Safer routes there for cyclists to use
Dear Editor I read with interest in the Observer (November 23, 2018) the article on the Sustrans report proposing improvements to routes for cyclists.
It is a great idea – especially if it means getting cyclists off the road and on to a safer route, as they do in Germany.
However, I am constantly dismayed by the number of cyclists who simply ignore the safe cycle routes (ie. the one from Tullibody to Manor Powis) and cycle on the road.
Then there’s the Hillfoots Road – with a clearly marked cycle path and yet another option from Causewayhead roundabout to Bridge of Allan.
In my experience and utter annoyance, despite the thousands of precious taxpayers money to create these safe routes, cyclists still use busy and much less safe roads.
Cyclists come on to these busy roads at peak time traffic and often have no mirrors to see what is behind them.
They take silly chances crossing and cutting through roundabouts and often have ear pieces in so that they cannot hear either.
A cyclist recently fell in front of my vehicle on the Hillfoots Road after skidding. Fortunately I was well enough behind to stop, but it was a scary experience – for us both.
This puts everyone at risk, especially the cyclists themselves, and it’s about high time that they made use of these safer routes where available or face penalties.
Michelle Marshall By email