Do we have to use cycle lanes if they're there?

I did have a little search for this as i'm sure it's come up many many times before but i couldn't find it....and the LCC article i found was from 2006.

My usual route back from work is past those damn cycle lanes by UCL, i avoid them like the plague as usual and take the road. I hear something getting extremely close to my back wheel, it's a taxi driver trying to clip me, intimidate me or both, he's screaming at me to use the cycle lane, this goes on for a bit so i slow and politely tell him to stop driving like a maniac and to go fuck himself. Even more irate he now edges left trying to force me into the raised curb between the road and cycle lane. I stop, shaking with rage, HTFU and then give chase to throw my lock through his back window, he makes a clean gettaway. I forget to get his number plate like an idiot.

Anyway, as far as i'm aware it's the cyclists choice if they want to use a cycle lane or not (you weigh up the dangers). I know they were thinking of changing the law a little while ago. Am i right or is the irate taxi driver correct?

you can use any road apart from motorways.

You are right. There is no obligation for cyclists to use cycle lanes/paths.
It is written in the Highway Code, but I can't arsed to find it.

So I have instead

61

Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

63

Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.

both found here
I believe the HC was recently changed because, its not always safe to use the lanes

i.e. you're allowed not to use the disasterious Bloomsbury cycle lane.

Mate I don't think you should tell driver to fuck off, even if they're in the wrong, they are driving a 2 tonnes vehicles after all.

Yeah but is it worth it? As far as that cabbie's concerned, you bloody well ought to use that million-pound cycle 'facility' and nothing you say or do is going to convince him otherwise.

You're best off using another route.

true Ed, he didn't take too kindly to my comments but i completely lose it regarding dangerous driving at the moment. must learn to breathe.

i.e. you're allowed not to use the disasterious Bloomsbury cycle lane.

Mate I don't think you should tell driver to fuck off, even if they're in the wrong, they are driving a 2 tonnes vehicles after all.

Is this the "Might is right" argument raising it's ugly head again !?

If the driver is using these 2 tonnes to threaten your life - then not only should you tell him to fuck off, but you should - if given the chance - do a G20 on him and smack him in the face with your D lock.

I feel we might have been over this one already ! :P

....

You have the right to use the road - but given your recent circumstances re: Eilidh, I think you showed considerable restraint velcro

i've got no problem using cycle-lanes if they're provided. It seems more courteous than cycling in the middle of the road slowing the traffic up.

Holstered fageddaboutit mini u lock ftw, if any driver fucks with you you'll have no problems fucking up their vehicle swiftly and them if need be. As a last resort only though, if someone is generally driving like a twat, best thing to do if it is safe is to let them go past you and get out of their way, and then carry on about your business.

I am normally real relaxed about these things and pretty good at avoiding arseholes like that, but after nearly getting taken out on the way to the last bridges ride, I actually got off my bike and went to throw it through the guys rear windscreen until he shat himself and sped off down a side road, he got stuck and I was going to go after him and have it out, but I had calmed down sufficiently by that time that I thought better of it and rode on.

... i completely lose it regarding dangerous driving at the moment...

Very very very very understandable.

@Tynan yes it's been done. If I had to go in that direction I would head for Russell Sq and avoid that lane. I feel we have a right to not confront idotic 'professional' drivers with the facts (that we are under no obligation to use 'facilities') if we don't want to. I don't want to endanger myself, whatever the rights and wrongs of this.

No , they are not obligatory or compulsory . The CTC ran a large campaign when the HCC was last used to prevent the section on cyclepathways being changed so that their use became obligatory or was de facto obligatory. Amongst other things, this would have been used by insurance companies to claim contributory negligence ( see helmets as well ) if a cycllist was in an accident and not using the facility provided for them.

I think a search on the CTC/ LCC sites should give you the answer to this

I love how the Bloomsbury path gets more counter intuitive every time they " improve " it. I always breathe a sigh of relief as I leave Camden at Cleveland street and enter Westiminster..

No. Cut through SOAS to Russel Sq -> Bernard St, much safer

I love how the Bloomsbury path gets more counter intuitive every time they " improve " it.

It's a Darwinian construct, it whittles away the weak riders, this enterprise is actively improving the quality of cycling in London. I have heard the next stage is to put gun turrets at the start and end.

I saw a cyclist at a light who had to explain to a black cab driver why he was not using the cycle lane (the shit bit on Queenstown Road to Chelsea Bridge with a bus stop, pot holes, trees and road signs in the middle of it). He laughed at the driver's silly question and said "it is very dirty like you I prefer to use the smooth road".

I have decided that next time someone gives me shit, I will offer them to get on my bike and I will chase them with their big cabs.

Depending on my mood, my reply is:
-Calm 1: I'm sorry I have no idea what youre talking about, youre not making sense, I dont understand you.
-Angry1: Shut up!
-Angry 2, (when he/she says 'you cyclists') : Because Cun*ts like you park in them. Fat bastard!

Holstered fageddaboutit mini u lock ftw, if any driver fucks with you you'll have no problems fucking up their vehicle swiftly and them if need be. As a last resort only though, if someone is generally driving like a twat, best thing to do if it is safe is to let them go past you and get out of their way, and then carry on about your business.

Keys around your right wrist for keying car doors that get too close to you.....

Given the volume of riders on it today , I don't think its working

Ah for the good old days, when it was just the happy few braving londons roads, 531 tubing, 27" wheels etc ...

Oh god, I sound like a whinge letter in Cycling Weekly or Cycle Touring

It's a Darwinian construct, it whittles away the weak riders, this enterprise is actively improving the quality of cycling in London. I have heard the next stage is to put gun turrets at the start and end.

Heading west, I always use the main road through Tavistock Sq. I have lost count the number of times drivers (all forms) take a right into Gordon st without checking their RH side.

Ride confidently.

I do however prefer to use the cycle lane heading East, where 2 days ago I think Wiganwill gave me a funny look and sometimes I have the pleasure of shouting "do a skid" to Fresh when he is waiting at the lights.

Heading west, I always use the main road through Tavistock Sq. I have lost count the number of times drivers (all forms) take a right into Gordon st without checking their RH side.

I also lost count the amount of time a cyclists crashed into each other there! (as well as almost being run over by car while mindlessly sped though the green path regardless of red, orange, purple, green, pink, light.

@ velcro. do what you need to do to remain safe - and by that I include getting in to fights with mentalist cab drivers. Given everything that has happened recently, I'm pleased that you're riding.

Clefty is right, cyclists should use them *when it's safe to do so.

*

... I think Wiganwill gave me a funny look ....

Nah that's just his normal face.