cyclists are indestructible

[jockyplunck]

summer has come and the cyclists are out enforce. i have noticed that a lot of these people have a complete disregard for their own safety and the highway code alike. they seem to think it is ok to go along the the road riding three or four abreast oblivious to cars being behind them. they ignore traffic lights and just go straight through even though they are red. they stop at junctions look at cars coming towards them and pull out regardless. these are all responsible adults supposedly so they must be indestructible.

[mi16]

riding two abreast can be a useful tool to prevent cars from overtaking at unsafe points, cars will tend to try and slip past a single cyclist where there is not adequate space to do so, however you should also be mindful of other road users.

As quoted and illustrated in the highway code:
give motorcyclists, cyclists and horse riders at least as much room as you would when overtaking a car




The amount of abuse I have had from the motorist for adopting a road position similar to the above is unreal, it seems that most motorists would like to see cyclists either:
A. off the road
B. cycling on the verge of the road

Very few pass cyclist with the space illustrated above, many are so close you could adjust their radio station.

As for the red light running etc this is unacceptable and should be reported to the police.

[gaza]

Some cyclists are very rude and have terrible hand jesters.

[tonkatojo]

There needs to be a total rethink of the rules and regulations regarding cyclists and enforced properly, none of this rubbish we endure at present.

[gaza]

A cycling test, road worthy test, reg plate and insurance.

[sids]

riding two abreast can be a useful tool to prevent cars from overtaking at unsafe points.

Except it doesn't really prevent anything. Just means you'll see overtaking that is even more unsafe.

[mi16]

A cycling test, road worthy test, reg plate and insurance.

What sort of roadworthy test would you suggest for a bicycle?
Do you seriously think that the government should be developing a DVLA type registration and liscencing system for bicycles and cyclists?
Have you considered the cost to the nation with no means to collect anything from it.
Do you reckon the police force have the resources to enforce this idiotic system?
Whats next, reg plates on bairns prams and buggies, skateboards, scooters, horses hips?
Re the insurance thing, most home insurance policies cover the occupants for third party cover away from the home and if you are not covered via a policy in any way then that does not make you exempt from paying for third party damages, it just means you have to stump up out of your own pocket.

[mi16]

Except it doesn't really prevent anything. Just means you'll see overtaking that is even more unsafe.

Except it does, the cyclist is out wide at pinch points or blind bends which prevents the motorist squeezing past then moves back left when it is safe to pass.
A perfectly normal and encouraged cycling manouvre.

[mi16]

totally agree, strict liability.

There needs to be a total rethink of the rules and regulations regarding cyclists and enforced properly, none of this rubbish we endure at present.

[sids]

Except it does, the cyclist is out wide at pinch points or blind bends which prevents the motorist squeezing past then moves back left when it is safe to pass.
A perfectly normal and encouraged cycling manouvre.

Suicide is painless, so they say.

[mi16]

Suicide is painless, so they say.

And why would it be suicide?
Surely death by dangerous driving would be the correct term.

[Chefdave42]

Ummm try living in groats with cyclists. They think they own groats and motor vehicles are not allowed to drive in groats. Very very naive thinking. Buses farmers motorhomes and ferry traffic use these roads along with n500 drivers a receipe for an accident waiting to happen.

[sids]

Surely death by dangerous driving would be the correct term.

Doesn't mean much when the prosecution witnesses are dead.

[tonkatojo]

And why would it be suicide?
Surely death by dangerous driving would be the correct term.

I would have thought, Surely death by dangerous riding would be likely the more correct term.

[mi16]

I would have thought, Surely death by dangerous riding would be likely the more correct term.

Only if the victim was on horseback

[mi16]

Doesn't mean much when the prosecution witnesses are dead.

This of course is true but just because a clash between a vulnerable road user and a motorist will result in serious injury of the vulnerable user it does not mean that the vulnerable user should stay off the road.
with that logic we would only see artic lorries on the road and pedestrian crossings banned

[sids]

This of course is true but just because a clash between a vulnerable road user and a motorist will result in serious injury of the vulnerable user it does not mean that the vulnerable user should stay off the road.

I hope that any injured "vulnerable" uses his convalescence to think about how they might avoid further accidents.

I actually do think the dead'uns should stay off the road.

[tonkatojo]

Only if the victim was on horseback

Tell me how would you "ride" your bike ?, surely not on horseback, I was under the impression this was about cyclists "riding" their bikes.

[mi16]

I cycle my bike

[mi16]

I hope that any injured "vulnerable" uses his convalescence to think about how they might avoid further accidents.

I actually do think the dead'uns should stay off the road.

I guess they could attempt to educate the motorist regarding the importance and consequence of adhering to or non adherence of the Highway Code, or they could spend it in discussion with his/hers legal team about taking litigation against the motorist.
the dead ones could haunt their killers in prison where that have been separated from their loved ones because of their impatience and agression towards more vulerable road users.