Published: Wednesday, 7th May, 2008 12:00
A dad's view of kids on bikes
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It is sad that the vein of understanding and tolerance continues to run thinly through our elected Councillors. As a cyclist and walker on the Largs promenade, and as a father of three small children I believe I can hold a balanced view on the suggested dangers.
My personal experience is this: as a walker I have been far less troubled by cyclists than I have been troubled by walkers whilst cycling. I accept that there are irresponsible cyclists as there are irresponsible people in all walks of life. Surely we can avoid a ban to cyclists which would mean that this valued resource was lost to the majority of (responsible) users because of the behaviour of a minority?
If I were to suggest a walker ban on the ‘prom’ because of an inconsiderate few, many would rightly be upset.
I teach my children to have an awareness of bikes where there is mixed use. By contrast, some walkers behave as though completely oblivious to the fact that they share the promenade with cyclists.
Another key failing I feel is the lack of clear marking of lanes. It would surely be helpful to everyone if the designated cycle lane were picked out in a contrasting colour. Then even the most somnambulant promenaders would have a fair chance of staying in lane.
On a hopeful note, I had the pleasure of walking the Greenock Cut last week and it served as an excellent illustration of how responsible cyclists and walkers (and buggies) can co-exist, this on a path significantly narrower and twistier than the fearsome Largs prom!
Mark Bradshaw,
Skelmorlie
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