Discussion
Cyclists set themselves up for trouble in the future. If they followed the rules and didn't cause hassle then no one would say anything. As it is, they do things like the OP has highlighed, many ignore helmets, other safety devices are neglected, traffic signals are (seemingly) optional. I know that there are some who do not deserve to be tarred by this brush but the others are so very visible. Give it a few years and you will need a piece of paper to be allowed onto the road on a push bike.
stevieturbo said:
Because they know the police will never prosecute them for dangerous riding
What makes you think it is illegal?I think the relevant bit of the highway code is this:
highwaycode said:
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
Note it says 'should' not 'must', so I think it is advice only - not enforceable as such.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
Bloody inconsiderate anyway.
okgo said:
There's nothing social about cycling in single file.
People ride as groups, it happens everywhere, get over it.
So it's fun to block the roads and cause an obstruction to other road users ?People ride as groups, it happens everywhere, get over it.
There is a time and place for them...but when they are causing an obstruction, and know they are causing an obstruction. Instead of getting on like knobs, they should move over.
x12yhp said:
I am trying to find an official document which states that you "must not harm or kill another human" 
Indeed but actually that wording is specific to the Highway Code...Highway Code said:
Many of the rules in the Code are legal requirements, and if you disobey these rules you are committing a criminal offence. You may be fined, given penalty points on your licence or be disqualified from driving. In the most serious cases you may be sent to prison. Such rules are identified by the use of the words ‘MUST/MUST NOT’. In addition, the rule includes an abbreviated reference to the legislation which creates the offence. An explanation of the abbreviations can be found in 'The road user and the law'.
Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see 'The road user and the law') to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070236Although failure to comply with the other rules of the Code will not, in itself, cause a person to be prosecuted, The Highway Code may be used in evidence in any court proceedings under the Traffic Acts (see 'The road user and the law') to establish liability. This includes rules which use advisory wording such as ‘should/should not’ or ‘do/do not’.
frontbum said:
That is all well and good but these are cyclists. They are the most vunerable users of the roads. The rest of us have to be really careful around them to ensure we don't do them damage but many cyclists fail to do the same for themselves and actually place themselves into needlessly dangerous situations. Then... when they get hit or hit someone, or they end up hurt... who ends up paying for it? I don't mind cyclists using the roads and I do not mind having to keep my eyes open and give them lots of space. However, I do think they should be obliged to follow the rules and I think that failure to do so demonstrates disrespect for the safety of both themselves and other users of the roads. As such, if cyclists cannot be trusted to behave, they need to be forced. I don't think this is scare mongering either - I think it is simply a matter of time now.
Smaegol said:
Lads wind your necks in. As a cyclist for 25yrs and a PH I can see both sides but I've been nearly killed more times by ejit drivers than the other way round..!!
If you want stories of appalling driving I can tell them.
did you read the item below? at least the people of Sausolito did something about the behavior off cyclist not just accept this anti social behaviorIf you want stories of appalling driving I can tell them.
Smaegol said:
Lads wind your necks in. As a cyclist for 25yrs and a PH I can see both sides but I've been nearly killed more times by ejit drivers than the other way round..!!
If you want stories of appalling driving I can tell them.
And you can be confident that, over 25 years, a lot of idiot drivers have had points, fines and bans!If you want stories of appalling driving I can tell them.
Very disappointing attitude by some towards cyclists. As a petrolhead & cyclist for over 20 years I have seen it from both sides of the fence. How many drivers have been killed or mamed for life by a bike? Too many cyclists lives have been wrecked by inconsiderate/ignorate/aggressive attitude as demonstrated by some posters!!!
I love my drives on the quiet country roads like you all. I have also been lucky to have come away from the previously mentioned time period unscathed from 1000's of hours on the bike. Many close shaves I may add!!!
Seriously guys, does it really delay you that much to wait a few mins to pass a group of bikkies???
There are plenty of the cycling fraternity who are big into fast cars & bikes so I would caution voicing your pathetic attitude.
I love my drives on the quiet country roads like you all. I have also been lucky to have come away from the previously mentioned time period unscathed from 1000's of hours on the bike. Many close shaves I may add!!!
Seriously guys, does it really delay you that much to wait a few mins to pass a group of bikkies???
There are plenty of the cycling fraternity who are big into fast cars & bikes so I would caution voicing your pathetic attitude.
73driver said:
Very disappointing attitude by some towards cyclists. As a petrolhead & cyclist for over 20 years I have seen it from both sides of the fence. How many drivers have been killed or mamed for life by a bike? Too many cyclists lives have been wrecked by inconsiderate/ignorate/aggressive attitude as demonstrated by some posters!!!
I love my drives on the quiet country roads like you all. I have also been lucky to have come away from the previously mentioned time period unscathed from 1000's of hours on the bike. Many close shaves I may add!!!
Seriously guys, does it really delay you that much to wait a few mins to pass a group of bikkies???
There are plenty of the cycling fraternity who are big into fast cars & bikes so I would caution voicing your pathetic attitude.
My point is that there should be a level playing field, if cyclist ride in packs and decide they want to cycle more than two abreast or not obeying other road rules then there should be a fine/punishment. it seems there is a F*** you atitude I'm on a bike. I often ride a round County Down on my bike but always try and keep out he way of cars, vans etc and show concideration to other road usersI love my drives on the quiet country roads like you all. I have also been lucky to have come away from the previously mentioned time period unscathed from 1000's of hours on the bike. Many close shaves I may add!!!
Seriously guys, does it really delay you that much to wait a few mins to pass a group of bikkies???
There are plenty of the cycling fraternity who are big into fast cars & bikes so I would caution voicing your pathetic attitude.
There are tossers both in cars and on the saddle no doubt. However, on how many occasions has somebody cut you up or annoyed you for driving too slowly/too fast or break a red light?... The frequency of this dilutes the situation. I can count on no fingers the number of times a cyclist has caused me great trauma and stress.
adam85 said:
There are tossers both in cars and on the saddle no doubt. However, on how many occasions has somebody cut you up or annoyed you for driving too slowly/too fast or break a red light?... The frequency of this dilutes the situation. I can count on no fingers the number of times a cyclist has caused me great trauma and stress.
well good for you old chap, how is it for you on your road UtopiaEdited by Markh on Sunday 27th February 07:53
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