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Cyclists!!
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to be fair pedestrians dont need to take a test and they can run out and cause accidents to! | |||
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"Why is it ok for car drivers to try and swerve round me when im on a zebra crossing or wait and decide to back just as im crossing the road. Why is it exceptable for them to drive through water on the edge of the road to soak me. Its not, some will follow the rules and some wont, whether it be car driver, cyclist or a fucking mobility scooter and in my opinion mobility scooters are the worse out the lot" i once saw a guy on a mobility scooter trundling down the central reservation of a duel carriageway !!! | |||
"Why is it ok for car drivers to try and swerve round me when im on a zebra crossing or wait and decide to back just as im crossing the road. Why is it exceptable for them to drive through water on the edge of the road to soak me. Its not, some will follow the rules and some wont, whether it be car driver, cyclist or a fucking mobility scooter and in my opinion mobility scooters are the worse out the lot i once saw a guy on a mobility scooter trundling down the central reservation of a duel carriageway !!! " Dont get me started on them damn things, i know a really old lady that was quite active and got knocked down in tesco by one and broke her hip and hasnt been able to leave the house since. | |||
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"I'm not a cyclist at all but it's kinda reassuring that people other than motorists can take to the roads without umpteen mandatory licences that one has to pay the govt for. Less govt interference and more freedom. Power To The People! Citizen. Brother.. er.. Sister! "Amen!! Bring on the revolution brothers and put the kettle on sisters there's gonna be some mass debating going on!  | |||
Are there safety courses availabe then for cyclists? | |||
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"The Highway Code, it's all in there for Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers the lot. " ..... and for mobility scooter users too. | |||
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"The Highway Code, it's all in there for Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers the lot. " unfortunately most cyclists choose to ignore this and make up their own rules for the road!! | |||
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"The roads can be a very dangerous place for cyclists due to the dangerous manoeuvres by a lot of motorists regarding cyclists, I even gave up cycling the 5 miles to work as it was only a matter of timne before I was knocked off as drivers were not driving according to road and conditions and these drivers I presume have already had the compulsary test." unfortunately it works both ways, and cyclists perform just as many dangerous manoeuvres - I think going through a red traffic light only just comes second to overtaking and then staying in the middle of the road = cyclists should have compulsory tests which produces a licence just like drivers before they should be allowed on the road. | |||
"I've been thinking of moving closer to where I work and buying a bike, and did wonder if there are courses of some sort to take for cyclists? I've never driven, so am nervous of just being let loose on the road
Are there safety courses availabe then for cyclists?"When I was at primary school in the late 1960`s, we were offered cycling proficiency lessons. After the requisite amount of lessons we were tested and awarded our triangular badge if we got over 70%  and those that got over 90% got a News Of The World Knight Of The Road award. I still have both of my badges. I`m not sure if such lessons are still available but I reckon they could be an option in primary schools or similar. | |||
"The Highway Code, it's all in there for Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers the lot. unfortunately most cyclists choose to ignore this and make up their own rules for the road!!" unfortunatly a hell of a lot of motorists and lorry drivers choose to ignore this and as they are a lot bigger and more powerful than cyclists just choose to knock others out of the way and go wherever they chose regardless of the loss of lives involved.  | |||
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" Most cyclists are killed by going down the inside of lorrys /buses only to find they are turning left..ouch. " Which is the cyclists fault. Why then, do the motorists always get the blame? | |||
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"Why is it okay to "pop" into a cycle store, buy a bike and then start cycling on main roads if you don't have a clue about riding on these type of roads. It should be compulsory to have to take a theory test and a cycle test and have full insurance. Helmets should also be worn at all times. Why is it okay to go through red traffic lights, avoid traffic lights altogether and mount pavements, undertaking and overtaking cars (overtaking is the worst, as cycle lanes indicate that is where they should be at all times, unless turning right of course)!" If you went that far why not do the same for horse riders, pedestrians, invalid scooter riders and anyone stepping out of the door. The current system system works to an extent and to change it and police it would be horrendously expensive. | |||
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" Most cyclists are killed by going down the inside of lorrys /buses only to find they are turning left..ouch. Which is the cyclists fault. Why then, do the motorists always get the blame? " in the c ity of london particulary there were a lot of deaths caused by lorry drivers turning left and cutting up cyclists and thus crushing them to death!,it was noticed that most of these lorries were from the continent and that the lorry drivers did not notice the cyclists because at the time the drivers were cooking breakfast in the cab as they drove through the city!,go figure that!.  | |||
"i dont know whether you have noticed that whenever there are horses travelling along a road a motorist will sit there quitely until the horse turns off into a side rd or lane,but if caught behind a group of cyclists seem to think its ok to sound the car horn for long periods to intimidate the cyclists?." there are loads of cycle races round where i live and i have never once heard or seen any of this behaviour. ad i can assure you plenty of horses and riders are injured when out on the roads thanks to careless drivers Respect for ALL on the roads is what is needed. there was a thread on here once about a guy who thought it was his rigt to hit or kick cars he thought were drivig dangerously - why is that right? | |||
