8 radical solutions to protect cyclists

[MontyVeda]

Not had chance to read all this article yet... and apologies if it's a double/crossed post

8 radical solutions to protect cyclists:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-24998730

what do you think?

 

[tribanjules]

ban headphones - yes
mandate / enforce lights etc in lighting up time
sadly plod is too busy to intervene and "tick off" poor cycling behaviour tho, unless it was a revenue earner like speed cameras are ....

 

[MontyVeda]

ban headphones - yes
....

my issue with boris johnson's recent comments on headphones, "it makes me absolutely terrified to see them bowling along unable to hear the traffic" ... seeing someone wearing headphones gives no clue to the volume they're listening at. It is possible to listen to an audio device via headphones at a volume that doesn't drown out traffic noise. Would Boris also advocate banning radios/cd players in cars?

also.. what about the hearing impaired?

 

[Glow worm]

my issue with boris johnson's recent comments on headphones, "it makes me absolutely terrified to see them bowling along unable to hear the traffic" ... seeing someone wearing headphones gives no clue to the volume they're listening at. It is possible to listen to an audio device via headphones at a volume that doesn't drown out traffic noise. Would Boris also advocate banning radios/cd players in cars?

also.. what about the hearing impaired?

One for the 'helmet and headphones' section perhaps but it's true volume makes a huge difference. I use an iPod on my commute at a low volume, so low in fact I can hear other cyclists approach from behind (which is a common occurrence given my slow pace!). I'm also often tuned to the 'Today' programme which is hardly drum and bass.

Wearing headphones also seems to really annoy drivers, so another great reason never to leave the house without them!

 

[Shut Up Legs]

Deliberately trying to annoy motorists? Yes, I can see how that's guaranteed to enhance your safety.

 

[Ern1e]

ban headphones - yes
mandate / enforce lights etc in lighting up time
sadly plod is too busy to intervene and "tick off" poor cycling behaviour tho, unless it was a revenue earner like speed cameras are ....

I also agree with you on this except about plod being to busy, I would think it's more a case of they are now getting so under staffed is why they can't take the time to enforce the riding on pavements etc. (this being my pet hate unless they are under 10 and with mummy etc.) plus the on the spot fines for the pavement cycling I wonder just how many would pay it or just give false details etc ?

 

[ufkacbln]

The elevated cycle routes would not last more than a few hours until some muppet drives into a support and closes it down for engineering checks

1541 drivers drove into railway bridges last year, if they cannot see a bridge, how will they see a support a metre thick?

 

[Glow worm]

I'll start worrying about annoying motorists when they stop picking their noses, texting, jabbering on mobiles, refusing to indicate, using their vehicles as weapons, lobbing crap out of the window, yelling abuse, and driving around the place pastered and/or stoned.

 

[buggi]

8 ideas that are absolute bollox

I've got some better ideas.

1. get rid of all cycle lanes and superhighways bcoz they just put the cyclist in contradiction to the traffic.

2. Take Boris's/TfL's £1bn they have earmarked for superhighway improvements and use it to equip all lorries with up to date technology, mirrors , sensors, perspex doors... And give all drivers and cyclists relevant training.

3. Introduce minimum overtake distance and presumed liability law.

job done.


edit: forgot one... Green light for cyclists before the green light for cars... No need to RLJ then

 

[snorri]

I always wear my headphones whilst cycling in order to listen to the traffic news on the BBC and so take diversions to avoid hazards and hold ups.

 

[MontyVeda]

The elevated cycle routes would not last more than a few hours until some muppet drives into a support and closes it down for engineering checks

1541 drivers drove into railway bridges last year, if they cannot see a bridge, how will they see a support a metre thick?

this figure would have more meaning if a; we know how many railway bridges there are it total. b; we know how many cars in total had passed under railway bridges without hitting them.

 

[MontyVeda]

...


edit: forgot one... Green light for cyclists before the green light for cars... No need to RLJ then

there's no need to RLJ now.... why would a priority green stop people abusing the red?

 

[buggi]

Going to happen in Cambridge soon...

really? After a campaign or have the LA come to its senses?

 

[buggi]

there's no need to RLJ now.... why would a priority green stop people abusing the red?

they do it to get ahead of the traffic. So a priority green light would replace this need.

 

[buggi]

I always wear my headphones whilst cycling in order to listen to the traffic news on the BBC and so take diversions to avoid hazards and hold ups.

me too, it doesn't make any difference, i know there is traffic there, the clue is in the word "road". Im not gonna change lanes without looking.