Think this kind of competitive 'recreational' cyclists are on the rise and form much of the so called cycling problem. These and increasingly other lesser vehicles also, together need their own turf on the road. That is a cycling lane. Other surface just doesn't cut it.
But funny is local seems always on the wrong ball. Create more cycling path, etc, for recreation cycling. But seriously that's just it, for leisure cycle only. Those really into cycling one tend will not go on these cycling path, unless leisure.
Cause think the typical cycling path not safe for such cyclist. Surface condition not good don't say. Pedestrian and other users anyhow on the path also. How to ride like that.
The road although to many might seem more dangerous, cause of the motor vehicle. But in reality is much safer for cyclist, give the surface made for smoother travel and all users are often in common going same direction, don't have pedestrian and other users anyhow cross path.
I cycle to work, PCNs are absolute rubbish to commute when I cycle more than 30 kph..