"i dont know whether you have noticed that whenever there are horses travelling along a road a motorist will sit there quitely until the horse turns off into a side rd or lane,but if caught behind a group of cyclists seem to think its ok to sound the car horn for long periods to intimidate the cyclists?. there are loads of cycle races round where i live and i have never once heard or seen any of this behaviour. " well i have been in races round worc's,pinvi,pershore,bewdley,stourport,inberrow,flyford flavell,etc where i have witnessed this and heard the horns a blasting!,cars have actually tried to cut into the middle of road racing bunches!,we have had to radio ahead for the police motor cycle marshalls to drop back and apprehend the offending motorists. | |||
"i dont know whether you have noticed that whenever there are horses travelling along a road a motorist will sit there quitely until the horse turns off into a side rd or lane,but if caught behind a group of cyclists seem to think its ok to sound the car horn for long periods to intimidate the cyclists?. there are loads of cycle races round where i live and i have never once heard or seen any of this behaviour. well i have been in races round worc's,pinvi,pershore,bewdley,stourport,inberrow,flyford flavell,etc where i have witnessed this and heard the horns a blasting!,cars have actually tried to cut into the middle of road racing bunches!,we have had to radio ahead for the police motor cycle marshalls to drop back and apprehend the offending motorists. "fair do's | |||
"i dont know whether you have noticed that whenever there are horses travelling along a road a motorist will sit there quitely until the horse turns off into a side rd or lane,but if caught behind a group of cyclists seem to think its ok to sound the car horn for long periods to intimidate the cyclists?. there are loads of cycle races round where i live and i have never once heard or seen any of this behaviour. well i have been in races round worc's,pinvi,pershore,bewdley,stourport,inberrow,flyford flavell,etc where i have witnessed this and heard the horns a blasting!,cars have actually tried to cut into the middle of road racing bunches!,we have had to radio ahead for the police motor cycle marshalls to drop back and apprehend the offending motorists.
fair do's"I actually thought it was illegal for cyclists to ride 2 or more abreast on roads....if said roads had not been closed for the purposes of a race. If I a wrong, someone please tell me..... if I am not.....then surely it would be the cyclists fault for travelling abreast of each other? | |||
"i dont know whether you have noticed that whenever there are horses travelling along a road a motorist will sit there quitely until the horse turns off into a side rd or lane,but if caught behind a group of cyclists seem to think its ok to sound the car horn for long periods to intimidate the cyclists?. there are loads of cycle races round where i live and i have never once heard or seen any of this behaviour. well i have been in races round worc's,pinvi,pershore,bewdley,stourport,inberrow,flyford flavell,etc where i have witnessed this and heard the horns a blasting!,cars have actually tried to cut into the middle of road racing bunches!,we have had to radio ahead for the police motor cycle marshalls to drop back and apprehend the offending motorists. "yep that is true... Wolf
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"How many cyclists do you see, reading a book, reading an atlas,eating a sandwich, putting on make-up,smoking a cigarette or using a mobile phone while on the move? Its a people thing it even happens in supermarkets pushing trollies of food about. "and how many motorists do you see ignoring red traffic lights and mounting pavements or driving two abreast on a main road? | |||
"How many cyclists do you see, reading a book, reading an atlas,eating a sandwich, putting on make-up,smoking a cigarette or using a mobile phone while on the move? Its a people thing it even happens in supermarkets pushing trollies of food about.
and how many motorists do you see ignoring red traffic lights and mounting pavements or driving two abreast on a main road?"How about riding down the road with an umbrella
I also walk to work and get fed up with having to move out of the way to let kids past on bikes, surely they should be on the road  | |||
"Sorry about the typos, bloody phone "Will let you off lol I was once turning left at traffic lights and a car also turning left, I had to jump onto the pavement to avoid being hit by him, on another occasion at the same traffic lights, I was turning left, a car coming the opposite way turning right just carried on and left me having to cross three lanes with difficulty | |||
" Most cyclists are killed by going down the inside of lorrys /buses only to find they are turning left..ouch. Which is the cyclists fault. Why then, do the motorists always get the blame? " Not necessarily true. If the vehicle turning hasn't signalled, how is the cyclist to know? That said, if he has signalled, then the cyclist deserves to become roadkill. I used to cycle loads and the only way to survive is to assume every driver out there is trying to kill you. As has already been said, there are rules for every one and it's those that dont follow the rules that cause the accidents. I used to stop for every red light, for every zebra crossing that had someone on it, or ready to cross. I used to indicate (which is a pretty pathetic way of telling someone you're changing direction) when needed, but what was I supposed to do when some fuckwit driver had parked his car in the cycle lane? I remember putting a foot long scratch in a brand new (still had shiny tyres) Audi once cos the daft bint driving it pulled out in front of me without looking. I was laid acros her boot and she didn't even get out of the fucking car to check! The sad fact is that, although there are rules, there aren't enough cops around to enforce those rules - but then no one wants to pay more taxes to pay for more cops.... HT | |||
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"how else could you turn right lol " But someone who is turning left, gets priority, in my case, he barely took notice of the cars going straight ahead and just rammed his way through | |||
