Hello all,
I would appreciate your thoughts. I am new to riding on roads, having always sought to use tracks and parks to ride. I've been reading up on riding tactics and rules. I note that the general advice is to ride on the road in preference to paths designed for pedestrians.
There is a specific journey I would like to make to a friend who has moved within easy cycling distance. Having looked at the map I can see no alternative routes to following a main A road with a 50mph speed limit.
The question arises whether it is acceptable to use the path that runs alongside the road? It is separated for most of the way by a 1m wide strip of grass. It is only on one side of the road, so in one direction I'd be travelling opposite to traffic. Further, if I were to make the journey with my 10 year old (nervous) child, would that be safer to be on the path? And what about riding with 7year old (slightly wobbly on steering)?
The rest of the route involves a country lane, which, although I'm not entirely confident about, I am happy that a car could pass me quite safely and see me far enough away.
Thank you very much!!
