Why?

guiriman

jenheiffer wrote: »

Why should it affect cyclists? 99% of them use the pavements now (even when there's a cycle lane).

Not the one I got stuck behind on Ormeau embankment yesterday, he was quite happy to sit in the middle of the road rather than using the cycle lane.

Cotta

guiriman wrote: »

Not the one I got stuck behind on Ormeau embankment yesterday, he was quite happy to sit in the middle of the road rather than using the cycle lane.

How about the ones that cycle double file along roads resulting in overtaking being that much more difficult!!

Cherryscone

Cotta wrote: »

How about the ones that cycle double file along roads resulting in overtaking being that much more difficult!!

Sometimes 4 or 5 and always on A sunday:mad:

tara747

In answer to the OP, only wheelchair-accessible taxis are allowed in the bus lanes.

jenheiffer wrote: »

Why should it affect cyclists? 99% of them use the pavements now (even when there's a cycle lane).

Oh dear jenheiffer. 99%? Really? Maybe you should go to the optician for an eye test. Between this and your inability to read Maggie May's menu, I think you need it.

Cotta wrote: »

How about the ones that cycle double file along roads resulting in overtaking being that much more difficult!!

You do know that you're supposed to give a bicycle as much space as you'd give a car when overtaking, don't you? It's Rule 163 of the Highway Code. Sooo... it shouldn't matter whether there's one cyclist in front of you or two, because squeezing past is not allowed.





Cycling two abreast is perfectly legal, and it's actually easier to overtake a group of cyclists if they're two abreast - it takes less distance to pass them.

guiriman wrote: »

Not the one I got stuck behind on Ormeau embankment yesterday, he was quite happy to sit in the middle of the road rather than using the cycle lane.

I would guess that he wasn't in the middle of the road, as that's the white line. He was probably in the middle of the lane. This is where a cyclist should be, in order to avoid parked cars and the 'door zone'. If you've ever been on a bicycle and had someone fling open a car door right in front of you without looking, you'll know how dangerous it is. :eek: Hence the need to cycle a door's width away from parked cars.



Most cyclists would LOVE a proper segregated cycle lane network to separate us from motor traffic. There are hardly any of these in Belfast. On-road lanes (basically just a bit of green paint) are frequently full of debris, glass, wet leaves and parked cars.



Cyclists are just trying to get from A to B in one piece, same as everyone else. We're pretty vulnerable, so we do everything we can to stay safe. And most of us driver cars too, so we can see both perspectives.



Here are the rules for cyclists:

https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82

I've highlighted some of the bits I've just mentioned.

59


Clothing. You should wear

• a cycle helmet which conforms to current regulations, is the correct size and securely fastened
• appropriate clothes for cycling. Avoid clothes which may get tangled in the chain, or in a wheel or may obscure your lights
• light-coloured or fluorescent clothing which helps other road users to see you in daylight and poor light
• reflective clothing and/or accessories (belt, arm or ankle bands) in the dark.

60

At night your cycle MUST have white front and red rear lights lit. It MUST also be fitted with a red rear reflector (and amber pedal reflectors, if manufactured after 1/10/85). White front reflectors and spoke reflectors will also help you to be seen. Flashing lights are permitted but it is recommended that cyclists who are riding in areas without street lighting use a steady front lamp.
Law RVLR regs 13, 18 & 24
61

Cycle Routes and Other Facilities. Use cycle routes, advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings unless at the time it is unsafe to do so. Use of these facilities is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
62

Cycle Tracks. These are normally located away from the road, but may occasionally be found alongside footpaths or pavements. Cyclists and pedestrians may be segregated or they may share the same space (unsegregated). When using segregated tracks you MUST keep to the side intended for cyclists as the pedestrian side remains a pavement or footpath. Take care when passing pedestrians, especially children, older or disabled people, and allow them plenty of room. Always be prepared to slow down and stop if necessary. Take care near road junctions as you may have difficulty seeing other road users, who might not notice you.
Law HA 1835 sect 72
63