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"Cyclists are the bain of my life. Riding 2 or 3 abreast on country lanes. Not stopping for red lights. Not stopping for zebra crossings. Swerving in front of cars Riding on the pavements and trying to knock over pedestrians In fact, I nearly knocked one off their bike today when they ignored their red light and rode directly in front of me as I was just about to turn right on a green light. Had I been a split second slower with the brakes, I would have sent them flying and I was only doing 5 miles an hour. Or the one last week who missed my grandsons buggy by an inch or so because he was talking on his mobile and rode directly at us whilst we were crossing on a green man. Or the one on the way to work who jumped a red light and made a lorry break so hard I thought he was going to lose his load. Bring back cycling proficiency or a CBT for cyclists....... because all the ones in Gloucestershire are a fucking nightmare." Oh err Madchick watching a trucker nearly loose his load  | |||
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"I don't think road tax exists. I think it is a vehicle excise tax as such they don't pay" Well cycles are a vehicle. Cali | |||
"The Highway Code, it's all in there for Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers the lot. unfortunately most cyclists choose to ignore this and make up their own rules for the road!!" regarding the highway code,does anyone know if it is illegal for cyclists to ride two abreast?,i have not got a highway code,but if you could show me the link to this law please?. thanks in anticipation. | |||
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"why is it ok to overtake on inside in a car just cos im on a bike; now do most cycling off road far better odd face plant but thats life "if the cyclist stuck to the cycle lane cars wouldn't overtake inside or outside. | |||
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"The Highway Code, it's all in there for Cyclists, pedestrians, drivers the lot. unfortunately most cyclists choose to ignore this and make up their own rules for the road!! regarding the highway code,does anyone know if it is illegal for cyclists to ride two abreast?,i have not got a highway code,but if you could show me the link to this law please?. thanks in anticipation." I think you will find that, similar to horses, you can ride as many abreast as you like, as long as you don't go over the white line in the centre of the road. On roads with no white lines, it is defined as up to a cars-width, that is deemed acceptable. | |||
"why is it ok to overtake on inside in a car just cos im on a bike; now do most cycling off road far better odd face plant but thats life
if the cyclist stuck to the cycle lane cars wouldn't overtake inside or outside."no lanes round here this is at a trafic lights on a main rd | |||
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"I think that cyclists should have to have insurance to be on the road too.. after all.. you are meant to have insurance now even if the car doesnt move. Cali " Think yourself lucky in some countries you can be held responsible as a car driver for any accident involving a cyclist or pedestrian regardless of faullt | |||
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"I think that cyclists should have to have insurance to be on the road too.. after all.. you are meant to have insurance now even if the car doesnt move. Cali Think yourself lucky in some countries you can be held responsible as a car driver for any accident involving a cyclist or pedestrian regardless of faullt "it seems over here to be similar.. unless its a motorcyclist.. then its always there fault apparently. Cali | |||
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"Riding on the road next to a purpose built cycle lane!! and they complain when they get knocked off. I have heard of some pile ups with nasty injuries when they collide on the cycle lanes mid you. My motorcycle is taxed as a Bicycle but I don't ride it like the cyclists do their pedal bikes - might explain why it was recently in the news that 27,000 cyclists have died on the roads in the last ten years. Sight tests may be needed to help them see the cycle lanes, red lights and no-entry signs. " most of the cycle lanes that i see have cars parked half on the verge/half on the road,whats that about?,theres a local cycle lane i will never use coming into town as the yobs amongst the motorists that use it tend to sling out the rubbish in supermarket bags and a few beer bottles as well. | |||
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"It is not illegal to ride 2 abreast. " ...... unless the road nature prevents it which can be interpreted as almost anywhere, wording which is similarly used to determine when I should use the orange beacon on the roof of my tractor. "Compulsory on an un-restricted dual carriageway and advisable where your size, speed or position may require it" | |||
"I'm in the minority when it comes to cycling, I cycle from Speke to Bootle daily and use the dock road all the way, those who know the route will be fully aware of just how busy that route is, I wear a helmet, I never run a red light and if there's a lorry or bus behind me that can't overtake because of the oncoming traffic, I'll pull in a safe place to let them over take, I consider myself a careful cyclist, trying to anticipate what the motorist is going to do, I never weave through traffic just to get to the front, if there is a queue, I just wait in line, I witness other cyclist ignoring all the above just to get where there going which stuns me sometimes, specially with some of the near misses I've witnessed, by biggest enemy on the road though is taxi drivers, last run in I had with one of the was at a set of traffic lights, I was 3 cars from the front and the taxi was behind me, he wanted to turn left but because I was passing the lights the same time he was on my right he couldn't turn and had to stop while I carried on, yes I did ge the horn hoot and the two fingered salute from him, ad far as I could see I had right of way and he should have just hung back till I'd gone, as I said before, I'm a very careful cyclist who considers other road users but sometimes those other road users het it wrong too" i am like you mally,i like my skin and want to hang on to it for as long as i can!,i am not an amber gambler as i have witnessed the scene when two cars both gambled and lost!,have good lights front & rear,wear reflective wrist/leg bands to make sure i am seen and it makes me mad to see other cyclists gamble on the red lights and go to work on dark mornings dressed in black with inefficient lighting or reflective clothing!,do they not think of their families when doing these dangerous things?. | |||
