I’ll highlight this bit from The View From the Cycle Path:
In this case (see picture below) the green line (about 100 meters/yards) would be the logical route. There is ample room for a cycle path there, but curiously cyclists are required to take the route represented by the red line. This includes going up and down and even an extra level crossing of a light rail line that would otherwise be crossed on the overpass. There is a shortcut (red dots) using the pedestrian stairs. But all in all the red route is at least double the length of the desired green route.
It is clear from the video that this man is not the only one who feels this is wrong. Many cyclists find a short cut by riding over the grass. The city council doesn’t like that but instead of tackling the problem by making the cycle path more direct, they put up a fence to protect the grass. The fence is of course consequently damaged. Another option is to ride against traffic on the opposite side of the road. Which is not a good solution either.
But it could be fixed: a bridge in this road (just left of the picture and seen in the beginning of the video) is due for maintenance. The man in the video urges the city to correct the mistake while they’re changing the bridge.
Too often when faced with civil disobedience government will try to come down on behavior that if understood is very reasonable, when it should be looking for solutions.
Scoff law cyclists – adopt the Idaho Stop Law and the bulk of the problem goes way.
J-walking pedestrains – provide more opportunities for safe and convenient crossing and the problem goes away.
Instead government vilifies reasonable behavior. They build fences to keep the prisoners from escaping, they enforce rules designed to break peoples spirit like, ticketing peds for not using the government sanctioned half hour detour.
We need solutions not vilification.
https://hembrow.blogspot.com/2011/02/importance-of-direct-cycle-routes.htmloldId.20110227111559823