The impossible traffic mix.

When cycleways were first thought of they were a means of getting people out of cars and having them cycle to work. The rewards were many. Improved health because of the exercise involved. Less pollution because of fewer cars on the road - and the biggest plus of all - added road safety by separating cars and cycles on public roads.
But then political correctness got in the act. They were called " cycleways " but the authorities had a change of heart and decided they were for all the people - not just those riding bicycles.
And so today we have the situation that is causing cyclists to avoid these so-called cycleways and going back to dodging traffic on the nation's roads because of the congestion that makes them a greater hazard.
An amazing plethora of citizenry is now to be found parading the city cycleways - ranging from power walkers, mum's pushing strollers to mum's jogging with strollers, people exercising their dogs, the elderly using walking frames, groups out for a stroll in the sun, kids on skateboards and other kids on roller blades - all of which seem to deeply resent anybody having the temerity to want to ride a bicycle on these strips of concrete.
Cyclists get yelled at because other users see them as a safety hazard and demand that they ride at walking pace, ring a bell as they approach - and give right of way to the walkers.
From the cyclists point of view these are no longer speedy ways to get to and from work. Groups of people hog the concrete and decline to make way for riders - and dogs on a leash are little more than a death trap where cycles are concerned.
Perhaps the answer is to return cycleways to the purpose for which they were designed. After all, the nation has a system of walking trails that are specifically designed for pedestrians to use for exercise - be it walking or pushing a stroller - and are ideal for dog walking.
They are called foot paths !