Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Just listening to the radio and heard the terrible news that yet another cyclist has been killed on the road in London, thats 4 in 8 days - link here BBC News - Cyclist dies in Bow Roundabout lorry collision

I drive a lot, about 20,000 miles a year and I see so many cyclists on the road being unsafe and risking their lives everyday.
I can't help thinking as I drive around that our roads are not safe for bikes. Motorists have to pass tests, have insurance and vehicle safety tests but anyone can jump on a bike and get on the road.
With the state of our roads with crumbling surfaces and crazy traffic calming schemes its sometimes not very safe in a car.
Mixing bikes and cars/trucks can not be safe and something needs to be done.

Lancashire Police are doing a cycling operation at the moment, I read a webchat on facebook the other day that proved that road users in general are unaware of the law and many dangers on the road.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Over here & especially in Holland there's a phenomenal amount of cycle-paths, signage & lights purely for the use of push bikes. Only problem is, you still get the idiots who think they should mong it all over the road & as for the gangs of Lycra-loons!

There's even cases where a community will purchase farm land & the like to build & ensure a safe foot/cycle path in certain under developed areas. A lot of the graft is done by the locals who only call in specialists as appropriate. Say what you will about the Hermans, but they don't just yap on about things, they actually get hands on.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

no lights , no hand signals and some idea in tehir head they are stronger than a car or truck..

cant really blame anyone but tehir own stupidity if they get mowed down

used a bike for many years and spent a lot of time on the roads so despite now been a car driver i think my opinion that most folk who get killed on a pushbike usually end up that way through tehir own negligence isnt biased lol

wether or not this chap was to blame for his own actions i dont know because i wasnt there but from what iv seen myself from adults,children and cycling groups with tehir behaviour and attitude towards motorists im suprised more arnt dead.

I think the only hing keeping some of them alive is the fear of next years insurance premium if you hit one

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Just spent 4 days in London - the large number of cyclists riding at night wearing dark clothes, no lights, or lights that were dimmer than a Toc-H lamp, glare from vehicle lights, cyclists weaving in and out of stationary and slow moving traffic - no wonder there are accidents and fatalities

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

spot on

people have got so used to the "motorist is always wrong " attitude this country has people seem to think they have no responsability for their own well being on the road.

the UK must be the only country where someone can run out infront of a car and be called a victim and get a handsome payout instead of been called a moron

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

by the evidence ive seen , motorists on london dont know what indicators are for. but thr cyclists are loonies tailgating boris buses .

Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

As sad as it is whenever anyone dies, Lycra is not much of a defence against a lump of metal.

When I was an 8 year old child I wasn't allowed on the road without the bike being well maintained and by law I had to have some audible way of informing others that I was approaching, simply, a bell.
If I was without lights on my machine once it got dusk it was a case of dismount and walk home.
Even at that age if I dared to ride on the pavement, I could expect to be in trouble.
The high way code for cyclists had to be adhered to without exception.
Why? Because back then the Police applied the law and weren't forced to ignore 'minor' offences just because of paper work.

Anyone using a bike should follow the rules, they should also have to pass a test these days AND should not be allowed on the road without insurance.

A cyclist these days is more dangerous to predict than anyone on a horse or guiding an animal.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

You need to pass a teat to ride/drive a motor vehicle on the road but not a push bike or horse - it is stupid.

Don't agree about push bikes being more dangerous than horses though, passed one a few weeks ago on a long straight country road wide and slow, clutch pressed so I was as quiet as possible. Looking in my mirror and it reared up onto its back legs and was on the wrong side of the road. The only way a rider can make a horse do what he/she wants is if the horse decides it wants to do it.

No horses on the road in my opinion without special licence ie. shows, parades etc.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

You may consider it strange, but I think a horse has more right on the road than a potentially permanent brain dead bicycle rider, after all, you started a thread about yet another cyclist dying, how many horses and there still are many, died in London traffic accidents over the same period?
:)

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Not only cyclists without grey matter Less.

BBC News - #Bloodycyclists Twitter post driver Emma Way guilty

And what happened to the Cycing Proficiency Tests ??

