Cyclists and driving

[P&C@29]

Hi guys yesterday I was walking accross a zebra crossing, got half way when a stream of 20plus cyclists flash past me and my wife, even though a car had stopped for us. Do cyclists not have to stop for pedestrians on crossings?

 

[Sparky]

Not sure if it's true but i was once told that the rule for "zebra crossings" here is different and that you are not obliged to stop, i must say that even the police and guardia often keep going .

 

[ragdollabbi]

Hi guys yesterday I was walking accross a zebra crossing, got half way when a stream of 20plus cyclists flash past me and my wife, even though a car had stopped for us. Do cyclists not have to stop for pedestrians on crossings?

That happened twice with us while we were over, although we were in the car and had stopped for pedestrians.....cyclists came up behind us and carried on before pedestrian could cross over

 

[Sparky]

OK i have found this on the web :-

Motorists are required by law to stop for a pedestrian waiting at a pedestrian crossing only if he indicates his intention to cross by giving a clear hand-signal or placing one foot on the crossing. It’s never safe to assume that you have the right of way as a pedestrian crossing in Spain, particularly in cities, where motorists are very reluctant to stop.

At a pedestrian crossing with pedestrian lights, pedestrians are supposed to wait for a green light (or green man) before crossing the road (sometimes they must press a button), irrespective of whether there’s any traffic. The green light may be accompanied by an audible signal, which may be a few short bleeps just before the light changes to red.

A blinking green light means don’t cross unless you’re already on the crossing (note that the light for motorists may change to green when you’re half way across the road even when you started to cross on a green light, so always look out for traffic). You can be fined for crossing the road at the wrong place or ignoring pedestrian lights and crossings.

 

[vincent]

Just educate the cyclists to use cycle lanes when provided, and not ride in pairs when one of them is practically on the middle line of the road and not to ride on pavements - may not result in a 'love-love' relationship but it might be a start

Or on the flip side educate the people who provide the cycle lanes on how to actually prepare a surface that bicycle which doesn't have suspension or wide tyres can safely travel on...and educate the driver that they should be giving a bicycle as much room as they would a car when possible which means you should be right across the white line anyway when passing not just trying to squeeze by.

This is why it is legal for cyclists to travel 2 abreast on the road. It is safer for the cyclist if the driver passing drives properly and the passing car will be on the opposite side of the road for a shorter distance/time than if passing 2 in single file.

Cyclists will also tend to dominate their lane approaching sharp blind bends to discourage the possibility of dangerous overtakes and give them a better view of what is around the bend early.

I will concede that they should not be on pavements but can understand why some people would not want to send their children onto the roads given the danger from uneducated motorists

Cyclists have a responsibility too obviously and I personally like to get that car that is bearing down on me safely past and away as quickly and safely as I can and I will wave them past if I can see better that it is clear.

The following 2 videos are quite helpful

https://youtu.be/o9pmw2ckQSU

https://youtu.be/OTGRQgw6PDA

 

[alcanadakid]

OK i have found this on the web :-

I think the critical word is "motorist", so I am not clear how it affects cyclists.

 

[Sparky]

I think the critical word is "motorist", so I am not clear how it affects cyclists.

I think the rules of the road apply to all road users the same as they do in the UK .

 

[alcanadakid]

I think the rules of the road apply to all road users the same as they do in the UK .

I am afraid not Sparky.

A lot of our (UK) traffic laws start with "Whilst driving a motor vehicle on a road or public place......"

 

[Sparky]

I am afraid not Sparky.

A lot of our (UK) traffic laws start with "Whilst driving a motor vehicle on a road or public place......"

So does that mean if a cyclist kills or injures someone on a zebra crossing or going the wrong way on a one-way street they cannot be prosecuted .

 

[debz1]

Hi guys yesterday I was walking accross a zebra crossing, got half way when a stream of 20plus cyclists flash past me and my wife, even though a car had stopped for us. Do cyclists not have to stop for pedestrians on crossings?

This happened a few times to me in April on the crossing near Tolos. On one occasion I have to say I found it unbelievable that a car had stopped, I was half way across the road, but the bikes just kept on going. I can foresee an accident occurring, especially as the bike lane is two way whereas as its one way for cars!

