Cycling and no cycling signage on Thames path
As a visitor to London I've been exploring locally on my small bike. Today I meandered eastbound along the northside Thames path between Hammersmith and Putney Bridges. Pedestrian traffic was heavy but I was in no hurry, keeping my speed right down and being careful to allow priority to walkers while being alert to any cycling prohibition signs. My caution, in part, was due to the intermittent and incomplete signage and faded pavement markings that made it unclear precisely where I should ride in places.Remounting after Fulham FC , I entered Bishop Park. Ahead of me, a big cycling prohibition sign warned me not to ride on the dirt path, separated from the riverbank by a row of trees, directly in front of me. Wanting to follow the river, I assumed that the path to my right, closest to the riverbank, was the correct path to take. My mistake, as it turned out, although I suspect I'm the thousandth person to make it. I was accosted by a very arrogant group of walkers who snootily told me I was riding in a prohibited area.Their outrage was completely out of proportion to the offence, particularly an honest mistake; I was approaching them at little more than walking speed and was in the act of moving completely out of their path when the lecturing began. Going back to check, I found they were correct, at least technically. Set into the ground (not on a pole) and half covered in gravel where few people would ever notice it, is indeed a cycling prohibition sign. Further exploration then revealed the true cycling route slightly further back from the river; I had had no way of knowing it was there. The lessons of this story? HC Council, please review the path signage. Cyclists, check and check again that you are riding legally. And, snooty arrogant people, a little understanding towards those who try to do the right thing but make honest mistakes, while endangering and inconveniencing no-one, would be appreciated.
John Wood ● 7d0 Comments