Cyclists and road traffic signals...

Buellguy

jay213 wrote: »

I think they should set up small cycle lanes on the pavements / not on the roads. Maybe even let you ride on normal pavements (maybe exclude the Road Bike guys)

How many times have you heard about a somebody being killed by a cyclists riding on the pavement?

How many cyclists have been killed on the roads?

I've been at some red lights and cars can't wait to drive past you when the light changes, coming very close. Sometimes these red lights are quite safe to ride past, when there are no junctions or people crossing but the rule is to stop. The you got to compete with the car driver, bus, motorbike drivers who don't want to be stuck behind you as the light changes as you're slower then them.

It happens


One pedestrian was killed by a cyclist and 78 were seriously injured in 2012.

Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/57065/cyclists-almost-likely-injure-pedestrians-cars#ixzz362G4Evzi

Iceweasel

jay213 wrote: »

I think they should set up small cycle lanes on the pavements / not on the roads. Maybe even let you ride on normal pavements (maybe exclude the Road Bike guys)

Well I for one don't wish to ride on the pavement - it's far to bumpy for a start and I'm not going to damage my expensive alloy rims going up and down over the kerbs.

But mainly because I pay my taxes like everyone else for the upkeep of the roads and I'm not going to be forced off them.

I understand that cycle tracks are 'optional' rather than compulsory - but I have been shouted at by drivers who are unhappy to share the main carriageway with me.

I ride to avoid drains, and missing metal covers - so do not hug the side of the road where most cycle tracks are.

Many cycle tracks are full of pot-holes gravel and rubbish anyway and are often improperly cleaned and maintained.

Rather than swerve out of a cycle track, to avoid such obstacles, into the path of an unsuspecting driver, I ride well outside of the edge of the road and make it clear to drivers I am not using the cycle track.

peter_the_piper

driving down country lane(they are mainly that round here) came across a queue of cars going my way. Eventually I got to the front and found a pair of cyclists riding 2 abreast out to the white line thus making it difficult for cars to proceed safely. It only takes a few to bring all drivers/riders into disrepute.

Iceweasel

peter_the_piper wrote: »

driving down country lane(they are mainly that round here) came across a queue of cars going my way. Eventually I got to the front and found a pair of cyclists riding 2 abreast out to the white line thus making it difficult for cars to proceed safely. It only takes a few to bring all drivers/riders into disrepute.

I've had the same experience on a ex-railway cycle track (on my bike of course) - and they really don't like being shouted at - even politely.

"Excuse me - another cyclist coming through!" was met with replies to the effect that I was going too 'f***ing fast for such a quiet place.

There are always some.

Johno100

brat wrote: »

Give an example of any one law that needs amending to reflect this.

Only one? The requirement to provide a specimen of breath for a start. The requirement to stop after an accident and exchange details, the obeyance of speed limit signs (particularly in 20mph zones).

jay213

Buellguy wrote: »

It happens


One pedestrian was killed by a cyclist and 78 were seriously injured in 2012.

Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/57065/cyclists-almost-likely-injure-pedestrians-cars#ixzz362G4Evzi

Was the pedestrian killed by a punch by the riders footed friend? doing a quick google I came across that case.

Only about 20 pedestrians are "seriously injured" each year by riders taking to the pavement. Most collisions occur "when pedestrians step out into the road without seeing or hearing a cyclist", The Times says.

One pedestrian was killed by a cyclist and 78 were seriously injured in 2012. At the same time, 253 pedestrians were killed by drivers in urban areas and 4,426 were seriously injured.

Read more: http://www.theweek.co.uk/uk-news/57065/cyclists-almost-likely-injure-pedestrians-cars#ixzz362UqoT1o

I wonder what the numbers were for cyclists killed by motor vehicles?

Quick question when cycling in the road are you allowed to take up the middle of a lane? as I've got a few hills I tend to stick to the side as I'm aware that I would be holding up traffic. But from what I hear that puts me more at risk doesn't it? car divers etc are not a patience bunch as far as I've experienced.

Iceweasel

Johno100 wrote: »

Only one? The requirement to provide a specimen of breath for a start. The requirement to stop after an accident and exchange details, the obeyance of speed limit signs (particularly in 20mph zones).

Forget the 'failure to provide' nonsense - it's easier for the polizei to get for for drunk in charge of a bicycle - even if you are only pushing it.

Johno100

jay213 wrote: »

Was the pedestrian killed by a punch by the riders footed friend? doing a quick google I came across that case.

Only about 20 pedestrians are "seriously injured" each year by riders taking to the pavement. Most collisions occur "when pedestrians step out into the road without seeing or hearing a cyclist", The Times says.

That sounds suspiciously like 'victim blaming', well that's what you get accused of when criticising the actions of a cyclist who meets their maker.

I don't know about 2012, I remember this one from last year.

http://www.bristolpost.co.uk/Woman-pedestrian-hit-cyclist-St-George-dies/story-20094831-detail/story.html

And another victim of the cycling hordes.

http://www.bournemouthecho.co.uk/news/10944550.Highly_experienced_rider_died_after_horse_spooked_by_cyclist__inquest_hears/?ref=rc

Retrogamer

Johno100 wrote: »

The requirement to stop after an accident and exchange details

Isn't this already a requirement?

facade

jay213 wrote: »

Quick question when cycling in the road are you allowed to take up the middle of a lane? as I've got a few hills I tend to stick to the side as I'm aware that I would be holding up traffic. But from what I hear that puts me more at risk doesn't it? car divers etc are not a patience bunch as far as I've experienced.

Yes.

The BMF recommend a position well clear of the kerb.
Car drivers don't like it as they cannot squeeze past and are forced to overtake properly, or not at all.

But if they were going to squeeze past you 6" off your handlebars whilst you are going in and out of drains in the gutter they were not making a safe overtake anyway.

It does take a lot of nerve to ride at 6mph up a hill 4 feet from the gutter though.