• Join the Puerto Pollensa Community Forums

    Provide or get advice on everything Puerto Pollensa, ask questions, gain confirmation or just become apart of a friendly, like minded community.


    Join our Community!

Cycling in the Pedestrian area

  • Thread starter Thread starter Jimbo the Jambo
  • Start date Start date
J

Jimbo the Jambo

New member
Joined
Apr 27, 2008
Messages
521
Location
Scotland
As an ex racing cycle man from yesteryear time, I was absolutely amazed at the shear thoughtlessness of the dozens of bike freaks who think it is o.k. to cycle through a quiet pedestrian area. Now, adults can usually be aware of them approaching from behind but children can't. The first time we holidayed in PP. Two British guys on a tandem mowed down a young 4 year old boy next to me at Pascolinos. A quick chat and a suggestion of an apology and a free ice cream saved the day.

They will bring in a lot of money into the area and that's good but some decorum must be the rule in my book.
I look forward to some comments as I do believe cycling should be encouraged, but under control.


Jimbo
 
Totally agree with you there!
Having seen several near misses along the front this week, I can't help but think that cycling in groups along the pedestrianised area should be banned on safety grounds.
 
just back from a 10 day stay and I have to agree with the previous comments. We have been coming for many years and have actually enjoyed the cyclists,except on the mountain roads, but this time it really did feel like they are taking over PP. If cars are not allowed to drive along the front why do the cyclists assume they can use it. This has got to be addressed as a safety issue. I know they must be a fantastic source of income to the island especially in these tough times but in moderation surely.
 
You've hit the nail on the head. The absolute ignorance of quite a few, it has to be said, cyclists along the front has to be seen to be believed. We were out in early April and I had one, alas, Englishman on his bike nearly take me out outside Cappuccino. I shouted out very politely to him, not, of the error of his ways. I had my young son with me. I'm grateful that he didn't stop actually because I was furious.

These idiots need dealing with by the authorities. Anyway, I'm pretty sure that on the stretch between the Pinewalk and Cafe 1919 it's illegal?
 
Without wanting to be too controversial, I and my OH have come the conclusion that too many cyclists seem to think they are outside the laws of the road - how many times do you see them jumping the red light or weaving dangerously between cars on either side, or riding 3 or 4 abreast on a country road. On occasion, their sheer arrogance is amazing. And, is it me, or has it got worse since the Tour de France?

Sparky: sorry if this is going off piste as it doesnt refer to PP directly:o
 
There is a no cycling sign at the beginning of the pedestrianised bit, but I guess cyclists can't read because they ignore every other sign as well.
 
Two days ago an entire school party with teachers cycled along Pine Walk. Was like a procession. Totally wrong. When the front is heaving with people in the summer, there will be accidents. However, the heat will probably deter most cycling clubs from arranging trips then.
 
We have always seen lots of cyclists at this time of year but we have said this year there are more than in previous years and yes they are a welcome boost but they are causing a problem on the pinewalk/ pedestrianised areas..for heavens sake a road runs behind it..and if they are going to a cafe etc then get off and push..we have seen several near misses
 
I agree it is getting really bad now and some of these pro cyclists are just damn rude. Last year we were walking along the pavement leading to Tolo's ( one of their favourite drinking holes) and we were suddenly aware of bells ringing and a bellowing of 'EXCUSE ME'. I turned around to see 4 cyclists riding abreast and steaming towards us! Why exactly should we be made to get out of their way when we're on a pavement :rolleyes:

It really is unacceptable and there will be bad injury one day if this isn't stopped. It is ridiculous sometimes when you are walking along the front and you have to dodge, or make way for the hoards of cyclists weaving in and out of people. Or families with young children coming off the beach and having to 'cross' a so called pedestrianised walkway to get to the bars and restaurants.

I feel a petition coming on!
 
I usually hate the phrase "LOL" but I can't think of a better saying. My sides are aching with laughter, really funny!!! Typical of your sense of humour I'd imagine Tony?!

:D
 
Racing cyclists

It's interesting to read the posts about cyclists behaving irresponsibly and dangerously around the Port. We have just returned from a fortnight in PP and experienced groups of cyclists racing past and cutting us up on the cycle path between the Port and Alcudia. Surely this path is for people, (cyclists and walkers), who want to use it to get safely from A to B and is not meant to be used as a racetrack. One day there will be a serious accident. Perhaps a polite sign either end asking cyclists to cycle single file and not to race wouldn't come amiss.
 
graham said:
Tin tacks.
Click to expand...