 

[debz1]

This is the law in the UK so not sure if it applies in Mallorca.... as if



A spokesman from the Metropolitan police said: ‘A cyclist may pass behind a pedestrian (with due care and consideration) but must “accord precedence” i.e. allow a pedestrian to cross first unless the pedestrian is on the opposite carriageway and there is a central island.’
Read more: This cyclist got an earful from an irate pedestrian | Metro News

 

[alcanadakid]

So does that mean if a cyclist kills or injures someone on a zebra crossing or going the wrong way on a one-way street they cannot be prosecuted .

In that case they could be prosecuted with manslaughter, GBH, ABH or common assault,but not careless or dangerous driving which require the use of a motor vehicle.

 

[pinewalker]

Slightly off topic, I know, but this morning we took a leisurely stroll along the Pine Walk up to the Illa' Dor. Just in front of Corb Mari, 5 lycra clad cyclists who were making their merry way towards the Dania were confronted by two local police officers, who had them off those bikes in a matter of seconds, (these guys must have known what they were doing was dangerous, the pavement was at the time ridicously crowded, it being a very warm and sunny morning).

A couple of hours later, on our return, we stopped for a liquid lunch at the Bahia, (as one does), during which time I witnessed three separate occcassions when groups of cyclists came hurtling along, (probably each time about 4 or 5 in number). We all know how narrow the walk is along this stretch, and I fear that sometime this summer, a terrible incident, (if that's the right word) is going to occur. Common sense would tell one that this type of behaviour is just an accident waiting to happen. In fairness I must say there were numerous other cyclists this afternoon who were walking alongside their bikes.

Anyway, apologies to all, rant over, I'm just stating what I saw.

 

[lollipop]

Hopefully by the time the school holidays start the majority of cyclists will be gone as too hot for serious cycling.

 

[marilyn]

I have been informed by someone who is in the cycle business here, cyclists have to follow the laws as other vehicles. This includes not riding in pedestrian areas and pavements and not going the wrong way up one way streets.

It is a shame that a selfish minority cause bad feeling for the majority. Safety for all, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians must be our first concern.

 

[pinewalker]

But we all know that a considerable minority are not "following the laws". A couple of quick points, regarding my experiences yesterday afternoon, I was genuinely surprised that some of these guys were attempting to ride through the "narrow" part of the Pine Walk, that is past Corb Mari and on towards Little Italy, (in fact, in places) all the way up to the Illa 'Dor.

Secondly, and to be honest, this was early morning, just after 8.00am today, and there were very few people about, one chap came from the direction of the Sis Pins area towards the Dania and was absolutely flying, (on his bike!). Head down, pure concentration and he was seriously moving. I know Bradley Wiggins is reported to have an apartment in that vicinity, and believe me, it could have been him, (I'm no expert, but I doubt if even the great man himself could have gone any quicker).

As I said, there were very few people around, and he pretty much had the area to himself, but he was really shifting, and no, I'm not exaggerating.

 

[vincent]

Slightly off topic, I know, but this morning we took a leisurely stroll along the Pine Walk up to the Illa' Dor. Just in front of Corb Mari, 5 lycra clad cyclists who were making their merry way towards the Dania were confronted by two local police officers, who had them off those bikes in a matter of seconds, (these guys must have known what they were doing was dangerous, the pavement was at the time ridicously crowded, it being a very warm and sunny morning).

A couple of hours later, on our return, we stopped for a liquid lunch at the Bahia, (as one does), during which time I witnessed three separate occcassions when groups of cyclists came hurtling along, (probably each time about 4 or 5 in number). We all know how narrow the walk is along this stretch, and I fear that sometime this summer, a terrible incident, (if that's the right word) is going to occur. Common sense would tell one that this type of behaviour is just an accident waiting to happen. In fairness I must say there were numerous other cyclists this afternoon who were walking alongside their bikes.

Anyway, apologies to all, rant over, I'm just stating what I saw.

As I alluded to earlier I won't defend bad cycling so they shouldn't be on the pedestrian area and it is right that they are stopped from doing so. Extra signage may be a good idea as i don't think what is in place is adequate as I hadn't noticed it the 1st few times I had been but language like 'lycra clad cyclists' and 'hurtling along' would tend to make me believe you do have a certain prejudice, I might be wrong. I would find it difficult to hurtle along on a road bike at that stretch especially in a group and can't for the life of me think of a reason why they would be?