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"If you are on the road with a bike or an old biddy chariot you should have a compulsory basic test for road safety minimum." and have insurance | |||
"Why is it okay to "pop" into a cycle store, buy a bike and then start cycling on main roads if you don't have a clue about riding on these type of roads. It should be compulsory to have to take a theory test and a cycle test and have full insurance. Helmets should also be worn at all times. Why is it okay to go through red traffic lights, avoid traffic lights altogether and mount pavements, undertaking and overtaking cars (overtaking is the worst, as cycle lanes indicate that is where they should be at all times, unless turning right of course)!" Righto then. First, cycle lanes are NOT mandatory and are in actuality often badly designed and often dangerous to use due to poor design, poor maintainance and stupid planning when they suddenly throw a cyclist back into traffic. Organisations such as Bikeability and even the Institute of Advanced Motorists teach the cycling method of 1st and 2nd positions when it comes to lane positioning. The 1st position is slap bang in the centre of the lane. This is so the cyclist can control the lane and prevent dangerous ovetaking - for example when passing through narrow road-calming measures like pedestrian/traffic islands on single-carriageway roads. The 2nd position is the one that should be used the majority of the time. This is taught as 3-5ft away from the kerb, often in line with the inside wheel of a vehicle. This is done both to place the cyclist in the eyeline of the motorist behind and to make the driver actually make an overtaking manoevre rather than attempting to squeeze past without bothering to manoevre at all. Helmets are not mandatory and in any case are only rated to a 13mph impact onto a flat surface, not much use when you are t-boned by a car doing 50mph. Studies in Australia found that cycling trips decreased markedly when helmet compulsion was introduced. Cyclists - like equestrians and pedestrians - have a legal RIGHT to use the Queen's Highways and as such it would take several acts of Parliament to take away that right. As a motorist i am merely licensed to use the road under some very strict conditions pertaining to the use thereof. Undertaking/overtaking. The Highway Code does state that motorists should take care to look for cyclists on BOTH sides - therefore they are allowed to overtake - legally they are a vehicle and may overtake. It is legal to undertake if the vehicle to your right is making less than a certain speed - not sure offhand what that is though. Insurance - most adults have public liability cover under their house insurance, no need for a specific road cover. Not allowed to link from here but i suggest you look at the website - ipayroadtax - for more details about the myths many believe about cycling and the law. There is no excuse for jumping red lights - from anyone. I keep count for my own amusement and last week i saw 17 cars jump reds and 1 cyclist - and that was the first cyclist i've seen this year. In all fairness, he was a pillock as he'd already deliberately 'buzzed' me before jumping a straight red. Finally, when overtaking a cycle motorists are required to give the same room as they would to a small car under rule 163 of the Highway Code - take a look online and see. Basically, if your offside wheels are not over the white line then you are too close. "But what about oncoming traffic?" i hear you cry - THEN YOU SHOULD NOT PASS! It's really quite simple, treat cyclists with the same respect and courtesy you would expect from others and we'll all get home safely. | |||
"I don't think road tax exists. I think it is a vehicle excise tax as such they don't pay Well cycles are a vehicle. Cali " Cycles are indeed legally vehicles, and as such are classed for tax purposes as Band A vehicles and are therefore required to pay the same amount of tax as a Band A vehicle - £0.00 | |||
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"Have any of the posters above who have condemned cyclists ever ridden a horse on the road?" As a regular cyclist who commutes by bike, rides road bikes and mountain bikes, whenever i come up behind a horse i always start talking to the rider, asking if and when it is safe to pass, this is so the horse knows i'm there and the rider has time to react. Last thing i want is half a ton of muscle going bonkers next to me! | |||
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" in the c ity of london particulary there were a lot of deaths caused by lorry drivers turning left and cutting up cyclists and thus crushing them to death!,it was noticed that most of these lorries were from the continent and that the lorry drivers did not notice the cyclists because at the time the drivers were cooking breakfast in the cab as they drove through the city!,go figure that!. "That's simply not true. | |||
"Why is it okay to "pop" into a cycle store, buy a bike and then start cycling on main roads if you don't have a clue about riding on these type of roads. It should be compulsory to have to take a theory test and a cycle test and have full insurance. Helmets should also be worn at all times. Why is it okay to go through red traffic lights, avoid traffic lights altogether and mount pavements, undertaking and overtaking cars (overtaking is the worst, as cycle lanes indicate that is where they should be at all times, unless turning right of course)! Righto then. First, cycle lanes are NOT mandatory and are in actuality often badly designed and often dangerous to use due to poor design, poor maintainance and stupid planning when they suddenly throw a cyclist back into traffic. Organisations such as Bikeability and even the Institute of Advanced Motorists teach the cycling method of 1st and 2nd positions when it comes to lane positioning. The 1st position is slap bang in the centre of the lane. This is so the cyclist can control the lane and prevent dangerous ovetaking - for example when passing through narrow road-calming measures like pedestrian/traffic islands on single-carriageway roads. The 2nd position is the one that should be used the majority of the time. This is taught as 3-5ft away from the kerb, often in line with the inside wheel of a vehicle. This is done both to place the cyclist in the eyeline of the motorist behind and to make the driver actually make an overtaking manoevre rather than attempting to squeeze past without