'passed' me (I was walking at a decent clip) on the pedestrian-only pathway at well in excess of 4mph, probably nearer to 10.

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.

Sounds like this story and debate has a lot of legs left in it. Just yesterday some OAP riding an electric mobility scooter decide to force me aside by 'beeping' (very quiet if was - I didn't know what the noise was until the thing was within 5m of me) and then shouting at me to 'move out of the way' whilst he 'passed' me (I was walking at a decent clip) on the pedestrian-only pathway at well in excess of 4mph, probably nearer to 10.

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

The law is clear with mobility scooters - when on pavements or other pedestrian areas they're limited to 4 mph (6 kph) - some are allowed to do 8 mph on roads - I suspect that many riders leave the limit switch at 8mph.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Yes rules and laws are in place but the e-scooter one has not been put to bed.

With the e-scooter you have limited lawful trials governed by the need to have a driving licence and insurance. You have a ""motorised" vehicle with silly minute wheels that are potentially unstable particularly if say a 20 stone individual uses one. As for stopping well that is something else. They also seem to be used in a mixed pedestrian environment?

The e-bike is also motorised. Just the fact you can you can pedal it and perhaps it is some 5mph? slower. why is it not classified? These should command at the very least insurance and a proper licence. If anything they are a greater risk to pedestrians.

As to mobility scooters I believe these are restricted to 4 mph but anyone can buy one, and are legal as I understand it on the pavement. This doesn't mean that they can be ridden/driven without due care for others but some abuse it

""""Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.""""

The above state sums it up for me. It is not too late for the law makers to go back and think again on both. If a lot of users and this applies to push bikes as well continue to ignore the law then more serious punishment is called for.

The Highway code gives "" protection "" to the most vulnerable. At the moment it is not worth the paper it's written on

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT
As to mobility scooters I believe these are restricted to 4 mph but anyone can buy one, and are legal as I understand it on the pavement. This doesn't mean that they can be ridden/driven without due care for others but some abuse it

There are two classes of mobility scooter - those physically limited to 4 mph, have no lights and suitable only for use on pavements - those switchable between 4 and 8 mph, have lights and can be used on pavements at 4 mph and roads at 8 mph.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

Yes rules and laws are in place but the e-scooter one has not been put to bed.

With the e-scooter you have limited lawful trials governed by the need to have a driving licence and insurance. You have a ""motorised" vehicle with silly minute wheels that are potentially unstable particularly if say a 20 stone individual uses one. As for stopping well that is something else. They also seem to be used in a mixed pedestrian environment?

The e-bike is also motorised. Just the fact you can you can pedal it and perhaps it is some 5mph? slower. why is it not classified? These should command at the very least insurance and a proper licence. If anything they are a greater risk to pedestrians.

As to mobility scooters I believe these are restricted to 4 mph but anyone can buy one, and are legal as I understand it on the pavement. This doesn't mean that they can be ridden/driven without due care for others but some abuse it

""""Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.""""

The above state sums it up for me. It is not too late for the law makers to go back and think again on both. If a lot of users and this applies to push bikes as well continue to ignore the law then more serious punishment is called for.

The Highway code gives "" protection "" to the most vulnerable. At the moment it is not worth the paper it's written on

I don't know where this pathological fear of e-bikes is coming from. They are like any other bike but with a motor to help you get up to normal bike speed.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

As to mobility scooters I believe these are restricted to 4 mph but anyone can buy one, and are legal as I understand it on the pavement. This doesn't mean that they can be ridden/driven without due care for others but some abuse it

No, some mobility scooters can do 8mph and be used on the road.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.

Sounds like this story and debate has a lot of legs left in it. Just yesterday some OAP riding an electric mobility scooter decide to force me aside by 'beeping' (very quiet if was - I didn't know what the noise was until the thing was within 5m of me) and then shouting at me to 'move out of the way' whilst he 'passed' me (I was walking at a decent clip) on the pedestrian-only pathway at well in excess of 4mph, probably nearer to 10.

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

Surely the difficulty at root of this discussion is that enough rules (laws if you prefer) already exist relating to where cycles and scooters are permitted to operate. It's just that many riders / users ignore them and the authorities are not interested or numerous enough to enforce them.