Graham,

Past experience suggests that to be rid of an irritation in the bunch/peleton, an empty water bottle could be dropped by accident. Not that I ever stooped to such tactics!

The modern equivelant should be somewhat more innocent than tacks, say, a smallish twig or branch accidentally disturbed into the spoke of a front wheel.

I believe the problem will lessen into the warmer months when the racing season begins - these are still the training months. (I think? it's a long time since I raced).

However it is a problem the local community must address.

Jimbo
 
The law here as I understand it is that cyclists can use the pavements when there is not a cycle path available however they should not travel at a greater speed than the pedestrians. Perhaps a good start in controlling this situation would be for the local police to start enforcing the existing law.

I also think the law regarding cycling in groups is being abused. Yes cyclists riding as a group do have to be treated as one large vehicle but only if they are all dressed the same. This law was introduced to protect cycling clubs and not groups of irresponsible tourists.

If I might comment on a couple of the previous posts -

I don´t think it is the `pro´cyclists that are the problem. They ride in small groups and are generally very aware of whats happening around them as a crash could loose them their livelyhood. The problem looks to me to be mainly the large groups of foreign amateurs who have no knowledge of the local laws and customs and scant regard for their own or anyone elses safety. The way alot of them behave gives the impression that they think they are immortal.

Lastly - I was surprised to read that Debz1 was warned of the approach of four cyclists by hearing a bell. Despite it being required by law the vast majority of hire bikes are not fitted with bells. How about if the local police had a campaign of stopping all bikes and imposing a 50€ fine on everyone without a bell. They could raise thousands in a very short time.

And before anyone asks I am a regular cyclist. I have also recently been on cycling holidays to Menorca and Ibiza were they does not appear to be this problem.
 
Deanscroft said:
The law here as I understand it is that cyclists can use the pavements when there is not a cycle path available however they should not travel at a greater speed than the pedestrians. Perhaps a good start in controlling this situation would be for the local police to start enforcing the existing law.

I also think the law regarding cycling in groups is being abused. Yes cyclists riding as a group do have to be treated as one large vehicle but only if they are all dressed the same. This law was introduced to protect cycling clubs and not groups of irresponsible tourists.

If I might comment on a couple of the previous posts -

I don´t think it is the `pro´cyclists that are the problem. They ride in small groups and are generally very aware of whats happening around them as a crash could loose them their livelyhood. The problem looks to me to be mainly the large groups of foreign amateurs who have no knowledge of the local laws and customs and scant regard for their own or anyone elses safety. The way alot of them behave gives the impression that they think they are immortal.

Lastly - I was surprised to read that Debz1 was warned of the approach of four cyclists by hearing a bell. Despite it being required by law the vast majority of hire bikes are not fitted with bells. How about if the local police had a campaign of stopping all bikes and imposing a 50€ fine on everyone without a bell. They could raise thousands in a very short time.

And before anyone asks I am a regular cyclist. I have also recently been on cycling holidays to Menorca and Ibiza were they does not appear to be this problem.
Click to expand...


In this instance we definitively heard a bell just before a shout of 'Excuse me'
 
Canbalache said:
Here is the remedy :D:D

https://www.facebook.com/can.balache.bar/videos/vb.100001263733372/913532395365543/?type=2&theater
Click to expand...

That remedy would work well with car drivers too....
As someone who is all three ie. driver/cyclist (just potter along) & pedestration - i'd agree groups of cyclists riding anywhere there are any volume of people walking is wrong. I have used a bike riding in from Llenaire and used the pavement because drivers give you little or no space. I only ride an "auld" bike and potter alaong slowly - i always give pedestrations the right of way...unfortuanately some "proper" cyclists don't. The earlier poster who said they were asked to move on the main promenade....i would have told the cyclists to do one!!!
 
A well known former journalist here in n.ireland was knocked down and left bloodied bruised and shaken by a cyclist riding on the pavement at the weekend. It is against the law to ride on the pavement here. It seems as soon as police were mentioned he was off like the wind.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top