Cycling on the pavement - right or wrong?

Riding on the footpath is not as clear cut as you might think

So a former Ukip parliamentary candidate (read closet Tory) believes cyclists should get off the roads and ride on the pavement?
Lynton Yates summarily lost his chance to be a Ukip MP for Charnwood in Leceistershire when he also hinted at suspending jobless drivers' licences to ease traffic jams. Yeah, right! 

Tempting though it is to dismiss this Leicester county councillor's opinions on cycling as bonkers - and trust me, it is very tempting - what is more intriguing is the way it seems to embody a widespread delusion about cycling on the pavement.
The Highway Code is crystal clear on this. No ifs, no buts, cycling on footpaths is illegal. Not only is it against the law but, I believe, it's also extremely selfish. To pedal past pedestrians at breakneck speed shows a total disregard of their personal space and safety.
Yet many, many cyclists already ignore the law and avoid the roads. OK, some might be lawbreakers, but all cyclists? I don't think so. There is something more to it. 

For example, I know of seasoned cyclists who've admitted to me they ride on the pavement at night when they have no lights. I may, on occasion, have done exactly the same myself. And only last year, former Olympic medal winner and policy adviser for British Cycling Chris Boardman spoke up for parents everywhere when he admitted he was too scared to let his daughter cycle on the road. 

What exactly is going on here? Why do so many of us think cycling on the pavement is the right thing to do? 

I firmly believe part of the answer lies with the ever-evolving cycling infrastructure we have today and the woolly-headed design of a lot of it (see here for an example).
When I gained my Cycling Proficiency certificate at primary school in the Seventies, it was impressed upon me that cycling happened on the road. As I grew up, I don't remember there being cycle lanes segregated from the general traffic, even by a strip of white paint. Or special cycle-friendly crossings or anything else like that. Riding a bike meant having the guts to put up with enormous lumps of metal whizzing past just a few feet to your right. This is why I'm happy to cycle on the road. I'm in control of my fears and it doesn't intimidate me. 

However, today that has all changed. There are many more dedicated cycle lanes (although sometimes it feels they are few and far between). There are contraflow lanes that sanction shortcuts for cyclists (one of which I use that cancels out a no entry sign for cars). And there are the euphemistically named shared cycle paths that invite cyclists and pedestrians to cohabit the same space in a state of blissful harmony.
In my mind, this is where all the confusion lies.
Why is it OK to use a shared cycle path occupied by pedestrians enjoying a gentle stroll but illegal to cycle on the pavement? 

Isn't a shared cycle path just a pavement by another name?

I know the difference is to do with (technobabble alert) traffic regulation orders, which councils use to specify what is permitted where. But does everybody else? Honestly? 

My gut reaction is many people who cycle see a shared cycle path and think, "well, it must be OK to cycle here too". Or they see it as too dangerous to ride on the road and do the next logical thing in their mind and ride on the pavement - thus potentially terrifying (or worse) pedestrians, particularly the young, the elderly and the blind. 

I'm with Chris Boardman on the way forward: proper investment. We need well-designed streets which let cyclists feel they are protected from the traffic, but also facilities that protect pedestrians from cyclists. Will it come? The cynic in me suggests holding our breath could prove to be fatal. 

At the moment, it's not OK to cycle on the pavement in the UK (whatever excuse is offered in defence). But we seem too far down this 'shared' mentality to go back. 

As always, it's down to cyclists to find a solution. Do I cycle on the pavement? Yes. But I cycle at walking pace in anticipation that I must stop and give way to pedestrians. And I'm polite about it, thanking people if they step out of my way. Good manners, after all, cost nothing. I like to think of it as the Biker Hack way! And I know other cycling organisations share the sentiment. National cycling charity Sustrans even has its own suggestion for how cyclists should approach shared paths. 

We all need to get where we're going and there is invariably not enough time to do it. Yet, there is no need for one road-user to intimidate and bully another so that they can go where they want when they want. That includes people like Lynton Yates, who clearly wants cyclists, and the unemployed, to just get out of his way so he can have the road to himself. The public highway isn't just for me or you. It's for everyone and we must learn to share it out of respect and decency to all those around us.  

Biker-Hack's Savvy Cycle Route Number 1

The smart way to cycle from Leigh-on-sea to Southend-on-sea

It's taken a little longer than planned, but here at last is my first Savvy Cycle Route for getting across a part of Southend-on-sea in Essex. 
Anyone hoping for campaigners to suddenly win the battle for more funding (some might say "any") from politicians to improve cycling facilities is in for a long wait. The only real-world option is to get out there and ride. 
I've cycled all of my life and so I have my own strategy for safer cycling in built-up urban areas. Two earlier posts - which can be found here and here - explain this in detail. In a nutshell, I like routes light on traffic, as flat as possible and with a good road surface. 
What I see as my Savvy Cycle Route #1 helps me ride between the centre of Southend-on-sea and the heart of nearby Leigh-on-sea in Essex. It's slightly complicated by a maze of one-way streets in central Southend, so I use two routes - one to the northern end of the High Street and another to the southern end. 
To help make things as clear as possible, I've included some images mapping my suggested route (produced thanks to Google Maps). 
My only other caveat is to stress at the time of posting, I'd checked out the route and that all the streets mentioned can be cycled in the direction I've indicated. If things change, which is entirely possible, you obviously can't hold me responsible! 
But if a street suddenly is changed to permit two-way traffic when I've said it's one-way only, please do let me know. I'll check it out and make amends. Besides, I'd love to get as much comment on this as possible. 

