should cyclists be treated as road-users, or pedestrians?

Man_Overboard_2

The problem is, nobody reads the highway code after they passed their driving test, and cyclists never read it at all

custardy

benjus wrote: »

I agree that it's pretty stupid for a cyclist to pass anything on the left, although there's always temptation to do it. However, it opens up several potential scenarios, such as:

• The obvious one - that the driver you are passing/have just passed wants to turn left
• A passenger opening the door to leave the vehicle
• A vehicle in the line of traffic being passed by the cyclist signals to another vehicle in the oncoming traffic wanting to turn right that they intend to give way to them

In fact, if there was any single most important piece of advice to give to cyclists, I think it would be not to pass on the left.

how do you define 'passing' on the left?
Are you saying cyclists should stay behind all cars in a queue of traffic?

custardy

Man_Overboard wrote: »

The problem is, nobody reads the highway code after they passed their driving test, and cyclists never read it at all

really? I think you have laid your stall out with that statement

custardy

mansars wrote: »

If they are wearing a helmet, have lights and wear clothing that is visable in low light conditions I would say that they are a road user...and I generally treat this type of cyclist with respect that they deserve (being a part time one myself).

However, the rest ...well they should be treated with the same disatin that they are treating the laws of the road imho.

on your point of a dismounted cyclist crossing a zebra crossing, then they are definetly a pedestrian, in the same way some one pushing a pram is.

So anyone not meeting your criteria deserves what?

discplayer

Man_Overboard wrote: »

The problem is, nobody reads the highway code after they passed their driving test, and cyclists never read it at all

As most cyclists are drivers you only needed the first part of that!

Dekazer

Man_Overboard wrote: »

The problem is, nobody reads the highway code after they passed their driving test, and cyclists never read it at all

I have two responses to that.

First, clearly it's not true. I have read the Highway Code many times since I was 17. Partly because I undertook to get a motorbike licence, and had to do a new fangled Theory Test. I found that I'd forgotten a lot, and resolved to refresh my knowledge of it regularly. I now undertake to read it annually or so.

Second, your original question is answered by the Highway Code. Rather than seeking the opinion on a money saving forum, you could find your answer in the Code.

I drive, ride a motorbike and cycle (around 60-80 miles a week, commuting through London to work). It is my responsibility (to other road users) to be up to date with the rules of the road. However, I also assume that other road users are stupid/malevolent/distracted by children in the back seat/tired/lazy/ignorant, and I then drive or ride as defensively as possible.

It's not a right to have a car or motorbike, but a priviledge, and I owe it to ALL other road users to drive and ride responsibly and carefully. As do the rest of you.

PS You can follow them on Twitter @HighwayCodeGB

skivenov

benjus wrote: »

I agree that it's pretty stupid for a cyclist to pass anything on the left, although there's always temptation to do it. However, it opens up several potential scenarios, such as:

• The obvious one - that the driver you are passing/have just passed wants to turn left
• A passenger opening the door to leave the vehicle
• A vehicle in the line of traffic being passed by the cyclist signals to another vehicle in the oncoming traffic wanting to turn right that they intend to give way to them

In fact, if there was any single most important piece of advice to give to cyclists, I think it would be not to pass on the left.

I always sit to the left of the lane if I'm in the left hand lane in traffic. That way it makes it easier for motorbikes to filter, me to make room for an emergency vehicle, and stops anyone from enterring the blindspot and putting themselves in danger if I'm in a larger vehicle.

If someone on a pushbike with no consideration for the highway code or other roadusers feels the need to progress past the queue, they can go round on the safe side instead.

custardy

skivenov wrote: »

I always sit to the left of the lane if I'm in the left hand lane in traffic. That way it makes it easier for motorbikes to filter, me to make room for an emergency vehicle, and stops anyone from enterring the blindspot and putting themselves in danger if I'm in a larger vehicle.

If someone on a pushbike with no consideration for the highway code or other roadusers feels the need to progress past the queue, they can go round on the safe side instead.

Isnt that where the cyclist is in the first place?

discplayer

skivenov wrote: »

If someone on a pushbike with no consideration for the highway code or other roadusers feels the need to progress past the queue, they can go round on the safe side instead.

The complicating factor is road planners running their crap cycle lanes up to junctions on the left without other measures such as banning other road users turning left or giving cyclists advance green lights.

This encourages novice cyclists into this space at all junctions and where such markings exist, tempts some more experienced cyclists who wouldn't otherwise.

sequence

Looks like the OP could do with brushing up on the highway code to be honest.