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Stupid cow deserves to be banned, I wonder if she tweeted that whilst driving away from the accident?

The lass has ambition though:-

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

every new driver should sit a CBT as part of the test.
It gives you a whole new appreciation of life on a motorbike and a push bike.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I would ban both from the roads.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

CBT?

Cognitive behavioral therapy - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Why should every driver, Motorcyclist and cyclist have to sit such a thing when some idiot Cyclist ignores the Highway code, ignores traffic lights, weaves in and out of traffic, causes caos?

Surely, we should have a Police force that at the same time as applying the law to anyone using an engine, equally applies the law to idiots that ignore the highway code?

Perhaps then, we will have less cyclists dying on the road?

Oh, and by the way, if cyclists really need to use the pavements, could they fit a bell to warn pedestrians that someone on a bicycle is encrouching on their territory?

Rather than sneak up quietly and demand we F,off out of their way?
:confused:

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I thought a bell was a requirement on a bike.
Gets on my wick when bikes mount the footpath and cross at traffic lights instead of waiting. Or pass on the inside at red traffic lights or worse on the outside and swerve in front of the stopped cars at lights. Or pass on the inside in heavy traffic where you don't expect them to be

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

According to the highway code, yes it is, for some reason it isn't applied.

The traffic light thing is even worse, my brother actually got fined for getting off his bike and wheeling it around some traffic lights (it was over 40 years ago, no chance it would happen today).

According to the Policeman, he should have picked it up and carried it around the lights to prove it wasn't in use.

We won't see that happening these days.

I hate to hear about cyclists dying or injured, but the way they are allowed to be a law unto themselves...


What can we expect?

Any law, should be applied, not just ignored because of paperwork, especially, when the idiot concerned is the most vulnerable.:(

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Motor bikes are as bad but faster and more dangerous, swearing in and out of motorway lanes avoiding traffic and trying to kill themselves and those around them

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Less

it is applied.

You cant but a bike built in the UK (from a shop) without a bell.

You can order one from online and build it yourself without a bell, but a shop cant legally sell you a bike without a bell.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Yes you can, my lad bought an expensive BMX from a local shop, it came with just a rear brake and no bell. The shop owner said thats how the kids want them so whats the point of fitting them just so they can take them off again. They were supplied to him with bells and front brakes but he never fitted them unless asked to do.

Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Well if that's true, could someone teach these idiots how to use a bell?

Oh, and how to use a road?

The pavement is for pedestrians.

If a cyclist is too frightened to use the road, why should they be allowed to either use a bike, or get in the way of pedestrians?
Don't we, pedestrians have a right to be safe just like them?

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

This Government website has bike rules from the Highway Code here https://www.gov.uk/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82

Rule 64 You MUST not cycle on a pavement

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I think when it comes to breaking the highway code rules, car drivers are more guilty than anyone. Twice today and once yesterday I saw someone drive through red lights and that`s nothing compared to what I see going to and from work .Then there is speeding, illegal parking and total lack of consideration for other drivers, cutting up, overtaking on the near side, taxis stopping in the middle of the road when there is a perfectly good place to park.
The problem is there is too much paperwork for the police to enforce every minor traffic offence.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

It seems that way, but the reality is that for every cyclist you meet using the road you will meet hundreds of car drivers. When you compare "Incidents" as a percentage of "participants", cyclists come off much worse.

It never ceases to amaze me that they take such risks, when their only bodily protection is a thin layer of lycra. At least they are sensible with their headgear, and use a much thicker layer of polystyrene to protect the head from a two-tonne lump of metal doing 60mph. :rolleyes:

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

you should always check your blind spots for cyclists especially if you have just waxed your car

them swines will smear your finish if you hit one and you most likely wont get an appology either

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Mines lucky if it gets a bucket of water, never mind wax.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

They certainly do themselves no favours on the safety front, I worked with a guy who fell of his after skidding on some oil. Was off work for 6 months with a broken hip.:hesoff:
But a bad driver will do much more damage to others than a bad cyclist.

Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

That does not excuse the cyclists from obeying the Highway Code, what about the damage done to the motorist because he killed a cyclist that ran a red light or went into the drivers lane while weaving in and out of traffic?
The majority of Cyclists are dangerous to themselves and other road users.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I`m not say it does, but it`s not just cyclists who are guilty of it.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I travel along a few miles of steep, winding roads with no place to safely over take - and in the summer it is full of cyclists that can't be going faster than 10mph ! Whilst traffic flows between 50-70mph.

It drives me mad - if a car was driving that slow they'd be done for dangerous driving but it seems fine for cyclists

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

A steep winding narrow road with a 50-70mph speed limit, where is this crazy place, sounds like the cyclists are doing you a favour slowing you down.http://www.smiley-lol.com/smiley/spo...e/vil2_vtt.gif

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

It's called the national speed limit and it is 60mph or 70mph depending on the road. Many road users have no idea how to decide what the speed limit is so you are probably in the majority not knowing.

To help out here is a narrow 70 mph road uphill that could have slow cyclists on it

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/geophotos/...2_0921e28b.jpg

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

To be 70mph it would be a dual carriageway, giving plenty of room to overtake a cyclist.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I said you would probably be in the majority that didn't understand speed limits.
I posted an easy one with a big clue in it. Did not miss the sign that says Dual Carriageway in the middle of the picture?

Here is another 70mph dual carriageway

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/79/...8_003a8455.jpg

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I know what dual carriageways look like, the road in question was a narrow (no room to overtake a push bike), winding steep road. I find it difficult to believe that such a road would have a speed limit of 70mph. Just because there is a national speed limit for certain kinds of roads, doesn`t mean they always have that limit. Dunkenhalgh Way for example is a dual carriageway but 50mph not 70mph.

http://www.accringtonweb.com/forum/f...ced-58532.html

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Are you sure you know what a dual carriageway is?
I have just posted pictures of two but yet you said this

The ones I posted don't have plenty of room to pass a cyclist.

What do you think a dual carriageway is if you don't agree with me?

Yes lots of dual carriageways are not 70mph, you have to read the road and signs to know.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I was referring to the road that SamF mentioned. And i`d be more concerned about it being a steep winding road with a 70mph speed limit even if a dual carriageway, surely it would have a reduced speed limit.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

The two I posted didn't have

This is the other end of the second one I posted

http://s0.geograph.org.uk/photos/79/...9_61ccb904.jpg

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Neil, is that on the way to the Lakes, somewhere around Levens Hall?

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

No idea sorry, found them on google. It is unusual though

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

It`s not what i`d call winding though.

https://maps.google.co.uk/maps?q=wou...2,97.49,,0,3.8

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Apart from the winding bits you can see in the picture, eh? ;)

I don't know why you two are arguing. Just because a road has a set speed limit, it doesn't mean it's safe to drive at that speed. If a driver hits a stationary or slow-moving object, it's invariably his fault.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I`m not arguing, just have an opinion. If a road is winding, it most likely has a reduced visibility, and if the distance you can see ahead is less than your stopping distance then you`re heading for trouble.
If you look at the whole road on google maps it isn`t.:)

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

There was a discussion this morning on Daybreak about cyclists, didn`t see it all but it did show some footage shot from a camera mounted on a cyclists helmet. A bit of a white knuckle ride cycling through London.

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

This thread was started about a man being killed on his bike - this is your response? You are one sick individual.

Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

Yes he is, he's never, ever denied it.
I suspect he would be better company on a desert island than you though...
;)

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

yes i am thankyou and please feel free to point out any other complimentary attributes you feel i need to be made aware of..

serioulsy what did you expect .

A: an appology for what i put

b: a serious rethink about my life and how my words can upset oversenstive people

or

c: which i cant put but sounds like duck off

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

is this the same guy i recall slagging gypos?:D wasn't as sensitive then.:rolleyes:

Re: Terrible news, another cyclist killed on the road.
 

I know what I was expecting, and I didn`t need multiple choice.