No Lights !!

[porridge]

I commute to and from work by bike during normal office hours, but I use the car when I get called into work on an emergency basis, anyway i've just got back from a call out and all the cyclists I came accross had no lights on (4) unbelievable !!! and I just thought its no wonder morists don't take cyclists seriously.

I am also amazed at how many cyclists ignore the rules of the road and think red lights don't apply to them.

All in all I would say that 75% of all cyclists are a danger to themselves and other road users, I would really love to see the police take more action to deal with these people.

 

[CopperBrompton]

I think some people get caught out on days like today. Because of the weather, it got dark earlier than usual, and I saw more cyclists without lights than I usually do.

 

[porridge]

I think some people get caught out on days like today. Because of the weather, it got dark earlier than usual, and I saw more cyclists without lights than I usually do.

This was at 10.30pm, so I don't think anyone got caught out, it pains me to say it, but I think the majority of cyclists shouldn't be allowed on the road.

 

[Dayvo]

This was at 10.30pm, so I don't think anyone got caught out, it pains me to say it, but I think the majority of cyclists shouldn't be allowed on the road.

I agree in principle about what you say, but there is a HUGE difference between a cyclist and someone who rides a bike!

Just as there is between a motorist and someone who drives a car!
If you know what I mean!

 

[snorri]

It's a regional thing this red light jumping, I can't say I have ever seen a cyclist jump a red in my locality.

 

[LordoftheTeapot]

Hmmm.... Err.... * refrains from any comment *

 

[purpleR]

[_]?

I just seen it, it's a teapot!
HA!

 

[Mr Pig]

I've said it before but I think that anyone who travels on public roads should have to pass a test for the vehicle they're in control of, whether it's a car, a bike or a horse.

What's the point of having rules and instructions for cyclists, in the Highway Code for instance, if there is no compulsion on people to even read it? Why should cyclists be able to mix with cars and lorries, who's drivers have to take hours of instruction and prove they've understand it, when the cyclist may be completely ignorant of even the most basic laws of the road?

Car drivers feel increasingly under pressure, from everything to speed cameras to tree huggers, whilst watching these clowns on bikes swan about without any accountability whatsoever. No licence, no test, not even any number plates to allow you to identify them in the event of an incident.

Cyclists should sit a test at 17. Why not?

 

[Dayvo]

Cyclists should sit a test at 17. Why not?

What about toddlers and youngsters? Should they be forced to sit a test, too?

Roads have become FAR more dangerous - and that is mainly due to the selfish behaviour that is found in EVERY aspect of society today.

Roads aren't dangerous because they are used by cyclists! They are dangerous because drivers DO NOT drive with the same care and attention they did when taking their test!

 

[col]

Its a good point mr pig,my thoughts on it come to costs involved,how much would we be willing to pay for the test and number plates,which i do agree with in principal.but then you have different categories,commuters,sports,recreation,and if it becomes official, insurance specific to the bike and its target use may come into play.Sort of negates the get up and cycle numbers a bit wouldnt it?

 

[wafflycat]

So then... what about kids learning to cycle? Kids cycling to school? Kids cycling to their friends' houses? Kids cycling to the park? Or should we not allow kids to learn to cycle until they are err... 17?

Having number plates didn't help any identification of the motorist who deliberately aimed his car at my cycling husband, knocked him off his bike and then drove off. Neither, apparently, did having to pass a driving test.

The vast majority of harm to road users comes not from cyclists, but from us, driving motorised vehicles weighing a tonne or more, at speed. Quite rightly, we should be tested and licenced before being allowed such equipment on a public road. Cyclists form didly-squat danger in real terms compared to when we are motoring. It is correct that the emphasis of control be put on the sector forming the greatest danger: motorists (an I include myself in that, as I drive).

 

[tdr1nka]

+1 Well said Dayvo & Waffles.
You forgot to mention mandatory tests for all pedestrians and dog walkers too!

 

[Night Train]

It really winds me up when road users don't follow the rules of the road and travel safely both for them selves and other road users.
How difficult can it be to to just do something right when there is no intention to be illegal?

 

[Mr Pig]

What about toddlers and youngsters? Should they be forced to sit a test, too?

Don't be stupid. See many toddlers on the dual carriageway do you?

Sort of negates the get up and cycle numbers a bit wouldnt it?

I'm sure car drivers would love to just get up and drive! No tax, no insurance nothing. Just go. Do you think they should be able to?

The hypocrisy here is amazing. The same people who are complaining that car drivers aren't held to account enough for their poor driving are also upset about the idea that cyclists should be better trained before they are allowed on the road.

I take that back. Not 'better' trained, because right now they can legally cycle on main roads beside motor vehicles with absolutely no training whatsoever! Don't you think that pretty crazy?

It is illegal to cycle on the pavement despite the fact that the speed difference between a cyclist on the pavement and a pedestrian is likely to be around 10mph. Yet the same cyclist is told he must cycle on the road where the speed difference between him and other traffic could be as much as 50mph !! Hypothetically speaking, would there be less or more fatalities if all cyclists rode on the pavement and none on the road?

Neither the infrastructure or the laws in this country were established with cycling near the top of the priority list. Or even on the list! Unfortunately I doubt anything will change soon, but that doesn't mean it shouldn't.

 

[Amanda P]

Car drivers feel increasingly under pressure

Poor dears.

They are in charge of lethal weapons. Cyclists are not.