Hopefully by the time the school holidays start the majority of cyclists will be gone as too hot for serious cycling.

I'll be there during the school holidays but minus a bicycle this time with the children in tow.

I have been informed by someone who is in the cycle business here, cyclists have to follow the laws as other vehicles. This includes not riding in pedestrian areas and pavements and not going the wrong way up one way streets.

This does make sense, I have to say I have witnessed locals disobeying the one way street rule in the past and they weren't 'lycra clad', just going about their daily business/shopping/work etc and I somehow doubt the same venom is shown towards them.

It is a shame that a selfish minority cause bad feeling for the majority. Safety for all, motorists, cyclists and pedestrians must be our first concern.

Agreed with the responsibility for safety in direct correlation with the vulnerability of the user therefore motorists having the most and cyclists should be looking out for pedestrians.

On my recent trip I was travelling along opposite the junction near Stay and as I got to the crossing a pedestrian was waiting to cross. I stopped on my bicycle remaining clipped on to the pedals and balancing myself in a track stand. The nice lady in question saw that I was balancing and waved me through to which I replied 'Muchos Gracias'. Bit of class that from her I thought

But we all know that a considerable minority are not "following the laws". A couple of quick points, regarding my experiences yesterday afternoon, I was genuinely surprised that some of these guys were attempting to ride through the "narrow" part of the Pine Walk, that is past Corb Mari and on towards Little Italy, (in fact, in places) all the way up to the Illa 'Dor.

Secondly, and to be honest, this was early morning, just after 8.00am today, and there were very few people about, one chap came from the direction of the Sis Pins area towards the Dania and was absolutely flying, (on his bike!). Head down, pure concentration and he was seriously moving. I know Bradley Wiggins is reported to have an apartment in that vicinity, and believe me, it could have been him, (I'm no expert, but I doubt if even the great man himself could have gone any quicker).

As I said, there were very few people around, and he pretty much had the area to himself, but he was really shifting, and no, I'm not exaggerating.

This sort of action really angers me and again I cannot understand it knowing that area of the Pine Walk. It's narrow, a crazy rough surface with tree roots not to mention the pedestrians using it. How can any cyclist actually get enjoyment from cycling on there when the road surfaces on the main carriageways such as the ring road are so smooth in comparison to the roads here? That's one of my favourite things about cycling in Majorca along with the stunning views, challenging hills and of course the weather.

 

[icampbell15]

We've been in the Port for the last 6 days. We have found it much quieter than we expected. We are usually here July/August and October. We are also amazed at the number of cyclists in the area. We know it's big business but I'm afraid the majority of cyclists we have seen pay no attention to any of the rules. We are witnessing instances all the time of large groups(6-20) cycling along the Pinewalk far too fast and then breaking hard practically at peoples' ankles. As for the new road, it's a huge improvement but again cyclists are ignoring both the cycle lane and the one way system. I have yet to see any group stop at the zebra crossings. Although I must acknowledge 2 German cyclists who stopped when I was crossing the other day. It really feels as if they can do what they want as no one challenges them. I have only once seen a taxi driver toot at them as they were taking up the whole road and he couldn't pass them. There are quite a few families here just now but although the Pinewalk is relatively quiet ,it isn't safe to let go of their hands as cyclists appear so quickly. I think the situation needs to be addressed soon before an accident happens. Mind you, with all the changes involving rentals,tourist tax and huge sunbed costs, perhaps the 'powers that be' no longer want to promote the Port as a family friendly resort!

 

[Disorderly]

Cycling is a great activity properly executed. My pet hate is the “peloton” of 20+ riders who refuse to split up into smaller groups to allow cars to pass more easily......it’s just plain selfishness. In my experience cyclists are 25% thoughtful, 75% pig ignorant. And no.....there’s no justification to ride down Pine Walk when it’s busy.

That said, there are thoughtless drivers and pedestrians too! Just having a “Meldrew Moment”! LOL

 

[icampbell15]

We are just back from taking a walk as the sun re-appeared.The pedestrian zone began at 6 pm and a barrier was placed across the road and guess what.....cyclists are using it as a 'free-for-all' cycling all over the road in both directions....you really couldn't make it up! It looks as if the cycle lane still operates after 6 as it isn't blocked off but if the cyclists aren't using it anyway...
( there are some individual riders who do adhere to the rules)