Cyclists not helped by pathways
When will people in Telford stop persecuting the cyclist? For the majority of my working life I cycled to work and have cycled many thousand of miles, not only in this country but also on the continent, where cyclists are treated with respect and provided with excellent facilities.
My 60 years of cycling experience should qualify me to explain why I and other cyclists do not use the cycleways in Telford.
The so-called cycleways are actually extensions to footpaths with a white line painted down the centre.
They are not designed as cycleways, so in places are quite dangerous. It amazes me that they comply with health and safety.
Anyone with a basic knowledge of cycling should realise that partially raised kerbs are dangerous.
In Telford the majority of these paths have raised kerbs at frequent intervals. I was thrown from my cycle when the front wheel touched a small kerb used to divide the footpath/cycleway. A mountain bike would, with care, negotiate these kerbs but the lightweight racing type of bike is most certainly not compatible.
On the pathways you find the painted symbol of a cycle and the word "end". This means you have reached a dangerous obstruction.
These obstructions in Telford are usually traffic islands with the path/cycle way continuing on the opposite side. To cross to this pathway can be a nightmare.
My advice to anyone about to use the so-called cycleways is don't, but if you have to, be aware you will have pedestrians ambling into your pathway.
J R Garbett, Telford
