Cyclists and Zebra Crossings

System

HappyMJ wrote: »

Legally the cyclist is supposed to walk across the crossing. Legally the cyclist is supposed to walk on the pavement and ride only on recognized cycle paths or the road itself. In practice though nobody in authority really cares that much and won't enforce the law.

I wouldn't worry about the insurance aspect, cyclists on the road who slalom between pedestrians using a crossing don't worry about it.

ChumLee

Retrogamer wrote: »

You must stop at pedestrian crossings if a pedestrian is already on it (i.e at least one foot is in contact with the crossing)
If they're waiting to cross, but not actually on the crossing there is no requirement to stop.

Although not in the highway code, i imagine in practise it would be similar for a cyclist.
I.e if a cyclist is waiting to cross you have no requirement to stop.
If they are already on the crossing strictly speaking you don't need to stop, but failing to do so may come under careless / inconsiderate driving or worse if you have time to stop, don't stop and end up hitting the cyclist.

Out of curiosity what difference is it to the motorist or what effect does it have on their travel if a cyclist cycles across a crossing vs pushes the bicycle across it?

It's the crossing regulations not the Highway Code that brings in the requirement of of setting precedence at crossings. They refer to pedestrians and not cyclists.

Retrogamer

ChumLee wrote: »

It's the crossing regulations not the Highway Code that brings in the requirement of of setting precedence at crossings. They refer to pedestrians and not cyclists.

Let the pedantry flow.:beer:

Also

Retrogamer wrote: »

Out of curiosity what difference is it to the motorist or what effect does it have on their travel if a cyclist cycles across a crossing vs pushes the bicycle across it?

ChumLee

Retrogamer wrote: »

Out of curiosity what difference is it to the motorist or what effect does it have on their travel if a cyclist cycles across a crossing vs pushes the bicycle across it?

Have a read of the regulations.

DaveF327

So far, this thread has all been about splitting hairs about the difference between a person on foot and a person astride a bicycle.

Yes, there is a legal requirement at a zebra crossing that stipulates "a pedestrian", and I'm surprised somebody hasn't yet picked up on the difference between somebody waiting on the pavement next to a crossing, and somebody already on the crossing. Looking at the broader picture, however, I hope that you will all agree that the strict adherence to a legal definition should not distract us from the general principle of safe and courteous driving.

What every driver should be more concerned about is the anticipation of imminent danger and their preparation for it. For the avoidance of hair splitting, I shall refer to cyclists, pedestrians, wheelchair users, children, nuns and kittens alike by the collective term of "vulnerable soft objects".

A driver exercising his duties of "due care and attention" pursuant to section 3 of the Road Traffic Act, would consider whether a careful and competent driver would react to the approach speed and direction of a vulnerable soft object with respect to the speed and direction of travel of the vehicle being driven. If a driver considers that the vulnerable soft object is likely to cross the path of his car in a manner or at a time likely to be endangered by his car, he should exercise all due diligence in making efforts to give way.

Rules of the highway code which are relevant here include:
146

Adapt your driving to the appropriate type and condition of road you are on. In particular

• do not treat speed limits as a target. It is often not appropriate or safe to drive at the maximum speed limit
• take the road and traffic conditions into account. Be prepared for unexpected or difficult situations, for example, the road being blocked beyond a blind bend. Be prepared to adjust your speed as a precaution
• where there are junctions, be prepared for road users emerging
• in side roads and country lanes look out for unmarked junctions where nobody has priority
• be prepared to stop at traffic control systems, road works, pedestrian crossings or traffic lights as necessary
• try to anticipate what pedestrians and cyclists might do. If pedestrians, particularly children, are looking the other way, they may step out into the road without seeing you.

147

Be considerate. Be careful of and considerate towards all types of road users, especially those requiring extra care (see Rule 204).

• you MUST NOT throw anything out of a vehicle; for example, food or food packaging, cigarette ends, cans, paper or carrier bags. This can endanger other road users, particularly motorcyclists and cyclists.
• try to be understanding if other road users cause problems; they may be inexperienced or not know the area well.
• be patient; remember that anyone can make a mistake.
• do not allow yourself to become agitated or involved if someone is behaving badly on the road. This will only make the situation worse. Pull over, calm down and, when you feel relaxed, continue your journey.
• slow down and hold back if a road user pulls out into your path at a junction. Allow them to get clear. Do not over-react by driving too close behind to intimidate them.

I have highlighted the relevant sections in red.

Let's not discriminate, people. No-one is interested in your precise interpretation of the law when it comes to one party yielding to the other where a crash is imminent. Be aware, be ready to give way to help prevent collisions and "near-misses" and most importantly, be nice

Safe driving!

[Deleted User]

But the problem is some posters have to start arguing and willywaving.

Seems to me they are members of a certain "Sgt Peppers lonely hearts club" IYSWIM

dacouch

Johno100 wrote: »

And I've had this happen to me more than once at zebra and pedestrian crossings.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AooOli_qUmk

The most annoying zebra crossing is the one outside Abbey Road Studios of the Beetles fame.

There are always groups of tourists standing right on the edge of the crossing taking the atmosphere in. They're not waiting to cross but when you stop, walk across whilst waving and smiling to you. They get to the other side and then turn straight around and repeat this a few times.

Now days it's even worse as they stop in the middle to take selfies.

The black cabs amuse me as they allow them to cross once and will then drive through them

https://www.google.co.uk/maps/@51.531932,-0.177238,3a,75y,90t/data=!3m6!1e1!3m4!1sNfF5h3s4AXT5EaP4fNlaow!2e0!7i13312!8i6656!6m1!1e1

thescouselander

DaveF327 - on the contrary, the relevant rules from the highway code are:

195
Zebra crossings. As you approach a zebra crossing

look out for pedestrians waiting to cross and be ready to slow down or stop to let them cross
you MUST give way when a pedestrian has moved onto a crossing
allow more time for stopping on wet or icy roads
do not wave or use your horn to invite pedestrians across; this could be dangerous if another vehicle is approaching
be aware of pedestrians approaching from the side of the crossing.

Rules for Cyclists


79
Do not ride across equestrian crossings, as they are for horse riders only. Do not ride across a pelican, puffin or zebra crossing. Dismount and wheel your cycle across.

So all things being right a road user (whether that be a motorist, cyclist or whoever) should never be faced with cyclists trying to cross a zebra crossing. However, even within the context of the rules you quoted the decision to stop is entirely at the discretion of the road user approaching the crossing.

Mercdriver

!!!!!! wrote: »

I wouldn't worry about the insurance aspect, cyclists on the road who slalom between pedestrians using a crossing don't worry about it.

That's not what the Driving examiner (or my instructor) told me on my driving test just under 2 years ago. I got a minor fault for not stopping when someone was waiting at a crossing. Would have been a serious if she had stepped out. You do have to stop if someone is waiting.

System

Mercdriver wrote: »

That's not what the Driving examiner (or my instructor) told me on my driving test just under 2 years ago. I got a minor fault for not stopping when someone was waiting at a crossing. Would have been a serious if she had stepped out. You do have to stop if someone is waiting.

Were you taking your test on a bicycle?
You have missed the point of my comment