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Bike Riders - lac (21st Sep 2022 - 15:56:35) In recent times, some of our local bridle ways have become part of the "King Alfred Way". This is a new long distance cycle route which presumably caters for the general upsurge in off road cycling in the area. Whilst nearly all the riders take great care around walkers (and their dogs) and say a friendly hello, there is a minority hard core who seem to think they're in London fighting traffic and riding at high speed. They're usually male, middle aged and bearded. Go figure! Let me politely remind them cyclists are legally required to give way to pedestrians and take care when passing them. A polite shout or bell would also warn pedestrians they're coming up behind you! I'm prompted to post this as recently a particularly unpleasant group of 4 male riders decided to come down a steep gravel hill at full pelt towards me (and my elderly dog) prompting a loud reminder from me to slow down. They had no chance of stopping or changing direction on gravel at 20mph! They responded with much F wording. I only hope they will realise if they want to ride like lunatics and be so unpleasant, there are routes on private land out there for them. As for the rest of the riders, I thank them for the good manners and cheery greetings. As in all activities involving people, there are always a small minority who spoil it for others.

Re: Bike Riders - Helen (21st Sep 2022 - 18:01:50) Thank you for alerting me to this I have looked up the route and will avoid it. I am surprised more publicity was not given to this or some kind of local consultation.

Re: Bike Riders - er (21st Sep 2022 - 20:42:37) It's great that we have more of these long distance off road cycle routes, but they are mainly mud and gravel, usually very out of the way and circuitous, ok for a bit of recreation, a weekend cycling trip or workout for the mammals but not great for actually going anywhere like work or shopping, what we need are more cycle paths around town and between villages!

Re: Bike Riders - Paul (22nd Sep 2022 - 11:23:15) @Lac - there are of course, 2 sides to every story. I don't know what happened in your case, I won't even comment. I have never ridden the KAW, but with my young son about a month ago I walked a section from Liphook to Liss. You mention you had a dog with you. In the interests of balance, let me explain that I saw several dogs allowed to defecate on the route, or just off it. Their owners were absolutely aware but pretended not to see. It seems there is an unwritten rule that if a dog does its business just off a walking route it's okay to leave it. No, it isn't. So, my point is - everyone using these amenities should be considerate of other users. Including walkers, dog owners, and cyclists. Let's not fall into the trap of singling out just one group.

Re: Bike Riders - lac (22nd Sep 2022 - 20:08:13) Fair point Paul. Most dog walkers do take care with their dogs poo and bag it. As always its the few who spoil it for the many. I would point out that a cyclist out of control is a far more dangerous problem to you and your offspring, than dog poo. Whilst there are always two sides to every story, the incident I refer to was instigated by 4 very unpleasant privileged threatening oicks who were treating a public bridleway as a racetrack. Thankfully nearly all the riders I encounter are polite and reasonable.

Re: Bike Riders - Mary W (26th Sep 2022 - 11:42:01) Glad I wasn’t there, I would have been petrified.

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