Online Petition - Dog control beside paths
Were a few A4 sheets at The Bike Works.
I've posted to let people see- not taking any view here as contentious subject!
CityCyclingEdinburgh Forum » General Edinburgh
Dog Control on Shared Paths Petition
(10 posts)-
Posted 12 years ago #
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PS - If you want to know background you can pick up copy from Bike Works counter. Probably at other shops too.
Posted 12 years ago # -
No reason why this should be a contentious subject. If dog owners (and pedestrians in general) expect cyclists to act responsibly (and quite rightly so), then they should be expected to do the same. I would take things further and say that leads should be of a maximum length as when dogs are on a lead it's the extendible ones which cause the trouble. I narrowly avoided running in to one in the dark as my lights didn't catch it and the owner was walking on the opposite side of the path from his black labrador.
I would even mae it a requirement for dogs to wear reflective (and preferably flashing) collars or bands after dusk, just as we're supposed to make ourselves visible to others. Some dog owners are responsible in that regard. A shame that even some of them then let the dog off the lead!
Oh, and the throwing of balls, sticks and so on for the dog to fetch should be illegal on cycle paths. Too many near misses from that too! I've actually had a ball thrown towards me (i.e. when the owner can see me approaching) on more than one occasion.
And breathe...
Posted 12 years ago # -
The petioner was badly hurt when a bike ran across his path. The difficult bit is where paths are not marked out - Roseburn is a good example.
If I see a dog or child I now expect to slow down or take avoiding action - I exercise caution even if I think the owner or parent is negligent. Many similar paths are really treated as linear parks. They can't really be called segregated and cycling has to co-exist.
The incident that has inspired this petition was iin The Meadows. That's one of the few places where the path is segregated - albeit with paint.
I agree though that dogs shouldn't be allowed to run wild - apart from the risk there is also the fact that the owners seem to think dog c**p isn't a problem if the animal is not beside them.Posted 12 years ago # -
The petioner was badly hurt when a bike ran across his path.
Lol!
(I am assuming that is a mistake and not laughing at the person being badly hurt!)
Posted 12 years ago # -
I was just about to post the same correction :-D
It does amaze me when some dog owners (and some "plain" pedestrians) see you coming - when they are taking up almost all the space - and then decide not to give you the room to pass. Sheer ignorance, and no better than a cyclist behaving selfishly.
I also think there should be a reminder sign at all entrances to (non-segregated) cycle paths that pedestrians (including joggers!) should be walking on the right-hand side (as per the Highway Code*). It would save a lot of the grief which occurs between peds and cyclists if they would obey that simple rule. "I didn't see you coming" would rarely be an excuse, whether it's a ped or a dog that moved into your way.
*"2
If there is no pavement, keep to the right-hand side of the road so that you can see oncoming traffic. You should take extra care and
be prepared to walk in single file, especially on narrow roads or in poor light
keep close to the side of the road."Swaying a little off-topic I suppose but it's all about cycle path etiquette.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I'd agree with leads of a maximum length; people on the ends of long leads are a big problem.
I'd agree that dogs should wear reflective and/or flashing light kit in low light levels.
I'd agree that dog excrement should never be left where a pedestrian is likely to tread.
But I'd disagree that dogs should be always on leads on shared use paths. Because they're shared use paths, cycle speeds shouldn't be such that you can't avoid a dog. They're not invisible (esp if there's an insistence on some form of illumination when dark).
If there's a wish or need to travel at high speed, the roads are more suitable.Posted 12 years ago # -
Focus, I don't think the highway code re walking on the right side is intended for footpaths shared with cyclists (which surely they are, rather than highways that don't allow motorised traffic?)
Posted 12 years ago # -
b-t-t's right, that HC rule is for roads without pavements (e.g. Country roads) rather than shared use paths (which are pedestrian ways that cyclists are allowed oto use, and there's no such HC rule for pavements).
But other than that, I ain't getting involved here!
Posted 12 years ago # -
Dearie me.
Posted 12 years ago #
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