I was thinking about that last night on my way home from Croydon. I tend to use the Wandle Trail, rather than the faster and shorter A232. Why? Well, because of a cycle facility. There's a stupid two-way cycle lane which meanders in and out along the westbound side of the road. But, rather inevitably, it limply crosses joining roads, has bollards in it, veers round a bus shelter, bumps up and down kerbs, and has cars parked in it. And, of course, peters out before the hazardous junctions either end, dumping you into a crap and vulnerable position on the road.
When I ride along the road there, I get far more than the usual close passes and yelled comments. Because, of course, the Road Tax payers' money has been used to build a lane for cyclists (who don't deserve it), and it's the law that I have to use it.*
Last night, I decided it was late enough, and would be quiet enough, to brazen it out.
Actually, now I think about it, we ride east on that road regularly, with no trouble. It's just the proximity of the farcility which is the problem.
* May contain traces of error, I know.