bothering to manoevre at all. Helmets are not mandatory and in any case are only rated to a 13mph impact onto a flat surface, not much use when you are t-boned by a car doing 50mph. Studies in Australia found that cycling trips decreased markedly when helmet compulsion was introduced. Cyclists - like equestrians and pedestrians - have a legal RIGHT to use the Queen's Highways and as such it would take several acts of Parliament to take away that right. As a motorist i am merely licensed to use the road under some very strict conditions pertaining to the use thereof. Undertaking/overtaking. The Highway Code does state that motorists should take care to look for cyclists on BOTH sides - therefore they are allowed to overtake - legally they are a vehicle and may overtake. It is legal to undertake if the vehicle to your right is making less than a certain speed - not sure offhand what that is though. Insurance - most adults have public liability cover under their house insurance, no need for a specific road cover. Not allowed to link from here but i suggest you look at the website - ipayroadtax - for more details about the myths many believe about cycling and the law. There is no excuse for jumping red lights - from anyone. I keep count for my own amusement and last week i saw 17 cars jump reds and 1 cyclist - and that was the first cyclist i've seen this year. In all fairness, he was a pillock as he'd already deliberately 'buzzed' me before jumping a straight red. Finally, when overtaking a cycle motorists are required to give the same room as they would to a small car under rule 163 of the Highway Code - take a look online and see. Basically, if your offside wheels are not over the white line then you are too close. "But what about oncoming traffic?" i hear you cry - THEN YOU SHOULD NOT PASS! It's really quite simple, treat cyclists with the same respect and courtesy you would expect from others and we'll all get home safely." You can defend cyclists all you want, they are a pain on the road and it should be COMPULSORY that they take a theory and cycling test (similar to motorists) before they are allowed on the roads. And I see at least one cyclist every single morning going through a red light - NEVER have I seen a car doing this. More than once I have cyclists undertaking and overtaking me at the SAME time - how bloody stupid!! Sorry but why have we built cycle lanes if the cyclist insists on blocking the road and not using them? I am a taxpayer and I resent the money paid out when cyclists don't even use them. And helmets should be compulsory, the same as seat belts are compulsory for drivers. | |||
"two points raised Cyclists jumping red lights.. I work in London and drive there at weekends. The number of cyclists jumping red lights is huge (back to my comment on Grays Inn Road - not that far away from the Kings Cross junction - the east west junctions are always full of cyclists jumping the lights) However... because a bicycle is also a vehicle you have to accord them the courtesy you would do any other vehicle. e.g. you cannot overtake when there is an obstruction coming " Never having ridden in London i can't personally comment on the quality of the cyclists, but i have heard a lot of people complain about the red light jumping in that city. I've been called a prat by a following cyclist for stopping on amber, and i've had a car beep the horn at me for the same thing! Seems you can't do the right thing sometimes.. Your 2nd point is entirely correct though. | |||
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"Why is it okay to "pop" into a cycle store, buy a bike and then start cycling on main roads if you don't have a clue about riding on these type of roads. It should be compulsory to have to take a theory test and a cycle test and have full insurance. Helmets should also be worn at all times. Why is it okay to go through red traffic lights, avoid traffic lights altogether and mount pavements, undertaking and overtaking cars (overtaking is the worst, as cycle lanes indicate that is where they should be at all times, unless turning right of course)! Righto then. First, cycle lanes are NOT mandatory and are in actuality often badly designed and often dangerous to use due to poor design, poor maintainance and stupid planning when they suddenly throw a cyclist back into traffic. Organisations such as Bikeability and even the Institute of Advanced Motorists teach the cycling method of 1st and 2nd positions when it comes to lane positioning. The 1st position is slap bang in the centre of the lane. This is so the cyclist can control the lane and prevent dangerous ovetaking - for example when passing through narrow road-calming measures like pedestrian/traffic islands on single-carriageway roads. The 2nd position is the one that should be used the majority of the time. This is taught as 3-5ft away from the kerb, often in line with the inside wheel of a vehicle. This is done both to place the cyclist in the eyeline of the motorist behind and to make the driver actually make an overtaking manoevre rather than attempting to squeeze past without bothering to manoevre at all. Helmets are not mandatory and in any case are only rated to a 13mph impact onto a flat surface, not much use when you are t-boned by a car doing 50mph. Studies in Australia found that cycling trips decreased markedly when helmet compulsion was introduced. Cyclists - like equestrians and pedestrians - have a legal RIGHT to use the Queen's Highways and as such it would take several acts of Parliament to take away that right. As a motorist i am merely licensed to use the road under some very strict conditions pertaining to the use thereof. Undertaking/overtaking. The Highway Code does state that motorists should take care to look for cyclists on BOTH sides - therefore they are allowed to overtake - legally they are a vehicle and may overtake. It is legal to undertake if the vehicle to your right is making less than a certain speed - not sure offhand what that is though. Insurance - most adults have public liability cover under their house insurance, no need for a specific road cover. Not allowed to link from here but i suggest you look at the website - ipayroadtax - for more details about the myths many believe about cycling and the law. There is no excuse for jumping red lights - from anyone. I keep count for my own amusement and last week i saw 17 cars jump reds and 1 cyclist - and that was the first cyclist i've seen this year. In all fairness, he was a pillock as he'd already deliberately 'buzzed' me before jumping a straight red. Finally, when overtaking