Can cyclists answer me why??

consumers_revenge

WiggyDiggyPoo wrote: »

Haven't the foggiest idea, I suggest next time you see some perhaps ask them?

I can answer you though that having lights is a legal requirement, and police can and will fine cyclists without them.

Some police forces have ran schemes successfully where the fine is waived if you present yourself at the station with newly fitted lights, or for children/young persons have actually just fitted lights there and then if they see you.

I would ask them but they couldn't hear me over their iPods and I would be waiting at the red light!

My point is all of us should respect the road. Its dangerous out there! Just highlighting people should be doing their best to keep safe!

Avoriaz

esuhl wrote: »

I don't think it's that people can't be bothered to buy lights. It's probably the cost that puts people off. But anyway, I suppose "the point" might be that the cyclist only rides off-road during the day time. Not much need for lights then....

You can buy an adequate set of lights on Ebay for under £3.00 including postage. That is less than a pair of inner tubes.

They have steady and flashing modes and are more than bright enough to be easily seen by other road users although they don't do much to illuminate the road ahead for the cyclist.

Add £1 for batteries and £4 should not be a barrier to being law abiding and safer on a bike.

A few pounds more buys better quality.

consumers_revenge

£4 compared to a week in hospital or worse. No argument about costs then.

And as for bikers that only do off road use during the day so don't need protection of lights? I use a chainsaw during the day. Should I go home with it running. No!

Again I'm just saying be seen be safe.

Avoriaz

consumers_revenge wrote: »

What is a point in buying a helmet when they cant be bothered to buy lights?

If cyclists are lit up then they are less likely to be knocked of in the first place?

Bizzarre?!

Dunno.

I have lights but I do not wear a helmet.

I rarely cycle after dark but when I do I have lights and I use them.

I am fully aware of the small additional risk to me of not wearing a helmet but I cycle purely for pleasure and fitness and almost always on quiet roads or cycle tracks. I'm retired and I don't commute or travel through busy traffic. I'm fortunate to live somewhere where I can avoid busy and dangerous roads.

I don't like wearing anything on my head at any time. I ski as well as cycle and part of the pleasure is the feeling of freedom with the wind in my face and hair.

Most of my ski buddies now wear helmets but I don't and probably never will, unless they become compulsory as they are in the USA I believe.

I accept the risk that not wearing a helmet presents. That is my personal choice and will remain so until or unless the law compels me to wear a helmet.

consumers_revenge

I have no issues with helmets. Up to you if you wear one. What do they cost? 2 or 3 times the cost of lights? But which offers better prevention?

WiggyDiggyPoo

consumers_revenge wrote: »

I would ask them but they couldn't hear me over their iPods and I would be waiting at the red light!

My point is all of us should respect the road. Its dangerous out there! Just highlighting people should be doing their best to keep safe!

A sweeping generalization of cyclist behaviour, but whilst your on your crusade for road safety can you

1) Get councils to actually repair the potholes that litter our streets properly rather than dumping a spadeful of tarmac in there and stamping on it.

2) Ask private hire taxis not to carry passengers who have not booked.

3) Speak to motorists to ask them not to use mobile phones whilst driving.

Don't just highlight some cyclists actions and pretend you're trying help.

consumers_revenge

Oh purrrrrleeeese.....

If cyclists want to take a huge increase in getting hit for the sake of £4, let em.

And don't even get me started on mobiles or texters as the thread would be five pages long. They are pure numpties.

DigForVictory

We had a Scout who forgot to bring his lights - he got a lift home & has remembered since. Nothing to do with his mother's shock & (admirably) clearly worded commentary, we're sure.
The clocks change and the sudden dark *can* catch an occasional cyclist out, & I hope the coppers spot them before the other road users don't...

consumers_revenge

Oh and no generalization. The majority DO have lights on and vests etc.

kwmlondon

It doesn't help to see cyclists as different to other road users. Anyone who goes out on the road and doesn't look after themselves is a d**k. Anyone who heads off and puts other users at risk is an massive d**k - doesn't matter if it's a driver putting on makeup, a motorcyclist undertaking at speed or a cyclist running a red light wearing earplugs and a tiara instead of a helmet - they are all problems and it doesn't help to ignore their behavior because you a motorcyclist/cyclist/driver too. A d**k is a d**k.