Sounds like this story and debate has a lot of legs left in it. Just yesterday some OAP riding an electric mobility scooter decide to force me aside by 'beeping' (very quiet if was - I didn't know what the noise was until the thing was within 5m of me) and then shouting at me to 'move out of the way' whilst he 'passed' me (I was walking at a decent clip) on the pedestrian-only pathway at well in excess of 4mph, probably nearer to 10.

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?

I was specifically asking about the differences, other Backroomers kindly explained that. Any reason you just have to keep making snide comments like that? It's not as though I was doing the same to you.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?

I was specifically asking about the differences, other Backroomers kindly explained that. Any reason you just have to keep making snide comments like that? It's not as though I was doing the same to you.

I know you don't like questions - but me asking you a question does not mean I am being snide with you. As usual though you don't answer the question and make out that you are being dissed in some way. It's very boring now.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

They appear to be a very similar circumstance to e-scooters, especially as both don't need to be registered road-going 'vehicles' but regularly chop and change riding on both, as he did - and without stopping.

In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?

I was specifically asking about the differences, other Backroomers kindly explained that. Any reason you just have to keep making snide comments like that? It's not as though I was doing the same to you.

I know you don't like questions - but me asking you a question does not mean I am being snide with you. As usual though you don't answer the question and make out that you are being dissed in some way. It's very boring now.

Not answering questions? I just did - see bold highlighted bit above. rather than constantly gaslighting me and, it appears, quite a few others now as well (seems like you're now doing the same to people normally on the same side on political debates), how about making a positive contribution to the debate? If not, perhaps a period of reflection would be the order of the day.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< Not answering questions? I just did - see bold highlighted bit above. rather than constantly gaslighting me and, it appears, quite a few others now as well (seems like you're now doing the same to people normally on the same side ... >>

Please, Andy, give us a break. You are the only one on here who continually accuses others of personal 'gaslighting'. For weeks or months I have tried to work out precisely what these accusations mean, and I have decided that you have only a vague idea yourself - mainly that it is an uncomplimentary political catchword.

At least we have not heard much from the Straw Man lately ... :-)

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

<< Not answering questions? I just did - see bold highlighted bit above. rather than constantly gaslighting me and, it appears, quite a few others now as well (seems like you're now doing the same to people normally on the same side ... >>

Please, Andy, give us a break. You are the only one on here who continually accuses others of personal 'gaslighting'.

What do you call alan's comments? He was even doing similar stuff to others, you included, on this thread. All I did was ask a question, it got answered by someone and then he started laying into me.

I'd say there's something wrong with him, not me, because it sounds like he's got a vendetta carried across any threads against those who deign to disagree with his 'pearls of wisdom' elsewhere in the Backroom.

For weeks or months I have tried to work out precisely what these accusations mean, and I have decided that you have only a vague idea yourself - mainly that it is an uncomplimentary political catchword.

At least we have not heard much from the Straw Man lately ... :-)

Again, I ask what is the benefit of you two trying to constantly start petty arguments, and not just with me? Don't you have anything better to do?

Mods - this is getting beyond a joke - in my view, these guys are doing this malicious trolling this when Backroomers are just asking questions about motoring or in this case, cycling, nothing politicial either. Are they trying to force people with different opinions off the Backroom?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< Mods - this is getting beyond a joke - in my view, these guys are doing this malicious trolling this when Backroomers are just asking questions about motoring or in this case, cycling, nothing political either >>

Andy, I'm not getting at the arguments themselves, I'm just trying to find out what (and why) you are accusing so many of GASLIGHTING. You are the only one who regularly bandies this word about. What for ?

And usually we aren't looking for a 'political' discussion, it's you who tries to make it so.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

<< Mods - this is getting beyond a joke - in my view, these guys are doing this malicious trolling this when Backroomers are just asking questions about motoring or in this case, cycling, nothing political either >>

Andy, I'm not getting at the arguments themselves, I'm just trying to find out what (and why) you are accusing so many of GASLIGHTING. You are the only one who regularly bandies this word about. What for ?

