This is an interesting point, and it was made by UK cycling bodies back when the private car had only just started to dominate UK streets. They argued that dedi

This is an interesting point, and it was made by UK cycling bodies back when the private car had only just started to dominate UK streets. They argued that dedicated bike paths would limit the freedom of cyclists, since they would be obligated to use these paths. In hindsight, this was a missed opportunity to build this infrastructure at a time when cycle usage (and therefore public support) was very high... and cycle participation has plummeted in the decades since to 1.7% of all journeys. Now, cyclists have the right to use all UK roads (except motorways), but only the bravest actually do so. Meanwhile, the Netherlands has fantastic cycle infrastructure and participation is very high - although still lower than it once was in the UK! I don't think it is hyperbolic to say that given what we now know about climate change, harmful emissions and the health consequences of inactive lifestyles, this is a national tragedy. Good cycle infrastructure encourages more people to cycle, and the rights of cyclists are better protected in societies where more people cycle.