Motorbikes on the old railway walk

It really annoys me when kids pass me on motorbikes when I'm cycling along the old railway. This evening there were no less than three of them . However, on my way back I passed one of them who seemed to have broken down and had to walk with the bike . I then passed someone on a horse and found the other two bikes. They were trying to get to their friend but couldn't pass the horse in case the noise from the bikes spooked it.

Just came across this thread and i'm surprised no-one has replied to it. I'm impressed that the bike riders waited patiently behind the horse rider and didn't just tear up the side of it and scare the beast half to death. Yes i know they shouldn't be on the cycle path, but in the absence of somewhere safe for them to ride, i think it is good to know that the youngsters have some sense when it comes to sharing the path with horses et al. I have seen courteous youths on bikes when i've been out cycling and they have given me right of way, other times i've had other youths come tearing up behind me at great speed. Worse still are the dog walkers though! I'm sure there's another thread somewhere about them!!!

Dog walkers? What's so bad about dog walkers? Sorry, but some of the rudest, most inconsiderate folk I've ever had the misfortune to meet while out walking have been cyclists! From the ones who insist on cycling on the pavements to the ones who tear past you without any kind of warning to the ones who cycle at all hours of the day and night without any kind of lights - don't get me started!!!

Sometimes cyclists can never win. If you ring your bell to warn walkers, some of them suddenly become startled and give you a look that could kill

SueDOnym wrote:

some of the rudest, most inconsiderate folk I've ever had the misfortune to meet while out walking have been cyclists! From the ones who insist on cycling on the pavements to the ones who tear past you without any kind of warning to the ones who cycle at all hours of the day and night without any kind of lights - don't get me started!!!

You forgot to mention the arrogant gits that turn up every weekend in groups of 20 to 30, travelling at about 5 miles a fortnight through Penicuik or along the even narrower country roads two abreast so that you've no chance of passing them....... Well, not without killing a few..... But why should I be put to the expemse of repairing my car's paintwork.

What's so bad about dog walkers? asked SueDOnym.

Well, when they let little fido just about tear your leg off when you slow down to pass them, is it any wonder some cyclists don't drop their speed? And see those extending leads...wee fido darts off into the undergrowth after a rabbit on the opposite side of the path from it's owner! Unsuspecting cyclist gets caught up in the nylon rope! And when a grumpy, growly dog starts baring its teeth and snarling at us...we are told "Don't worry, he's only being friendly!"

I would agree that there's a lot of unfriendly cyclists, dog walkers, horse riders etc who all use the path. I advocate tolerance for all users of Midlothians cycle/walkways! Go on, i'll smile at you if you smile at me

Having been brought up in the countryside, I try to respect ALL users of it. It's a pity others don't do the same...