a cycle motorists are required to give the same room as they would to a small car under rule 163 of the Highway Code - take a look online and see. Basically, if your offside wheels are not over the white line then you are too close. "But what about oncoming traffic?" i hear you cry - THEN YOU SHOULD NOT PASS! It's really quite simple, treat cyclists with the same respect and courtesy you would expect from others and we'll all get home safely. You can defend cyclists all you want, they are a pain on the road and it should be COMPULSORY that they take a theory and cycling test (similar to motorists) before they are allowed on the roads. And I see at least one cyclist every single morning going through a red light - NEVER have I seen a car doing this. More than once I have cyclists undertaking and overtaking me at the SAME time - how bloody stupid!! Sorry but why have we built cycle lanes if the cyclist insists on blocking the road and not using them? I am a taxpayer and I resent the money paid out when cyclists don't even use them. And helmets should be compulsory, the same as seat belts are compulsory for drivers." Would that be the same tax that the cyclist pays then? You can scream all you like about compulsory tests but it simply isn'y going to happen - try reading what i posted about the rights of cyclists versus the licensing of motorists. Statistically speaking, motorists are more likely to suffer death and injury than cyclists so perhaps it should be the impatient and ignorant of the law motorist who needs the helmet? And as for never seeing a motorist jump a red light then i know you are talking rubbish. Everyone who uses the road on a daily basis can see this at nearly every junction. Try seeing how many vehicles approaching a junction accelerate when the light turns to amber as they attempt to jump a light. You do realise Amber means stop don't you? | |||
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"I just ride my bike on the downhill mountain bike tracks here in Spain , alot less dangerous than mixing it with spanish drivers, but to be fair there alot more considerate than British motorists" I was out in Andalucia last October with Ciclo Montana, based around the Trevelez Gorge. Some fantastic trails out there - the Lanajon (sp?) run is fantastic! Can't wait to get back for another crack at the Elephants Tail as well. | |||
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"Both cyclists and users of 'obeseycles' should have to have third party insurance for any damage they do to person or property including cars etc.
XXXX"I have 3rd party and public liability cover via my home insurance, and i would think that most home insurance policies offer similar cover. Now, what about the million or so plus un-insured drivers? | |||
"Both cyclists and users of 'obeseycles' should have to have third party insurance for any damage they do to person or property including cars etc.
XXXX
I have 3rd party and public liability cover via my home insurance, and i would think that most home insurance policies offer similar cover. Now, what about the million or so plus un-insured drivers? "Yes I too am covered by my household insurance and also by the membership I pay for as part of my race licence. The insurance argument is ridiculously flawed. | |||
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"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. " As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him "Erm no, an idiotic cyclist can be a danger to everyone around him too!! | |||
"Both cyclists and users of 'obeseycles' should have to have third party insurance for any damage they do to person or property including cars etc.
XXXX
I have 3rd party and public liability cover via my home insurance, and i would think that most home insurance policies offer similar cover. Now, what about the million or so plus un-insured drivers?
Yes I too am covered by my household insurance and also by the membership I pay for as part of my race licence. The insurance argument is ridiculously flawed."I have already experienced a run-in with a cyclist who had no insurance whatsoever - it is not ridiculously flawed, just as some drivers don't have insurance nor do some cyclists. And if driver is caught with no insurance he is banned from driving, so should the same thing happen to cyclists. | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him "Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle | |||
"Both cyclists and users of 'obeseycles' should have to have third party insurance for any damage they do to person or property including cars etc.
XXXX
I have 3rd party and public liability cover via my home insurance, and i would think that most home insurance policies offer similar cover. Now, what about the million or so plus un-insured drivers? "And the million or so plus cyclists? They are not all covered, believe you me. | |||
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"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle"Did you sue him? | |||
"Both cyclists and users of 'obeseycles' should have to have third party insurance for any damage they do to person or property including cars etc.
XXXX
I have 3rd party and public liability cover via my home insurance, and i would think that most home insurance policies offer similar cover. Now, what about the million or so plus un-insured drivers?
And the million or so plus cyclists? They are not all covered, believe you me."So how is that different? | |||
"I just ride my bike on the downhill mountain bike tracks here in Spain , alot less dangerous than mixing it with spanish drivers, but to be fair there alot more considerate than British motorists I was out in Andalucia last October with Ciclo Montana, based around the Trevelez Gorge. Some fantastic trails out there - the Lanajon (sp?) run is fantastic! Can't wait to get back for another crack at the Elephants Tail as well. "best place for cyclists, off the main roads!!! | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him "A cyclist knocked me literally off my feet running through a red light, as I crossed at the crossing. He came off too - mind you, I wasn't wearing a helmet..... | |||
"I just ride my bike on the downhill mountain bike tracks here in Spain , alot less dangerous than mixing it with spanish drivers, but to be fair there alot more considerate than British motorists I was out in Andalucia last October with Ciclo Montana, based around the Trevelez Gorge. Some fantastic trails out there - the Lanajon (sp?) run is fantastic! Can't wait to get back for another crack at the Elephants Tail as well.