Cycle Lanes. These are marked by a white line (which may be broken) along the carriageway (see Rule 140). Keep within the lane when practicable. When leaving a cycle lane check before pulling out that it is safe to do so and signal your intention clearly to other road users. Use of cycle lanes is not compulsory and will depend on your experience and skills, but they can make your journey safer.
64

You MUST NOT cycle on a pavement.
Laws HA 1835 sect 72 & R(S)A 1984, sect 129
65

Bus Lanes. Most bus lanes may be used by cyclists as indicated on signs. Watch out for people getting on or off a bus. Be very careful when overtaking a bus or leaving a bus lane as you will be entering a busier traffic flow. Do not pass between the kerb and a bus when it is at a stop.
66


You should

• keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
• keep both feet on the pedals
• never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends
• not ride close behind another vehicle
• not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your wheels or chain
• be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians. Let them know you are there when necessary, for example, by ringing your bell if you have one. It is recommended that a bell be fitted.

67


You should

• look all around before moving away from the kerb, turning or manoeuvring, to make sure it is safe to do so. Give a clear signal to show other road users what you intend to do (see ‘Signals to other road users’
• look well ahead for obstructions in the road, such as drains, pot-holes and parked vehicles so that you do not have to swerve suddenly to avoid them. Leave plenty of room when passing parked vehicles and watch out for doors being opened or pedestrians stepping into your path
• be aware of traffic coming up behind you
• take extra care near road humps, narrowings and other traffic calming features
• take care when overtaking (see Rules 162 to 169).

68


You MUST NOT

• carry a passenger unless your cycle has been built or adapted to carry one
• hold onto a moving vehicle or trailer
• ride in a dangerous, careless or inconsiderate manner
• ride when under the influence of drink or drugs, including medicine.
  Law RTA 1988 sects 24, 26, 28, 29 & 30 as amended by RTA 1991

69

You MUST obey all traffic signs and traffic light signals.
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)
70


When parking your cycle

• find a conspicuous location where it can be seen by passers-by
• use cycle stands or other cycle parking facilities wherever possible
• do not leave it where it would cause an obstruction or hazard to other road users
• secure it well so that it will not fall over and become an obstruction or hazard.

71

You MUST NOT cross the stop line when the traffic lights are red. Some junctions have an advanced stop line to enable you to wait and position yourself ahead of other traffic (see Rule 178).
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10 & 36(1)

tara747

Oh and btw... if all those who cycle around Belfast drove their cars for a day instead, the traffic would be so much worse. We're reducing congestion, which is surely good news for drivers!

qwert_yuiop

Cycling has benefits for air quality, balance of payments and obesity. Particularly after the featured maggie may fry up.

Cotta

tara747 wrote: »

You do know that you're supposed to give a bicycle as much space as you'd give a car when overtaking, don't you? It's Rule 163 of the Highway Code. Sooo... it shouldn't matter whether there's one cyclist in front of you or two, because squeezing past is not allowed.

On a country road where it's already difficult to pass one bike? I don't think so. Many cyclist are out of control, cycling at full speed on footpaths and in general being a down right nuicance.

saverbuyer

I was on the Ormeau Rd on Saturday and watched a taxi driver nearly take out a cyclist and they get taken out by a car in the process. Paying too much attention to said cyclist and not enough to the roundabout he was approaching. The cyclist was lucky he wasn’t killed. There seems to be a lot of misdirected anger towards them on the road.

The_Hurricane

saverbuyer wrote: »

I was on the Ormeau Rd on Saturday and watched a taxi driver nearly take out a cyclist and they get taken out by a car in the process. Paying too much attention to said cyclist and not enough to the roundabout he was approaching. The cyclist was lucky he wasn’t killed. There seems to be a lot of misdirected anger towards them on the road.

I've taken a few out on pavements as they were quite dangerous. A gentle clip of the bike sending them flying always does the trick!

qwert_yuiop

The_Hurricane wrote: »

I've taken a few out on pavements as they were quite dangerous. A gentle clip of the bike sending them flying always does the trick!

So have you been charged with assault yet and if not why not?