Imagine, if you will, that you are a commuter who has established that cycling through the middle of a British city is the easiest way for you to get to work. It’s probably one of the cheapest methods, the greenest, the easiest, the best for you. Most of it might not be on specific bike infrastructure, because that hasn’t been built, so you have to share the road with cars.
However, thankfully, there is a bit on the journey where you are allowed to cycle in a pedestrianised area, away from cars. Maybe it saves you five minutes, maybe it just means you don’t have to stay on a busy road. You’re probably conscientious, maybe you’re even a good bell user. Sharing the space with pedestrians just works, especially if you slow down.
