Dangerous Cycling
Death by dangerous cycling set to become offence. Should cyclist have insurance like car drivers?
LINK
Started: 15th May 2024 at 22:38
If cycalist's go on any road, it should be compulsary for them to wear a helmet, a visability vest, warning device and on dark nights, lights on the front and back of the bicycle.
Too many now are riding around without any of the above and are a danger not only to pedestrions and motorists, but themselves and might explain why Parliament are passing a bill to make it an offence
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 06:47
Last edited by Owd Codger: 16th May 2024 at 07:02:42
and who will enforce any new rules, the deliveroo bikers are already flaunting the biking regs by using a cycle as a moped, and motorist commonly park in the purpose built cycle lanes on wallgate, no one stops them, Its just sabre rattling,
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 08:36
We have a long rural 'Shared path' here about 3m wide. A few weeks ago I stopped to look at something and was very nearly cleand out by a cyclist doing about 30mph. He brushed my arm as he passed, wobbled and slammed on his brakes, which took him about 20m to stop. Then I got a tirade of abuse and was told to watch where I was ****** going! I think if a path is shared there should be a 10mph speed limit. also enforcement of things like a bell!
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 10:48
What about the lady who died after being hit by a cyclist.
Campaigners say change has been long overdue to ensure cyclists are held accountable for fatalities in the same way as motorists. It will apply to incidents involving pedal cycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 10:48
Perhaps the wearing of a hi vis jacket with a reg number on it for everyone to see, would go somewhere to help identify if the person was insured.
I'm not anti cycling but come on fairs fair, bikes are a weapon in the wrong hands. Car drivers etc are held accountable why not cyclists.
J3mbo I read somewhere that its not compulsory to have a bell on a bike. Imagine a car without a horn.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 10:53
Last edited by First Mate: 16th May 2024 at 10:56:19
I have the greatest respect for "proper" cyclists who know how to use the roads correctly. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers are intolerant to them and that can cause accidents, and I'm not talking about stupid kids who think a road is a playground.
For years I've been saying that cyclists should have some form of insurance to at least cover their own backs in case of an accident but, as the roads are specifically for traffic use, they should also be taxed as do other road users - maybe by about just £10 a year.
There aren't many cycling proficiency classes around these days, although I have on occasion seen a teacher (?) or someone taking kids out on their bikes, teaching them the rules of the road, and that's really what all schools should have as part of their curriculum.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 17:16
It's a pity that some of them can't tell the colour red from green , I would give them a job in bomb disposal.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 18:32
Last edited by peebee: 16th May 2024 at 18:33:32
Mollie you MUST give a cyclist 1.5 metres from the side of your car or Wagon to the cyclist, failing to do this puts you in breach of the highway code and is punishable by a fine and points on your licence, Very few do and I have had a few road side debates with drivers unaware of this rule and another rule is, When turning into a side road, the motorist Must give way to any cyclist or pedestrian crossing that side street, whether its a cycle lane or footpath, as Micheal cane would say, " not a lot o people know that " So If they hit one the blame is on the car and so compensation to an injured cyclist will be payable,
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 19:51
Remember the thread is about dangerous cycling, not dangerous driving, which is already a serious offence.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 21:22
Tom, I agree with every word you've said. If on a narrow road, I slow down behind the cycle and wait for a clear enough spot to overtake, if necessary. I do my best to give as much clearance as I possibly can, even up to 5/6 feet if safe to do so. Not you, I'm sure, but some cyclists can be unpredictable, and I always appreciate a cyclist who gives an arm signal when turning right or left.
I also give right of way to a cyclist when turning into a side road, and I do the same with pedestrians who are waiting to cross a minor road, which is now also the law.
I always drive with caution, tolerance of others, and instinct, as you just never know what someone will do, but cyclists also have to remember that they're totally exposed to idiot drivers who believe they own the road. The only thing that really winds me up is when there are two cyclists riding side by side, instead of single file.
It also beats me why people, including children, will ride a bike, especially at night, in dark clothing and no lights. If, and when, headlights manage to pick them up, it can be too late, so parents have to be aware of that. It's not always the motorist's fault.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 22:42
Yes Mollie I too drive carefully and get annoyed at idiot cyclists, Even when there is a proper cycle lane , some of these 'Bradley Wiggins ' type road runners use the road and although they can keep a decent speed up, They are a , rolling road block. but. We have to, BY LAW give them 1.5 metres safety space, My advice is,
always allow extra time for your journey, keep calm, be patient and be friendly because, no one wants to hospitalise another person,
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 22:57
Tom I am a very patient driver, and I always keep calm. I have to these days. I can't allow myself to get frustrated and angry as I have high blood pressure and, in any case, there's no point as it gets you nowhere. There are more stupid drivers on the roads than cyclists, so we have to take care of each other, and be respectful to everyone. My motto is - there's no need for speed.
Despite my recent scrape, I consider myself to be a good driver and never take my eyes off the road, most especially when I see a cyclist ahead of me. As I said, I'm very tolerant of others at all times.
Replied: 16th May 2024 at 23:31
"Sorry if your happy meal is late, but your delivery rider decided to take the chain off his push bike turning it into a motorcycle purely powered by electricity, with defective brakes! Rider reported. Did somebody say... Just Seized!"
Not so Fast Food Delivery LINK
Replied: 17th May 2024 at 13:12
The problem is policing... and that isn't a criticism, it's just the fact that there aren't the resources. Cyclists and electric bike riders ride on the pavement and down one ways the wrong way totally oblivious to the rules of the road and highway code. I'm constantly honking my horn at offenders... who usually greet ne with 2 fingers. There are however many responsible and sensible cyclists on our roads.
But the ones who think is a free for all then progress to a motorbike and behave in the same manner is very worrying.
Yes... there is need now for insurance and some type of license, even a proficiency test. If things don't change then the roads will become a 'freeway' absent of any rules or courtesy.
Replied: 17th May 2024 at 18:27
A thought has occurred to me. Anyone out there who think cyclists are a menace, never, ever drive through Amsterdam or Rotterdam. The only rule there is that there are no rules, except that cyclists always have right of way at all times, no matter what the circumstances, and there are thousands of them.
I once drove through Rotterdam on our way to the Hook of Holland, and it was terrifying. They were coming at us from every direction. I'm sure it was that experience which gave me my first grey hair!
Replied: 17th May 2024 at 18:57
mollie m
Correct as when in Amsterdam, I got a right dutch mouthful of one of them for standing on a cycle lane on one of the pavements!
Replied: 18th May 2024 at 08:17