And usually we aren't looking for a 'political' discussion, it's you who tries to make it so.

Why don't you ask alan? He's the one asking the ridiculous questions and making i****ic accusations, then pretending they are supposedly 'genuine'.

Again, I asked a reasonable question of the Backroomers to do with the law as regards mobility scooters (which would surely have similarities to e-scooters), that question was answered (neither by you or alan), then alan sticks his size 10s in with a rather snide 'question' as if I had been speaking about some contentious political issue and having a go at him, which I wasn't or aiming my question at him to start with, let alone with any malice, which is obvious.

What exactly do you both not understand here? I you can't say after reading the above, then I can't help you, if you do, then that sounds like malicious intent from the off. Either way, please be reasonable to myself and other Backroomers who are trying to engage in a reasonable discussion about the issue at hand.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< What do you call alan's comments? He was even doing similar stuff to others >>

I don't call anyone's comments Gaslighting, because I am still struggling to work out what you are referring to when you use that word - you are the only one that does, and you haven't yet answered my query directly, only obliquely. Wikipedia tells me it is "the subjective experience of having one's reality repeatedly questioned by another".

That sounds more like a mild form of mental torture. I am surprised if that is how you genuinely see our friendly discussions ?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Engineer Andy

<< What do you call alan's comments? He was even doing similar stuff to others >>

I don't call anyone's comments Gaslighting, because I am still struggling to work out what you are referring to when you use that word - you are the only one that does, and you haven't yet answered my query directly, only obliquely. Wikipedia tells me it is "the subjective experience of having one's reality repeatedly questioned by another".

That sounds more like a mild form of mental torture. I am surprised if that is how you genuinely see our friendly discussions ?

In what way is alan's comment to me 'friendly':

Alan: "In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?"

How is you saying the above and alan's 'contribution' not exactly the very definition of what wiki describes?

I'm taking this to the Mods.

Edited by Engineer Andy on 11/03/2023 at 19:19

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

As a matter of interest, how do you contact the moderators?

Not that I need to but genuinely interested.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Xileno

Email at the top of the forum in one of the 'sticky' threads - but here it is: moderators@honestjohn.co.uk

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Crickleymal

Email at the top of the forum in one of the 'sticky' threads - but here it is: moderators@honestjohn.co.uk

Thanks. I found it a few minutes after I posted but couldn't delete my post.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

<< What do you call alan's comments? He was even doing similar stuff to others >>

I don't call anyone's comments Gaslighting, because I am still struggling to work out what you are referring to when you use that word - you are the only one that does, and you haven't yet answered my query directly, only obliquely. Wikipedia tells me it is "the subjective experience of having one's reality repeatedly questioned by another".

That sounds more like a mild form of mental torture. I am surprised if that is how you genuinely see our friendly discussions ?

In what way is alan's comment to me 'friendly':

Alan: "In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?"

How is you saying the above and alan's 'contribution' not exactly the very definition of what wiki describes?

I'm taking this to the Mods.

In what way is it not friendly? You said mobility scooters don't' have clear rules. I asked in what way do mobility scooters not have clear rules - I wanted you to clarify what was not clear so I could explain it to you. So I was offering to explain something to you what you did not know - which is in part what the forum is here for you. Do we need to start showing happy emojis when being friendly and angry ones when not being friendly.

Could probably do with some for gaslighting and straw men :-)

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Xileno

That's enough of this tedium, let's get back to the original subject now. Thanks.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

That's enough of this tedium, let's get back to the original subject now. Thanks.

Agreed. We aren't going to get any useful answers.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< In what way is alan's comment to me 'friendly':

Alan: "In what way? Mobility scooters have clear rules to what makes them legal on pavements and on the road. What is not clear to you?" How is you saying the above and alan's 'contribution' not exactly the very definition of what wiki describes? >>

Well, I don't see anything vicious (perhaps a bit terse) in Alan's question, certainly nothing to get worked up about. But the Wiki definition does say "subjective experience" which implies that it may be a false impression. A repeated sense of being deliberately 'got at' is sometimes called paranoia.

