This was filmed in London, which actually has some of the best cycling infrastructure in the UK (though that’s a low bar to pass). It seems, however, that he’s taking a route that happens to not have much of that infrastructure on it.
Though as you say, people should be able to cycle however they please, and it is enshrined in UK law that cyclists are not required to use cycling infrastructure. In this case I’d say he’s going fast enough that he’d be a danger to the slower cyclists and pedestrians on the cycle paths and multi-use pathways, so riding on the road makes more sense anyway.
There’s definitely some bits of that with a shared pedestrian/cycle path on the left.
While it’s perfectly legal to ignore that, I’ve seen how people drive in this country. I’d fucking use it. I don’t really want “But I had right of way” on my headstone, while some van driver gets a £60 fine and a two month ban.
Shared paths require cyclists to stop at every side road, which is bullshit. They have right of way on the road itself so they will obviously use it instead.
Also, pedestrians don’t read road signs so they often think you’re not allowed to be on the shared path. I’ve seen cyclists get assaulted for using them and had plenty of people shouting at me for doing what I’m allowed (but not legally required) to do.
They’re just a cheap and lazy way to pretend there is cycling infrastructure when there isn’t, really.
Shared paths are more dangerous to use if you’re going at any speed. Motorists aren’t looking for cyclists when driving over them into side roads and driveways, and cyclists lose priority at every side road.
They’re probably not looking for you whizzing up the middle of them either.
At the end of the day you’re a squishy meat sack and they’re in a two ton metal box, albeit in central London, one travelling at about 5 mph. If you feel safer doing that then you do you. I’m just saying I wouldn’t.
