Dulwich Park Hazards

[Al&Em]

Two hazards in Dulwich Park which all of us probably come up against, and a good few of us are probably directly involved in - would be interested in general opinion:

1 - Cycling fast. Technically I suppose cyclists in the park are supposed to observe the speed limit (5mph?) but that's actually really slow on a bike - is cycling faster than that wrong?

2 - loose dogs. According to park rules dogs are supposed to be on a lead at all times unless in a designated dog exercise area (dotted around the park but never on the main carriageway). Clearly almost no-one does this - fair enough or a downright danger to the (possibly speeding...!) cyclists / rollerbladers etc when they lurch in front of the bikes?

3 - Those little yellow recumbent buggys they rent out. The amount of times I've been taken out by those things swerving like on a slalom course for no apparent reason. This one's just a moan really - but do they leave anyone else downright scared of overtaking them?

Al

[Al&Em]

Two hazards in Dulwich Park which all of us probably come up against, and a good few of us are probably directly involved in - would be interested in general opinion:

1 - Cycling fast. Technically I suppose cyclists in the park are supposed to observe the speed limit (5mph?) but that's actually really slow on a bike - is cycling faster than that wrong?

2 - loose dogs. According to park rules dogs are supposed to be on a lead at all times unless in a designated dog exercise area (dotted around the park but never on the main carriageway). Clearly almost no-one does this - fair enough or a downright danger to the (possibly speeding...!) cyclists / rollerbladers etc when they lurch in front of the bikes?

3 - Those little yellow recumbent buggys they rent out. The amount of times I've been taken out by those things swerving like on a slalom course for no apparent reason. This one's just a moan really - but do they leave anyone else downright scared of overtaking them?

Al

[bigbadwolf]

I think the general opinion is that you should get a life.

[bigbadwolf]

I think the general opinion is that you should get a life.

[Moos]

I think the Generalissimo opinion is that you should mind your manners, cub.

Generalissimo Moos

[Moos]

I think the Generalissimo opinion is that you should mind your manners, cub.

Generalissimo Moos

[SeanMacGabhann]

A bit harsh BBW..

I've seen all the things you describe Al&Em but to be honest I've not seen many problems either - a park being a public space I kind of expect people to rub along.

The dogs thing bother me more than most and I wouldn't shed many tears if the park started implementing some of it's own rules mind you..but none of it really mars my enjoyment of the place

[SeanMacGabhann]

A bit harsh BBW..

I've seen all the things you describe Al&Em but to be honest I've not seen many problems either - a park being a public space I kind of expect people to rub along.

The dogs thing bother me more than most and I wouldn't shed many tears if the park started implementing some of it's own rules mind you..but none of it really mars my enjoyment of the place

[KalamityKel]

I count 3 hazards there no?

I've not been to the park for a good while but it seems these issues will forever exist.

If people respected each others space and considered those around them then I personally don't consider the points raised much of a hazard.

The occasional "accident" always adds to the experience of the great outdoors. Of course if problems occured on a regular and continuous spread of time... oh I don't know...

[KalamityKel]

I count 3 hazards there no?

I've not been to the park for a good while but it seems these issues will forever exist.

If people respected each others space and considered those around them then I personally don't consider the points raised much of a hazard.

The occasional "accident" always adds to the experience of the great outdoors. Of course if problems occured on a regular and continuous spread of time... oh I don't know...

[ratty]

The lack of boating lake irks me still!

[ratty]

The lack of boating lake irks me still!

[Al&Em]

I just keep having near misses avoiding the dogs while on the bike, and trying to work out if I'm in danger of being the one in the wrong - interested to know where I stand if I don't skid to a halt in time....

I do subscribe to the 'rub along' theory Sean.

[Al&Em]

I just keep having near misses avoiding the dogs while on the bike, and trying to work out if I'm in danger of being the one in the wrong - interested to know where I stand if I don't skid to a halt in time....

I do subscribe to the 'rub along' theory Sean.

[lenk]

I ride through there at something like 15mph.

Not really sure how anyone would be able to stop me either.

[lenk]

I ride through there at something like 15mph.

Not really sure how anyone would be able to stop me either.

[ratty]

Taser!

[ratty]

Taser!

[KalamityKel]

Surely if the dog and urself collided in an area where they're (the dog) meant to be kept on the lead and you couldn't stop in time but yet were cycling in the proper manner (paying attention to your surroundings) it would be the fault of the owner for not adherring to the signs/notices and such.

If, however, you intentionally went after the dog I think perhaps you'd be in the wrong B)

[KalamityKel]

Surely if the dog and urself collided in an area where they're (the dog) meant to be kept on the lead and you couldn't stop in time but yet were cycling in the proper manner (paying attention to your surroundings) it would be the fault of the owner for not adherring to the signs/notices and such.

If, however, you intentionally went after the dog I think perhaps you'd be in the wrong B)

[Asset]

I think dogs only need to be on a lead in certain areas, round the cafe and round the inner paths, not most places in the park. There aren't actually any dog designated zones - that I've noticed anyway.

[Asset]

I think dogs only need to be on a lead in certain areas, round the cafe and round the inner paths, not most places in the park. There aren't actually any dog designated zones - that I've noticed anyway.

[Asset]

Take that back - the bit round the outside is a designated I think.

Slightly biased as I'm getting a dog tomorrow!

[Asset]

Take that back - the bit round the outside is a designated I think.

Slightly biased as I'm getting a dog tomorrow!

[SimonM]

I have to laugh hollowly at these complaints. The Park these days is a blissful haven....as almost anyone who recalls the days when cars were allowed in and packed the perimeter road as a car park will attest. *Usually* the hire bikes stick to the perimeter road or wider paths, as do the roller bladers. I'm just glad these little tykes have somewhere safe and traffic-free to let off steam: ditto all the little pink, tassled barbie bikes around the playground. It's a park and there's lots of it dammit!