It is still unbearably hot. An army of cooling fans are whirring away around my house in the hope of bringing relief from the punishing heat. If things continue as they are much longer I shall have to think about getting my portable air-conditioning unit out.
The summery weather also changes people’s habits. Short sleeved shirts, sunglasses, hats, patio sets, deck chairs and other summer paraphernalia are starting to appear as the people react to the weather. Some people are also changing their transportation habits too. The other day I passed bicycle rack that was full with cycles as the summer weather entices some people to convert to greener forms of transport.
My attention was drawn to the news article on this site yesterday about road users being urged to look out for cyclists and motorcyclists. From my experience of motoring on the roads of Wycombe those who use two wheels seem to think they own the road cutting up other roads users and dicing with death with every mad manoeuvre they make. It’s no wonder there are so many accidents involving cyclists.
The worst accident I ever saw involving a motorcycle took place at a set of traffic lights on a cold winter’s day. While waiting at the lights the motorcyclist started revving his engine up to draw attention to himself. When the lights went green he shot off like a rocket but unfortunately he came a cropper on a patch of black ice. The bike slipped out from under him leaving man and machine lying unceremoniously in the middle of the road.
The number of times I have seen cyclists overtaking on the inside, going the wrong way down one-way streets and jumping traffic lights is unbelievable. Considering the lack of protection a bike offers it amazes me that bike riders take so many risks. In order to prevent accidents I think it’s time that cyclists were banned from the roads. What do you think?
I think that banning them is a little harsh but I would like to see some accountability - for example paying an amount of road tax and also making it law for cylcists to wear protective gear and proper lighting for their bikes. I also think they should have to take some sort of practical test before they are allowed out on the roads.
I think that banning them is a little harsh but I would like to see some accountability - for example paying an amount of road tax and also making it law for cylcists to wear protective gear and proper lighting for their bikes. I also think they should have to take some sort of practical test before they are allowed out on the roads.
Re the comments of smokey at 6:21pm
Yes, road tax for cyclists and compulsory training would be a good idea. Bicycles should also have number plates so we can report the dangerous cyclists.
From looking at the bicycles I saw in the bike rack I mentioned lots of them did not even have a bell on so their riders would have no way of warning others of their presence on the road.
Perhaps it would be safer if people were encouraged to ride tricycles as there is less likelihood of falling off a tricycle.
Re the comments of smokey at 6:21pm
Yes, road tax for cyclists and compulsory training would be a good idea. Bicycles should also have number plates so we can report the dangerous cyclists.
From looking at the bicycles I saw in the bike rack I mentioned lots of them did not even have a bell on so their riders would have no way of warning others of their presence on the road.
Perhaps it would be safer if people were encouraged to ride tricycles as there is less likelihood of falling off a tricycle.
Re the comments of Elmo at 9:43am
You are entitled to your opinion but in this case I feel you are wrong. Can you form a balanced opinion in several weeks?
Re the comments of Elmo at 9:43am
You are entitled to your opinion but in this case I feel you are wrong. Can you form a balanced opinion in several weeks?
[quote]In order to prevent accidents I think it’s time that cyclists were banned from the roads. What do you think?[/quote]
Ivor are you wanting motorbikers banned or push-bikers?
My husband pays road tax, has insurance and MOT on his motor-bike. He has passed his motor-bike test, completed a Police Motorbike course and always wears the correct protective attire even in this hot weather.
As with car drivers there are the odd few who give motorbikers a bad name but the majority will be more observant especially when it comes to cars pulling out of junctions - do they think they have priority over motor-bikes?
I certainly changed my opinion of motor-bikes once I started to ride pillion and witnessed some of the idiotic moves of car drivers!!
In order to prevent accidents I think it’s time that cyclists were banned from the roads. What do you think?
Ivor are you wanting motorbikers banned or push-bikers?
My husband pays road tax, has insurance and MOT on his motor-bike. He has passed his motor-bike test, completed a Police Motorbike course and always wears the correct protective attire even in this hot weather.
As with car drivers there are the odd few who give motorbikers a bad name but the majority will be more observant especially when it comes to cars pulling out of junctions - do they think they have priority over motor-bikes?
I certainly changed my opinion of motor-bikes once I started to ride pillion and witnessed some of the idiotic moves of car drivers!!
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 9:43am You are entitled to your opinion but in this case I feel you are wrong. Can you form a balanced opinion in several weeks?[/quote] You seem to make yours up on the spur of the moment?
Ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 9:43am You are entitled to your opinion but in this case I feel you are wrong. Can you form a balanced opinion in several weeks?
You seem to make yours up on the spur of the moment?
About the only things cyclists and motorcyclists have in common is the number of wheels they use and their vulnerability in the event of a collision with a car - regardless of whose fault it is.
I've already expressed my views from the perspective of a cyclist in another recent thread (the story about the woman knocked over by an idiot cycling on the pavement) and I've no experience whatsoever of riding motorcycles so I'm going to stay out of the argument about whether car drivers or (motor)cyclists are more at fault.
However I dont think taxing cyclists is a good idea .....
Firstly, where do you draw the line? Should my 10yo son pay road tax for his bike? My neighbours 6yo? They ride on the road under supervision. What about toddlers on their bikes with stabilisers riding on the pavement. I nearly got taken out by one while I was walking to work this morning. Should she have been made to take a proficiency test?
What about insurance? Many people are covered by 3rd party liability options on their household cover but how do you enforce it? Make people take out special cover?
Secondly, there is a consensus, or at least of lot of policies, that cycling is a good thing and should be encouraged. It reduces congestion, improves health and fitness, burns less carbon, is quieter, etc, etc. Taxing it and tying it up with complex legislation will only discourage it.
In the end, education is a far better eway of changing peoples behaviour than taxation and legislation. I would argue that this applies to all road users.
About the only things cyclists and motorcyclists have in common is the number of wheels they use and their vulnerability in the event of a collision with a car - regardless of whose fault it is.
I've already expressed my views from the perspective of a cyclist in another recent thread (the story about the woman knocked over by an idiot cycling on the pavement) and I've no experience whatsoever of riding motorcycles so I'm going to stay out of the argument about whether car drivers or (motor)cyclists are more at fault.
However I dont think taxing cyclists is a good idea .....
Firstly, where do you draw the line? Should my 10yo son pay road tax for his bike? My neighbours 6yo? They ride on the road under supervision. What about toddlers on their bikes with stabilisers riding on the pavement. I nearly got taken out by one while I was walking to work this morning. Should she have been made to take a proficiency test?
What about insurance? Many people are covered by 3rd party liability options on their household cover but how do you enforce it? Make people take out special cover?
Secondly, there is a consensus, or at least of lot of policies, that cycling is a good thing and should be encouraged. It reduces congestion, improves health and fitness, burns less carbon, is quieter, etc, etc. Taxing it and tying it up with complex legislation will only discourage it.
In the end, education is a far better eway of changing peoples behaviour than taxation and legislation. I would argue that this applies to all road users.
[quote][bold]tom[/bold] wrote:
About the only things cyclists and motorcyclists have in common is the number of wheels they use and their vulnerability in the event of a collision with a car - regardless of whose fault it is. I've already expressed my views from the perspective of a cyclist in another recent thread (the story about the woman knocked over by an idiot cycling on the pavement) and I've no experience whatsoever of riding motorcycles so I'm going to stay out of the argument about whether car drivers or (motor)cyclists are more at fault. However I dont think taxing cyclists is a good idea ..... Firstly, where do you draw the line? Should my 10yo son pay road tax for his bike? My neighbours 6yo? They ride on the road under supervision. What about toddlers on their bikes with stabilisers riding on the pavement. I nearly got taken out by one while I was walking to work this morning. Should she have been made to take a proficiency test? What about insurance? Many people are covered by 3rd party liability options on their household cover but how do you enforce it? Make people take out special cover? Secondly, there is a consensus, or at least of lot of policies, that cycling is a good thing and should be encouraged. It reduces congestion, improves health and fitness, burns less carbon, is quieter, etc, etc. Taxing it and tying it up with complex legislation will only discourage it. In the end, education is a far better eway of changing peoples behaviour than taxation and legislation. I would argue that this applies to all road users.[/quote] I suppose that because I have been in a bad accident with a motorcyclist, I am not the best person to comment. However you do make some really good points that I hadn't thought of.
Do they still do cycling profienccy test? Perhaps this would be the way forward, along with more education.