Leaving Leigh: Stage 1

Stage 1: Leaving Leigh for Southend

Starting from outside Leigh Post Office in Rectory Grove, head east - it's the only way to go as it's a one-way street. The road forks left or right at a pedestrian crossing. 

Turning right into Elm Road and then bearing left at the next triangular pedestrian island will take you along the heart of Leigh's thriving shopping centre in Leigh Broadway. 

Keep your wits about you as it can get very busy with lots of pedestrians crossing and plenty of cars hunting for parking spaces. 

It's generally flat and the only uphill section is just after what was the Grand pub where the road bends sharply to the left. At the top of this short incline, the route bends sharply right heading into Leigh Road where you will pass the Broker pub and Our Lady of Lourdes & St Joseph's Church. 

The alternative, flatter route is to head left at the fork in Elm Road mentioned above and take the next right into Pall Mall. There are speed bumps along this road - which slow down the cars nicely - and there is much less traffic than in the Broadway. Head all the way along Pall Mall to the end T-junction and turn right. At the next T-junction, beside Our Lady of Lourdes & St Joseph's Church, turn left into Leigh Road.  

From Leigh Road to Chalkwell Park: Stage 2

Stage 2: From Leigh Road to Chalkwell Park

Leigh Road generally seems quieter than Leigh Broadway, perhaps because it feels a little wider. It can still be busy at times and it is a bus route (as is the Broadway, Rectory Grove and Elm Road), so stay alert. 

Carry on along this road. It bends to the left, just after a zebra crossing. The right-turn here is a popular choice for cars. It's wide and dips downhill abruptly which means they tend to drive at what feels faster than 30mph, although that's my opinion - I don't carry a radar gun with me! 

The safer and flatter alternative for cyclists is further along Leigh Road, although it does involve a tricky entrance into Chalkwell Park. 

It should be noted that this route through the park is not a road, even though vehicles do drive into the park. Cycling on what should be treated as a pavement is something I plan to blather on about elsewhere in my blog at a later date. 

Stage 2: Cars pass the route into Chalkwell Park (inset)

As you get closer to the park, Leigh Road itself bends sharply to the left just as another road (Old Leigh Road) meets it. To follow Savvy Cycle Route #1, you will need to turn right at this bend. I have no problem doing this. If it's too much for you, stop and cross well before the bend and walk your bike to the entrance of Chalkwell Park. 

Once inside the park, you are now officially in Westcliff-on-sea. There are signs warning that "authorised vehicles only" are allowed access and "caution pedestrians - 5mph only". So, can you cycle through here? Firstly, it is a park. Kids play here and ride around on their bikes freely. In all the time I've cycled through here, I've never had a problem because I slow down to walking pace and go very carefully. If a pet owner's dog bounds up to me (and they do) I'm ready to stop immediately.

Stage 2: Take care leaving the park for Imperial Avenue

Don't cycle here as if it's a racetrack. Behaviour like that only tarnishes the reputation of decent cyclists and, at worst, could lead to an accident. This section is all about cycling gently and showing respect to those around you. And that's the Biker Hack way! The route through the park is also very patchy and poor quality. Plus there are some rather vicious speed bumps. All of which add up to three good reasons for taking it easy.

Once in the park, you will pass a fenced-off cricket field on your left and open field on your right. You will dip down and pass an algae-covered pool (sorry, wildlife pond). This section is quite rough due to lots of ruts and leaf mulch in the winter. 

Keep on straight towards the large house in the centre of the park. Directly outside it is a circular flowerbed that looks remarkably like a mini roundabout. Head to the left and take the next right. This will then bend round to a car park where you turn left. (There is an one-way system into the car park and you will be following the "out" route.) As you reach the exit from the park - after another harsh sleeping policeman - you need to carry on straight (well, almost straight) into Imperial Avenue. 

From Chalkwell Park to St John's Road: Stage 3

Stage 3: Chalkwell Park to St John's Road

This stretch has a good road surface and is nice and wide. But best of all it is probably the flatest section of the whole route. It's a real pleasure to pedal along here, so enjoy it.There are going to be a lot of turns coming up! 

At the T-junction at the end of Imperial Avenue, turn right into Crowstone Road. Sadly, this part of the route is getting rather bumpy, with large resurfaced patches along this stretch. 

Again at the next T-junction (which is in fact a crossroads), turn left into Genesta Road. If you quickly look to your right, you'll see the steep hill that's been avoided in Kings Road. If you wish, stick to Genesta Road until the end, but I find it a very busy road with lots of local traffic cutting across town. Your best bet, in my view, is to take the first left into Satanita Road, which goes uphill slightly. At the end, take a right into Finchley Road which is much quieter, although rather full of potholes. 