As in the old joke - 'well, you'd be paranoid if people were getting at you all the time'.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes

That is what they are called...and that's what you called them in your other thread.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - bathtub tom

When I looked into mobility scooters for a relative, they were supposed to be registered with the DVLA (DVSA?), although no-one seemed to bother. Does that still apply?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

When I looked into mobility scooters for a relative, they were supposed to be registered with the DVLA (DVSA?), although no-one seemed to bother. Does that still apply?

The regulations are wierd - the version of mobility scooters capabable of more than 4 mph, ie those limited to 8 mph, CAN be registered with DVLA but aren't obliged to be and CAN display their registration number but aren't obliged to - if registered they HAVE to be "taxed" every year but it's at the zero rate and done automatically - they don't have to be insured

I've registered my mobility scooter, and have received the V5 but I haven't bothered fitting the number plates and DVLA automatically re-tax it, at zero rate, every year and send me notification.

It can be used on any road except motorways, with a requirement that hazard flashers are used on dual-carriageways - lights are required for use on the road.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

When I looked into mobility scooters for a relative, they were supposed to be registered with the DVLA (DVSA?), although no-one seemed to bother. Does that still apply?

Only the 8mph ones need to be which allows them to be on the road.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

When I looked into mobility scooters for a relative, they were supposed to be registered with the DVLA (DVSA?), although no-one seemed to bother. Does that still apply?

Only the 8mph ones need to be which allows them to be on the road.

Even the 8 mph ones don't "need" to be registered to be used legally on the road - it's optional.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

When I looked into mobility scooters for a relative, they were supposed to be registered with the DVLA (DVSA?), although no-one seemed to bother. Does that still apply?

Only the 8mph ones need to be which allows them to be on the road.

Even the 8 mph ones don't "need" to be registered to be used legally on the road - it's optional.

I was from this website:

Mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs: the rules: Overview - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

It says you must register a class 3 8mph scooter

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes

That is what they are called...and that's what you called them in your other thread.

If you care to check back in the thread a bit you will see that someone else used the phrase ""pedal bikes with battery assist"" in another context connected with the law. Why do you persist in NIT picking on trivial things?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Regarding e-bikes on the road, they are almost akin to mopeds in that they can maintain a legalised speed on the road and some mix it with traffic witness Dan Walker. E-bikes can also do faster than the 15 mph they are regulated to if you pedal harder. Whilst he had enough sense to wear a helmet he is not governed by any rules that apply to motorised bikes which in my view is short sighted. Helmets and High viz should be compulsory at the very least and I would go as far as to suggest that tax insurance and MOTs should be warranted as some treat these bikes as toys.. Near to where I live there is a mountain bike centre where increasing number of e-bikes are used for off road trailing mainly because the unfit cannot get up the mountain under their own steam. These bikes although designed to take some punishment take all sorts of knocks on these trails are then legal to use on the road. The same can be said of ordinary mountain bikes but they are not battery powered. Also it is apparent that children under 14 which is the legal age? for e-bikes are using e-bikes on the roads

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

Still not making sense. Other than requiring less effort, in what way is an e-bike any different to a pedal bike?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

Still not making sense. Other than requiring less effort, in what way is an e-bike any different to a pedal bike?

That.

Exactly.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

Still not making sense. Other than requiring less effort, in what way is an e-bike any different to a pedal bike?

Difference, well cost of e-bikes, cost to charge them, you cannot go without a charge unless you fancy peddling a 50lb bike, 6hours or so to charge, the batteries decay and need replacing cost some £200 plus depending on bike. .The batteries are not green which may concern some. The electric hub does not last for ever cost upwards of £300 depending on bike plus labour I expect The batteries are made from rare metals as are car batteries. Disposal of batteries. E bikes will only contribute to the crisis the country seems to have with obesity. Still you can get a jab now to combat this A lot of people buy bikes on a whim and hardly use them so an e-bike is a very expensive mistake for some

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

E bikes will only contribute to the crisis the country seems to have with obesity. Still you can get a jab now to combat this A lot of people buy bikes on a whim and hardly use them so an e-bike is a very expensive mistake for some

In what way does encouraging people to go cyclling contribute to obesity? If you are obese then cycling is good for you and eBikes make it easier for you but you still get exercise. I'm assuming you do know eBikes still need pedalling?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

E bikes will only contribute to the crisis the country seems to have with obesity. Still you can get a jab now to combat this A lot of people buy bikes on a whim and hardly use them so an e-bike is a very expensive mistake for some

In what way does encouraging people to go cyclling contribute to obesity? If you are obese then cycling is good for you and eBikes make it easier for you but you still get exercise. I'm assuming you do know eBikes still need pedalling?

