Dogs on cycle paths

[Kaylum]

Why do people walk their dogs off the lead on cycle paths, just been down to town on my bike via the cycle path and had three near misses. One young dog on its own running everywhere nearly got caught under my wheel no owner anywhere to be seen and then it ran off into the distance. Second was off the lead wandering all over, third was running next to a woman all over the place. I wouldn't dream of letting my dog off on a cyclepath. There is a massive park right next to it so no excuse. Don't these people have brains.

 

[Shantara]

I used to let Annie off her lead on cycle paths, but she would could to heal very quickly on command. Since she went deaf, we've had to keep her on the lead.
Though why someone would let their dog run in front of a bike, I'll never know!

 

[Littlelegs]

I think its more a case of why do people not keep their dogs under control, whether that's training them & watching where they go or using a lead. Just as bad for them to be out of control in a park tbh. My dog walks off lead on cycle paths, but then again I made the effort to train him.

 

[galaxy]

do you mean footpaths that have been changed to allow bikes? Because the estate I live on has routes like this all around it with wide patches of grass on it. It is so bikes don't have to go on the road = safer.

I have no issues walking my dog off lead around here. It is for joint use and we have as much right to be there.

However.... I ALWAYS call H back when a bike approaches and keep my eye out for them. Apart from those silent cyclists who approach me fast from behind and go between us before I have had a chance to recall. A simple "excuse me" would be polite!!!

 

[Jake10]

I walk my dog off lead on cycle tracks if they aren't busy. He is under control the entire time though and won't approach a bike for fear that it will eat him

 

[Kaylum]

No I mean cycle paths, we have loads in York and idiots letting their dogs run all over them. it's funny I am a rider, dog walker, cyclist and driver and everyone has an excuse for their behaviour LOL!

 

[galaxy]

sorry, we don't have any paths purely for cycles around here except for on roads!

any others are for shared use.

 

[jumbyjack]

All round here are shared user, I always call my dogs back when cyclists approach but will walk in the middle of the path if they are doing warp factor 80 to make them slow down, there is no need for racing speed on these paths.

The cyclists from behind are the worst, I constantly yell 'ring your bell' at them as they just arrive alongside without warning and are so surprised when there is a dog in front of me. There are few who actually have a bell fitted and that is against the law! Most do shout ' excuse me' though and I bring the dogs close and most of the time I get a thank you! On shared user paths we all have to respect each other and react appropriately.

If it was a designated cycle path I would either have all the dogs on leads or more likely would just not walk there.