RARE SIGHT INDEED
Government aid, Jonathan Powell,
confided secrets to Tory MP Boris Johnson, as
they sat side by side on bicycles waiting for
traffic lights to change. The strange thing about
this is that two cyclists actually stopped at a
red traffic light. |
PATHS
FOR ALL
Many cycle tracks are also for
pedestrians, although cyclists ignore this fact
and expect us to jump out of their way.
I would keep my dog off cycle tracks if cyclists
keep off pavements, parks and paths they are not
supposed to use, e.g. the centre path on Darley
playing fields, and if they stopped being a
nuisance to walkers and dog owners.
These cyclists are a menace as they insist in
cycling on the pavement right past the doors of
terraced houses. Anyone stepping out could be
badly injured and, of course, cyclists are not
insured! Christine Kellett |
FOOTPATHS
Whilst I would agree that, over the
years, the density of motor vehicles has
increased on our roads, this cannot ever be used
as an excuse for cyclists to use the pavements,
especially where provision exists in the form of
established cycle lanes.
There have been a number of occasions when
cyclists have been in collision with pedestrians
on footpaths, and the pedestrian has been treated
as if he/she was at fault for being on the path.
It is still an offence for cyclists to use a
footpath or pavement where no right of access to
cyclists exists. Cycling on the footpath during
the day is bad enough, but consider what happens
when it is night-time and the cyclists does not
have any lights.
Footpaths and pavements are for pedestrians only,
not for the benefit of the objectionable few on
bicycles, who are increasingly getting away with
breaking a small (but very important) part of
British law. M Bousfield |
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CYCLING
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Driving organisations are concerned that
proposed European legislation will mean that cyclists
causing accidents could cost motorists heavily. The new
law, now waiting for its second reading, could mean that
drivers would be liable for an accident, even when the
cyclist is to blame. At a meeting of motoring
organisations from 11 countries at the end of 2003, eight
of them, including the UK, Spain and Italy, said they
opposed the idea.
If it becomes law, motorists can expect a significant
increase in insurance costs, and this is making driving
organisations more adamant that regulations on cycling
should be strictly enforced and qualifications achieved.
But the CTC, Britain's national cycling body, fears that
any such moves would discourage people from choosing to
ride a bike. A spokesman said, "At a time when the
Government is committed to reducing levels of obesity,
particularly in children, any reduction in the number of
people cycling would be counter-productive."
In 2000 John Prescott promised a 200% increase in the
number of cyclists by 2010, and an additional 10,000
miles of cycle routes were introduced. The Government is
committed to increasing the number of cyclists by
reducing congestion but has admitted that, despite
initial hopes for huge increases, forecasts suggest that
there will be only a 37% increase by 2010.
The European Commission document says: "Motor
vehicles cause most accidents. Whoever is responsible,
pedestrians and cyclists usually suffer more. In some
member states the cyclist is covered by the insurance of
the vehicle involved in the accident irrespective of
whether the driver is at fault. Many cyclists behave as
if there were no legal constraints upon them - ignoring
traffic lights, signs, one-way streets and pedestrian
crossings, travelling as fast as possible with no lights
or bell - they are bicycle guerrillas."
Supporters want motorists to be criminally liable for any
accident involving a cyclist or pedestrian. European
officials believe the move will make the roads safer and
encourage more people to get on their bikes. Cyclists
would then be allowed to continue the following with
impunity:
* When cycling
at night always wear dark clothes.
* Cyclists
should ride on the pavement whenever possible.
* Make sure the
reflectors are missing off your cycle.
* Never ride
your cycle on the correct side of the road.
*
When cycling on a main road, weave from
side to side.
*
The best place to learn to do cycle
stunts like "wheelies" is on a busy road.
*
Never use hand signals when riding a
cycle in traffic.
Some cycle lanes leave a lot to be desired. (Click on picture
for a larger image)
For more see: www.warringtoncyclecampaign.co.uk
In the name of public safety, the Government
is considering making a fully functioning bell compulsory
on every bicycle so that cyclists can warn pedestrians of
their approach. Those cycling without an “audible
warning instrument” could then be subject to
on-the-spot penalties or even a four-figure fine. At
present, bells must be fitted on all bikes when they are
sold, but buyers are free to remove them and there is no
requirement to use them.
Phil Willis, the Liberal Democrat MP for Harrogate and
Knaresborough, has started a campaign to make bell-free
cycling an offence. He said that the recent surge of
interest in cycling meant that more safeguards were
needed to prevent unpleasant collisions. “It came to
my attention when an elderly constituent said to me,
although she liked seeing people cycling, she found it
worrying when they came up behind you with no
warning,” he said.
Mr Willis said that cyclists who did not use their bells
should be punished in the same way motorists can be
prosecuted for driving with a defective horn. He said,
“If a cyclist is stopped by a policeman, and they
didn’t have a functioning bell, then that should be
committing an offence.” Philip Aspey, of the Police
Superintendents’ Association of England and Wales,
said, “It would be helpful to distinguish between
all things which are common sense and others which are
enforceable. I would say it is unlikely to be a priority
for police in most parts of the country.” (Source: Times Online, Sep/06)
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