-
Most shared space is awful.
I don't think blaming the quality of the shared space is the answer here, it's about human behaviour.
Pedestrians know they are not in any real danger, the shock is not for fear of harm it is because you are in their space and they don’t like it.
Disagree. Being buzzed by a cyclist doing any speed as a pedestrian doesn't feel great, not because "we're in their space" but because relatively we tend to be going much faster. It's disconcerting at best.
If they had any sense that they could really get hurt they wouldn’t behave the way they do. People don’t walk on share paths as they do on the side of the road or in a car park because they know that cars maim/kill you, but bikes bruise you in the vast majority of the time.
Perhaps they don't behave like they're on the side of the road or in a car park because they're not? They're in what should be a safe space away from motor vehicles, where they can relax.
You only have to see the way people look at you, actually see you and yet still decide to step out in front of you to see they know that the consequences are bearable.
I'm pretty sure this is about misjudging speed and distance - I don't think pedestrians do this deliberately or knowingly.
You are reading a single comment by @Chaley and its replies.
Click here to read the full conversation.
Fox
@Chaley
My 2p
Most shared space is awful.
As cyclists we should leave space, we should slow down around people, however;
Pedestrians know they are not in any real danger, the shock is not for fear of harm it is because you are in their space and they don’t like it.
If they had any sense that they could really get hurt they wouldn’t behave the way they do. People don’t walk on share paths as they do on the side of the road or in a car park because they know that cars maim/kill you, but bikes bruise you in the vast majority of the time. You only have to see the way people look at you, actually see you and yet still decide to step out in front of you to see they know that the consequences are bearable.
Having said that, if you want to smash that segment along that old railway line get up super early before others are about, but still be prepared to slow down or stop for that chap with his spaniel on a black extendable lead, 20m behind him in the bushes on the other side of the track to him…