Bike light on a cycle path?

[m444ttb]

Having been cycling to work for two weeks now, 90% of which is along route 45 in Swindon, I've noticed at least half of other cyclists (most, but not all, riding crappy looking mountain bikes slowly) don't have any lights or reflectors. I use an unlit section so there's no choice for me, but is it legal to ride on a cycle path like this?

[m444ttb]

I've tried to gear myself up (bike and chosen route) to avoid roads as much as I can just because I can't be doing with the behaviour I've seen other car drivers subject cyclists to over the years. I probably do 3k of my 11km journey on the road but most of that is through housing estates so there aren't too many cars. It's once I get into route 45 that I begin encounter two-wheeled 'tards. I know the exact place one will knock me off at some point too. Thankfully the only bike I've encountered there so far was an MTB rider with lights, hi-viz and used his bell (blind corner) in case someone hadn't seen his light.

[m444ttb]

lescombes said:

I get told to "use the cycleway"....

Presumably to pay some road tax too? I've not had that yet. Can only be a matter of time.