You do see somewhat obese people cycling all you really need is a good set of lungs. Put them on an e-bike and they do not have to work very hard. The same applies to fit young people on e-bikes they are simply a lazy way of cycling. If you are not fit then an ordinary push bike is perfectly OK all you do is train up slowly same as any other fitness regime. The e-bike is over price and technically too complicated for practicality Most do not need an e-bike..

""" I'm assuming you do know eBikes still need pedalling? """

As before if you had bothered to read what I posted you would see that I referred to pedalling e-bikes at least twice before. All you seem to do is embarrass yourself the same as the with the"" battery assist"" comment. All you need to do is read what I write and we might jell along.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

E bikes will only contribute to the crisis the country seems to have with obesity. Still you can get a jab now to combat this A lot of people buy bikes on a whim and hardly use them so an e-bike is a very expensive mistake for some

In what way does encouraging people to go cyclling contribute to obesity? If you are obese then cycling is good for you and eBikes make it easier for you but you still get exercise. I'm assuming you do know eBikes still need pedalling?

You do see somewhat obese people cycling all you really need is a good set of lungs. Put them on an e-bike and they do not have to work very hard. The same applies to fit young people on e-bikes they are simply a lazy way of cycling. If you are not fit then an ordinary push bike is perfectly OK all you do is train up slowly same as any other fitness regime. The e-bike is over price and technically too complicated for practicality Most do not need an e-bike..

""" I'm assuming you do know eBikes still need pedalling? """

As before if you had bothered to read what I posted you would see that I referred to pedalling e-bikes at least twice before. All you seem to do is embarrass yourself the same as the with the"" battery assist"" comment. All you need to do is read what I write and we might jell along.

If you know you pedal them how can it be bad for an obese person to use one? You said an eBike will contribute towards obesity but can't explain why it would do so. You still need to pedal, which keeps you a lot fitter and helps someone who is obese be less so.

I don't see an eBike as being technically complicated - they are usually just a battery with a basic electric motor - which as you mentioned in a previous post have been about since the 1800's

I thought you would want to encourage people to go out and do something positive rather than sitting on their behinds? I do not understand your negativity towards them.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

The technical term is Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle (EAPC). There's a page on the .gov website that sets out what's allowed for their use on road including the min age (14).

The ability to go faster than the limited speed if pushed is unsurprising; they're pedal cycles. I remember doing 30+ mph down the Otley end of Yorkgate well before I was 14.

I don't think, given the speeds are broadly comparable with what can be achieved on an ordinary push bike there's any argument for special rules on wearing dayglo or a helmet.

My personal view is that I'll try and make sure I'm visible. On a rural road with no lighting a dayglo gilet with retro reflective stripes would be good. Less so under urban street lights where the colour of the light is radically different to daylight or where there are so many people that dayglo is a form of camouflage.

With the exception of part of the BHF London to Brighton route where the chances of a tumble from touching wheels was high I never wear a helmet. I like the wind in what's left of my hair and I've yet to find a helmet that's comfortable, does not have parts in my peripheral vision and, at least subliminally, interfere with my hearing.

One of the most evocative cycling photos I've ever seen was of the French rider Laurent Fignon on a TdeF descent, in the years before they had to wear helmets, with his trademark pony tail stretched in his slipstream.

He died in his bed with Colo-Rectal cancer and not from falling on his head.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

The ability to go faster than the limited speed if pushed is unsurprising; they're pedal cycles. I remember doing 30+ mph down the Otley end of Yorkgate well before I was 14.

How did you estimate your speed, Bromp ?

