OK, now let's get the cyclists - Page 2

scooby12 · 30-06-2005, 04:04

these here cyclists should have a id licence of some sort in case of accident.also i am all for road taxing the little sods,espescially the proffessionals who think the are in the tour de france who cycle three or four a breast up the ribble valley back roads and will NOTmove over for you i come across them all the time and i wish that they would be a bit courtious.when i over take them i give them ample room so come on bike buffs move over

WillowTheWhisp · 30-06-2005, 07:43

There are a lot of different issues here. Cyclists should obey the same rules of the road as any other road user. As a pedestrian I am sick and tired of dodging cyclists who don't believe the red light at a pelican crossing apples to them.

If a cyclist is involved in an accident with a car it is far more likely to be their fault than the motorist's because often the bike is where it shouldn't be.

Cycle tracks/paths are a joke. What is the point of those 25yard long bits which suddenly appear in the road and just as suddenly disappear? Is the cyclist supposed to take off like a Harrier? (the jump jet, not the country runner)

Down near the Globe Centre area there are cycle paths on the pavements which are asking for trouble because pedestrians don't expect cycle paths on the pavement. There are also cycle paths next to walls with the pedestrian part of the footpath between them and the road. That seems like the height of madness. Surely the pedestrian should be separated from the cars by the cycle track not vice versa?

Yes they should be insured and take responsibility for accidents just as any other road user. Yes there should be lessons and tests for proficiency before going out on the roads. They shouldn't cycle two abreast. They shouldn't try to outrun cars.

vorlon24 · 30-06-2005, 12:48

When I am on my bike my main objective is to get from A to B as quickly as possible, but not to the detriment of other road users and pedestrians. And that includes obeying all the traffic laws (like stopping at a red light!).

A lot of cycle lanes are designed badly, in that when you come to an adjoining road, you have to stop and give way (or at least check) to other traffic. On the road you have the same rights of way as the cars, so don't have to stop.

My usual cruising speed is around 17-20mph, which is easy to maintain, but not so easy if you are having to slow down or stop every 100 yards or so

WillowTheWhisp · 30-06-2005, 13:24

Perhaps the people who design cycle paths don't ride bikes?

harwood red · 30-06-2005, 14:01

yeah a bit like men who design maternity and baby gear!!!

Charlie Bentley · 30-06-2005, 14:08

I totally agree that cyclists should be licenced and STRCTLY adhere to the rules of the road and highway code. They should get the same fines as other road users. When I was a kid (long time ago) we used to be terrified if we rode on the pavement or only had one brake working etc and saw a policeman. In fact we would be stopped and given a good lecturing to if caught.

Charlie B.

MUMMIBOO · 01-07-2005, 09:48

I agree that cyclists should have to wear a helmet by law like you have to wear a seat belt, i agree that they should make more and improve on the cycling paths and i agree there should be a test to be taken for the proficiency of cyclists.

But i dont agree they should be taxed on cycling!

1) It's a lot healthier to cycle, Theres a lot of hoo har about obesity these days.

2) Push bikes dont really damage the roads as cars do.

3) It is some peoples only way of getting about they cant afford a car, so wont be able to afford a tax system.

4) Bikes dont damage the ozone layer with wild gases.

If people are taught how to use their bike properly and the road system as well there should be less problems with cyclists their is no need to start taxing the cyclist the big thing at the moment is to try to get people to start taking their bike to work and leave their car at home.

If you got a bike instead of a car then you would'nt pay road tax either.

vorlon24 · 01-07-2005, 11:06

At least there is someone here who is not dead against cyclists - I was beginning to feel a bit outnumbered...

lettie · 01-07-2005, 12:20

I am not against cyclists. I do believe that they should have to be tested, be accountable, wear helmets and have some form of insurance. This is for their own safety and the safety of others. I wouldn't agree with them paying road tax.

harwood red · 01-07-2005, 12:46

I agree with mummiboo and lettie 100%

And I'm not against cyclists, just bad cyclists as I am bad drivers!

cashman · 01-07-2005, 14:30

i'm not really against anybody exept dipsticks and wallys.

West Ender · 01-07-2005, 14:51

Just for the record, I'm not against cyclists as a species either. I'm against the cycling twerp, not his opposite number, the responsible cyclist.

Uncle Mick · 01-07-2005, 21:01

From the Road Users Alliance Annual handbook 2004

Fuel Tax Paid £22.1bn
VED Paid £ 4.6bn
Vat on vehicles £ 6.8bn
Vat on fuel £ 5.6bn
Company Car Tax £ 3.1bn

Total £ 42.2bn

Road Spending £ 6.7bn

Government Waste £ 35.5bn

Not really any point in taxing cyclists if motorists are being that generous!

cashman · 01-07-2005, 21:49

looking at those figures uncle mick if correct,to me its more a case of the government being mean,and ripping us off,but whats new?

jpest1 · 03-07-2005, 21:27

Saw an absolute classic today. Cyclist riding on pavement,no helmet on and only using one hand to steer. Why? Easy he was using a mobile phone with the other!!!