Stage 3: The left-right from Anerley Road to St John's Road

At the next T-junction (opposite a pharmacy) you want to turn left and then right into Anerley Road, which is easy to miss because the corner is shaded by several trees. This is another nice, flat road. Sometimes, cars seem to zip along here, but there are far fewer of them than you would encounter in the heavy traffic a few hundred metres to the north in London Road. 

At the end of Anerley Road you'll reach a speed table at the T-junction with Hamlet Court Road. This road can be quite busy as there are plenty of shops and it's one of the few roads that crosses the c2c railway line further to the south. At the junction (opposite the post office), turn left and then immediate right into St John's Road (which is a one-way street) and cycle to the end. 

From St John's Road to... the northern part of Southend High Street: Stage 4a  

Stage 4: From St John's Road to Southend High Street

The T-junction at the end of St John's Road is very uneven, so again, be careful. You will be turning right here into Milton Road. Once you have passed the cafe (Real Good Food, reads the sign outside), you'll approach a very grand looking church on your left - Avenue Baptist. Take the next left - Avenue Terrace - on the corner by the church. 

From here, you are entering the lovely one-way maze at the heart of Southend's Milton conservation area. The 20mph roads here are generally very quiet and, unfortunately, quite bumpy in places. 

Ride down Avenue Terrace (it feels a little cramped with parking on both sides). At the crossroads (notice the no entry sign on your right), go straight ahead into Park Crescent. This one-way street bends to the right, and then left again, before stopping at a T-junction facing Park Road. Your only option here is to turn right. 

You are at the point where you can either head to the top end of the High Street (near the Victoria shopping centre) or the southern end of the street (near the Royals shopping centre). Let's deal with the northern end first (the yellow route on the map above). 

Stage 4: This turning into Park Lane isn't easy to spot

After turning into Park Road, look out for a left-hand turn into Park Lane. It's very easy to miss because a pavement build-out and the road markings make a bigger point of directing traffic to the right. 

The grandiosely titled Park Lane is actually a tiny backstreet. This is a two-way street (somehow!) so keep an eye out for oncoming cars. 

Once in the lane, turn left (it's a blind bend so go slowly) and pass what looks like a breakers yard and then follow the single yellow lines straight on and then round to your right. You should now see a one-way sign pointing to the left - obey it! 

Stage 4: Queen's Road heads straight to the High Street

This is now Park Street (lots of parks round here, eh?) and you want the next right into Queen's Road. This first section of Queen's Road is one-way, but you're heading in the right direction, so no worries. 

The route takes you straight over Princes Street (which has right of way, so take care), and runs past the Sunflower Cafe (on your right) and the gaudily-coloured Unveristy of Essex Southend campus's halls of residence (on your left).  

At the next T-junction, a road snakes across your route. You need to keep straight on, but technically you will turn right and then left to stay in Queen's Road. 

When the road runs out, you will be confronted by some cycle stands and Southend Post Office should be on your left. Welcome to the High Street! 

... to the southern end of Southend High Street: Stage 4b

Stage 4: From St John's Road to Southend High Street

OK, so you want to finish up closer to the sea. Fine. Let's back track a little and follow the red route. 

Once you have turned into Park Road, keep straight on. Pass the Park Lane turning, then an off-licence and then immediately turn left into Hamlet Road. 

Go over the speed bump (you're still in the 20mph zone) and as you approach the Cliff pub on your left, turn right over the c2c railway line. 

At this point, you can go straight on into Milton Place. Google Maps might say this is a one-way street - and it is for cars - but it is permissible for cycles to go both ways along here due to a contra-flow cycle line. Nice! 

At the next T-junction, turn left into the tree-lined Cambridge Road - the heart of the Milton conservation area. This is again another lovely street for cycling, a smoothly surfaced, wide road. As you approach a former church (it now houses the Clifftown Theatre and Studios used by East 15 Acting School), the route bends to the right (into Capel Terrace). A glance to your right will reveal a bowling green which has a nice cafe. 

At the T-junction, turn left into Alexandra Street. Keep straight on until the first pedestrian crossing which is actually on the High Street. By the way, just a little way further on is one of my favourite coffee shops (and I am definitely not referring to the multi-national chain beside the crossing). By now, you probably deserve a coffee, and I thoroughly recommend trying Utopia cafe. It's divine. 

Well done if you managed to follow my directions. As I said, this is a route I cycle all the time to reach the heart of Southend as is bypasses almost all of the main car-clogged routes and it is practically flat apart from occasional inclines. 

I'd love to know what you think about this route. So please feel free to comment below. 

Look out for the next blog with a step-by-step guide for the reverse route heading from Southend to Leigh - because the one-way streets around Southend High Street make it a little trickier than simply retracing your steps. 

So, until next time, keep cycling!

Resources

The maps in this blog were created using Google Maps. However, if you would like to access this map so you can zoom in, I have produced one using Google's My Maps application. I can share this with anyone interested, but to do so, I need your email address! To do that, please fill out the form below.