The real reason cyclists go on the pavement

It’s a statement that’s guaranteed to raise hackles, but I admit: I cycle on pavements. This has become a controversial thing to say after the recent manslaughter conviction of Auriol Grey, who waved and shouted as Celia Ward cycled towards her in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire – resulting in the retired midwife falling into the road to her death. Many have responded to the case by saying no cyclist should be let on the pavement ever again. But I think this misses something important. 

To qualify my statement, I must point out that I only ride on the pavement at a time and place when I rarely if ever encounter any pedestrians – and if I do I immediately give way and dismount as the situation deems appropriate.  

Specifically, I do it on the rather steep hill that leads from my house to the local tube station at around 6.30