best place for cyclists, off the main roads!!!"You sound like the very worst sort of inconsiderate, impatient and downright dangerous motorist. When you finally understand and accept that cyclists have every right to be on the road you might find your day goes better. The roads are for everyone - pedestrian, equestrian, cyclist and motorist - and in that order. If you are having problems dealing with cyclists on the roads then you may need to look to your own driving skills rather than blame others. | |||
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"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him? "couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick????? | |||
"in belgium when i was racing over there all the cyclists had a tax disc on the bikes and we had proper cycle tracks to train on with o parked cars on them and definitly no rubbish or glass bottless flung from the cars to litter the track!,in fact no litter at all on the roadside!,was a whole lot better for cycl8ing so maybe tax disc on bikes is the way forward?,the word road-tax over here is very misleading as it is not really a ROAD TAX at all is it?." Exactly. In the UK vehicles are taxed on the levels of emissions and cycles are a Band A equivalent vehicle and liable for the same amount of tax as a Band A car - £0.00 Any attempt at making cycles pay tax would therefore mean some pretty huge changes at the Inland Revenue and also pee off all those people who bought tax-exempt Band A vehicles, not to mention all those who also drive tax-exempt vehicles. | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????"I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away? | |||
"I just ride my bike on the downhill mountain bike tracks here in Spain , alot less dangerous than mixing it with spanish drivers, but to be fair there alot more considerate than British motorists I was out in Andalucia last October with Ciclo Montana, based around the Trevelez Gorge. Some fantastic trails out there - the Lanajon (sp?) run is fantastic! Can't wait to get back for another crack at the Elephants Tail as well.
best place for cyclists, off the main roads!!!
You sound like the very worst sort of inconsiderate, impatient and downright dangerous motorist. When you finally understand and accept that cyclists have every right to be on the road you might find your day goes better.
The roads are for everyone - pedestrian, equestrian, cyclist and motorist - and in that order.
If you are having problems dealing with cyclists on the roads then you may need to look to your own driving skills rather than blame others."Nope I am a very good driver, I just don't have the patience for the prats that cycle on the roads here. Granted it's not all cyclists, but I have witnessed so much stupidity and received so much verbal abuse from them I am pissed off. I have never received points on my licence and have never done anything to put others at risk - cyclists should be tested and pass a test before they are allowed on the road. Drivers have to, so why don't they? As I said at the start of this thread, why can they just walk into a cycle shop, buy a bike and get on a very busy road? How dangerous is that? Think about it before patronising someone with an opinion. | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?"didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists | |||
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"I just ride my bike on the downhill mountain bike tracks here in Spain , alot less dangerous than mixing it with spanish drivers, but to be fair there alot more considerate than British motorists I was out in Andalucia last October with Ciclo Montana, based around the Trevelez Gorge. Some fantastic trails out there - the Lanajon (sp?) run is fantastic! Can't wait to get back for another crack at the Elephants Tail as well.
best place for cyclists, off the main roads!!!
You sound like the very worst sort of inconsiderate, impatient and downright dangerous motorist. When you finally understand and accept that cyclists have every right to be on the road you might find your day goes better.
The roads are for everyone - pedestrian, equestrian, cyclist and motorist - and in that order.
If you are having problems dealing with cyclists on the roads then you may need to look to your own driving skills rather than blame others."Don't see many pedestrians on the roads round here lol | |||
"Nope I am a very good driver, I just don't have the patience for the prats that cycle on the roads here. Granted it's not all cyclists, but I have witnessed so much stupidity and received so much verbal abuse from them I am pissed off. I have never received points on my licence and have never done anything to put others at risk - cyclists should be tested and pass a test before they are allowed on the road. Drivers have to, so why don't they? As I said at the start of this thread, why can they just walk into a cycle shop, buy a bike and get on a very busy road? How dangerous is that? Think about it before patronising someone with an opinion." Odd that you talk about patronising someone with an opinion when the basis of your argument seems to be that you are right without even considering alternative viewpoints. Incidentally I doubt that that many people truly believe that impatient motorists are good ones. | |||
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"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?
didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists"You are right of course but cyclists are not a special case, the laws are the same about damge to property whether motorist or cyclist. I would have sued him for the damage myself, regardless of how crappy his bike was - if he had been driving a crappy and dangerous car would you have let him off? I've only had one incident in over 25yrs of riding on the roads and the driver admitted liability there and then and paid for my bike rather than having his insurance notified. As i wasn't too injured i accepted his offer. | |||
"should be less cars on the road and more cyclists, too many lazy fat arses jump in their cars to nip down the road, motorists should be more aware of cyclists and as for taking a theory and cycle test tosh!!! " why is it.. I had to take a theory test even though I had a car test to ride a motorcycle. Even to ride a small bike you have to take a cbt. It is basic training.. and I think cyclists should have to have it to. If they are on the roads they should LEARN. I am well aware of cyclists and give them a wide birth.. doesnt stop the fact I have had two kids hit by cyclists that didnt seem to think that zebra crossings dont apply to them. Cali | |||
"I did pass a test for riding on the road although I was about 9 years old and it was called the Cyling Proficiency , was 30 odd years ago now !" i can still rember doing mine during half term holiday on my straight handlebar bike with just a single freewheel,no gears at all for me in those days got a choice of 18 gears nowdays!. | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?
didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists
You are right of course but cyclists are not a special case, the laws are the same about damge to property whether motorist or cyclist. I would have sued him for the damage myself, regardless of how crappy his bike was - if he had been driving a crappy and dangerous car would you have let him off? I've only had one incident in over 25yrs of riding on the roads and the driver admitted liability there and then and paid for my bike rather than having his insurance notified. As i wasn't too injured i accepted his offer."Just my personal view " i detest cyclists" albeit due to the fault of one! just as you probably detest motorists due to your experience! enough said... | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?
didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists
You are right of course but cyclists are not a special case, the laws are the same about damge to property whether motorist or cyclist. I would have sued him for the damage myself, regardless of how crappy his bike was - if he had been driving a crappy and dangerous car would you have let him off? I've only had one incident in over 25yrs of riding on the roads and the driver admitted liability there and then and paid for my bike rather than having his insurance notified. As i wasn't too injured i accepted his offer.
Just my personal view " i detest cyclists" albeit due to the fault of one! just as you probably detest motorists due to your experience! enough said..."Nope, i don't 'detest' motorists because the great majority are decent and capable of being in charge of a ton of metal. I do think that some are simply too incapable and dangerous to be on the road due to their impatience and ignorance of the rights and safety of other road users. That goes for all road users though. | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?
didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists
You are right of course but cyclists are not a special case, the laws are the same about damge to property whether motorist or cyclist. I would have sued him for the damage myself, regardless of how crappy his bike was - if he had been driving a crappy and dangerous car would you have let him off? I've only had one incident in over 25yrs of riding on the roads and the driver admitted liability there and then and paid for my bike rather than having his insurance notified. As i wasn't too injured i accepted his offer.
Just my personal view " i detest cyclists" albeit due to the fault of one! just as you probably detest motorists due to your experience! enough said..."Based on thgat logic you must have a lot of hattred in your life. Is this incident the only bad thing to have ever happened to you? Or do you decide to detest huge sections of society based on an individuals actions? | |||
"i do try and give cyclists the benefit of the doubt; most are sensible. As are the majority of motorists. Unfortunately an idiotic cyclist is mainly a danger to himself, an idiotic motorist is a danger to everyone around him
Said idiotic cyclist cost me £375 worth of damage when the arsehole ploughed straight into my parked car with NO brakes on his bicycle
Did you sue him?
couldn't afford brakes for his bike! what chance do you think i'd have of suing the prick?????
I understand its upsetting, but how different is it to having your parked car dinged by a car and the offender simply driving away?
didn't say it would be any different but forgive me if i'm wrong thinking this topic was about cyclists
You are right of course but cyclists are not a special case, the laws are the same about damge to property whether motorist or cyclist. I would have sued him for the damage myself, regardless of how crappy his bike was - if he had been driving a crappy and dangerous car would you have let him off? I've only had one incident in over 25yrs of riding on the roads and the driver admitted liability there and then and paid for my bike rather than having his insurance notified. As i wasn't too injured i accepted his offer.
Just my personal view " i detest cyclists" albeit due to the fault of one! just as you probably detest motorists due to your experience! enough said...
Based on thgat logic you must have a lot of hattred in your life. Is this incident the only bad thing to have ever happened to you? Or do you decide to detest huge sections of society based on an individuals actions?"just cyclists | |||
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"I hate idiotic cyclists (love the sensible ones) The policeman at the roundabout by Cheltenham Racecourse today now hates the one that rode straight over the roundabout, made a bus do an emergency stop, nearly sent 3 pedestrians flying and caused a limo to actually mount the kerb just to avoid him. No tax, no ID and no way of knowing who the hell he was, and the fecker just rode off down the hill. By the time the policeman had got in his car and gone after him, he'd long gone into one of the side streets. Make all cyclists pass a test and give them a licence. But to do that, we'd need more police to traffic the roads and get the nutters off! Seriously, is it only Cheltenham where cyclists don't stop for lights, roundabouts, ride 3 or 4 abreast and try to kill the motorists?" you should move to Oxford | |||
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"Why is it okay to "pop" into a cycle store, buy a bike and then start cycling on main roads if you don't have a clue about riding on these type of roads. It should be compulsory to have to take a theory test and a cycle test and have full insurance. Helmets should also be worn at all times. Why is it okay to go through red traffic lights, avoid traffic lights altogether and mount pavements, undertaking and overtaking cars (overtaking is the worst, as cycle lanes indicate that is where they should be at all times, unless turning right of course)!" I've had one under the back wheels of a lorry I was driving I now work in an office | |||
"you should move to Oxford ". I used to drive to Brize and Bicester regularly I take a driver now otherwise I'd be driving with my eyes shut. | |||
"should be less cars on the road and more cyclists, too many lazy fat arses jump in their cars to nip down the road, motorists should be more aware of cyclists and as for taking a theory and cycle test tosh!!! " I take neither of you drive then? Or are you dome of the permitted car owners you would allow? | |||