A lad at school, about 1955, allegedly was stopped by a bobby for exceeding the 30 limit down a hill near school. Again, I don't know how the speed was judged, probably the PC just wanted to impose authority.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Adampr

The ability to go faster than the limited speed if pushed is unsurprising; they're pedal cycles. I remember doing 30+ mph down the Otley end of Yorkgate well before I was 14.

How did you estimate your speed, Bromp ?

A lad at school, about 1955, allegedly was stopped by a bobby for exceeding the 30 limit down a hill near school. Again, I don't know how the speed was judged, probably the PC just wanted to impose authority.

You can't technically be done for speeding on a bike because they have no speedo. However, you can be for 'wanton and furious cycling', for which there is no particular limit. Has the Bobby wished to pursue it, that would probably be the charge.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - RT

The ability to go faster than the limited speed if pushed is unsurprising; they're pedal cycles. I remember doing 30+ mph down the Otley end of Yorkgate well before I was 14.

How did you estimate your speed, Bromp ?

A lad at school, about 1955, allegedly was stopped by a bobby for exceeding the 30 limit down a hill near school. Again, I don't know how the speed was judged, probably the PC just wanted to impose authority.

Back in those days there was little actual measurement of speed - I believe that the evidence from two policemen, based on opinion, was enough to secure conviction.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Bromptonaut

How did you estimate your speed, Bromp ?

The bike had a dial type similar to that on a car. They were quite popular amongst boys my age. A few quid from the local bike shop.

A lad at school, about 1955, allegedly was stopped by a bobby for exceeding the 30 limit down a hill near school. Again, I don't know how the speed was judged, probably the PC just wanted to impose authority.

This has been tested again recently. Speed limits are for motor vehicles.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes

That is what they are called...and that's what you called them in your other thread.

If you care to check back in the thread a bit you will see that someone else used the phrase ""pedal bikes with battery assist"" in another context connected with the law. Why do you persist in NIT picking on trivial things?

I was not talking about someone else - I was talking about you. What else should I nit pick on?

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - alan1302

Also pedal bikes with so called battery assist lets call them E-bikes

That is what they are called...and that's what you called them in your other thread.

If you care to check back in the thread a bit you will see that someone else used the phrase ""pedal bikes with battery assist"" in another context connected with the law. Why do you persist in NIT picking on trivial things?

What else should I nit pick on :-) I put a smilie so you know I'm having a joke with you.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Andrew-T

<< Why do you persist in NIT picking on trivial things? >>

If you are sensitive to having nits picked, best not to offer any nits for easy picking ... :-) Rather like the old adage about glass houses ....

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

<< Why do you persist in NIT picking on trivial things? >>

If you are sensitive to having nits picked, best not to offer any nits for easy picking ... :-) Rather like the old adage about glass houses ....

I am only concerned in being quoted correctly. If you care to look back you will see another wrong assumption on ""pedalling e-bikes""

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

""""I thought you would want to encourage people to go out and do something positive rather than sitting on their behinds? I do not understand your negativity towards them."""

I am not negative towards e-bikes. If people want to spend their money on an expensive bike they are free to do so. What they will be getting is a more heavy and clumsy machine compared to the traditional bike. The e-bike is less aerodynamic and if you were to caught in a cross wind or draught from a juggernaut you would no all about it The cost of all bikes today means you dare not leave them unattended as they are a target for the criminal element. There are an increasing number of e-bikes travelling around without pedal assistance, These are throttle operated and require no pedal impute. This seems at odds with e-scooters as far as the law is concerned. The only difference I can see is the pedals they are both throttle operated. The throttle e-bike is not much good if you need to get fit.

I expect with a little know how you could easily change you peddle assist e-bike to a throttle one

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - sammy1

For those who may be interested the lady at the heart of this thread is currently being held in the hospital ward of Peterborough Prison while the authorities decide what to do with her pending her appeal.

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Xileno

There's too much sniping and pettiness creeping into the discussions. Can we please keep matters civil and treat someone else's questions and comments with respect. I am, however, thinking that we've got close to having discussed everything related to the original article.

Mod

N?A - Cycling on the Pavement - Xileno

Mods have discussed and we're closing this now. Anything of value has been discussed and there's too much of irrelevance in the thread. We may consider reopening it once the outcome of any appeal is known.

Mods