Transport -
Cycling
A
European law is being planned to force motorists
to pay compensation and damages in all accidents
with cyclists, even when the bike rider has
broken the law and is in the wrong. The measure
will put car insurance premiums up by an
estimated average £50. The proposed law,
supposedly designed to harmonise car insurance
terms across Europe, contains measures to crack
down on drivers in Britain, where officials
believe legislation is biased in favour of
motorists.
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.
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