Soemthing does have to be done - more and more people are using bikes and quite frankly without an awful lot of accountability.
tom wrote:
About the only things cyclists and motorcyclists have in common is the number of wheels they use and their vulnerability in the event of a collision with a car - regardless of whose fault it is. I've already expressed my views from the perspective of a cyclist in another recent thread (the story about the woman knocked over by an idiot cycling on the pavement) and I've no experience whatsoever of riding motorcycles so I'm going to stay out of the argument about whether car drivers or (motor)cyclists are more at fault. However I dont think taxing cyclists is a good idea ..... Firstly, where do you draw the line? Should my 10yo son pay road tax for his bike? My neighbours 6yo? They ride on the road under supervision. What about toddlers on their bikes with stabilisers riding on the pavement. I nearly got taken out by one while I was walking to work this morning. Should she have been made to take a proficiency test? What about insurance? Many people are covered by 3rd party liability options on their household cover but how do you enforce it? Make people take out special cover? Secondly, there is a consensus, or at least of lot of policies, that cycling is a good thing and should be encouraged. It reduces congestion, improves health and fitness, burns less carbon, is quieter, etc, etc. Taxing it and tying it up with complex legislation will only discourage it. In the end, education is a far better eway of changing peoples behaviour than taxation and legislation. I would argue that this applies to all road users.
I suppose that because I have been in a bad accident with a motorcyclist, I am not the best person to comment. However you do make some really good points that I hadn't thought of.
Do they still do cycling profienccy test? Perhaps this would be the way forward, along with more education.
Soemthing does have to be done - more and more people are using bikes and quite frankly without an awful lot of accountability.
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 1:17pm But I do stick to my opinions even when others disagree....[/quote] and you think that this is a good thing how???
Ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 1:17pm But I do stick to my opinions even when others disagree....
Re the comments of Elmo at 2:38pm on Mon 12 May
But I do stick to my opinions. At least you don't find me chopping and changing my opinion just to please people....
Re the comments of Elmo at 2:38pm on Mon 12 May
But I do stick to my opinions. At least you don't find me chopping and changing my opinion just to please people....
Re the comments of smokey at 6:38pm on Mon 12 May
Even if they did cycling proficiency tests how would you make sure that people actually took them?
What about MOT's for bicycles? Anyone can ride any old bike no matter how badly maintained it is and there and no checks whatsoever.
Is there an offence of dangerous riding to complement the offence of dangerous driving?
Re the comments of smokey at 6:38pm on Mon 12 May
Even if they did cycling proficiency tests how would you make sure that people actually took them?
What about MOT's for bicycles? Anyone can ride any old bike no matter how badly maintained it is and there and no checks whatsoever.
Is there an offence of dangerous riding to complement the offence of dangerous driving?
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 2:38pm on Mon 12 May But I do stick to my opinions. At least you don't find me chopping and changing my opinion just to please people....[/quote] Nope you chopped and changed until you found a style that most antagonised people and stuck to that, and round we go full circle again.
Ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Elmo at 2:38pm on Mon 12 May But I do stick to my opinions. At least you don't find me chopping and changing my opinion just to please people....
Nope you chopped and changed until you found a style that most antagonised people and stuck to that, and round we go full circle again.
Posted by: Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May 08
I don't usually rise to Ivor's rant as I believe like others do that he is just a BFP wind up merchant & I agree with Elmo's comments. I am one of the hated cyclists who rides to work & also road races etc. I have to admit that there are a lot of poor riders whose judgement at times defies belief & I can understand why we get such a bad name. But it is not one way traffic & before everyone tries & executes the cyclist they should get a bike & have a go at riding around Wycombe. It would certainly open their eyes not only too the bad but also dangerous driving habits of some car drivers. I just wish that cetain cyclists would take heed of their actions as one day it will be too late & they may wake up in a hospital bed. I should know as I have been down that line & it is not a pleasant experience (Had nothing to do with other motorists!)
I don't usually rise to Ivor's rant as I believe like others do that he is just a BFP wind up merchant & I agree with Elmo's comments. I am one of the hated cyclists who rides to work & also road races etc. I have to admit that there are a lot of poor riders whose judgement at times defies belief & I can understand why we get such a bad name. But it is not one way traffic & before everyone tries & executes the cyclist they should get a bike & have a go at riding around Wycombe. It would certainly open their eyes not only too the bad but also dangerous driving habits of some car drivers. I just wish that cetain cyclists would take heed of their actions as one day it will be too late & they may wake up in a hospital bed. I should know as I have been down that line & it is not a pleasant experience (Had nothing to do with other motorists!)
I may be wrong but I don't think they do the same kind of "cycling proficiency test" I did many years ago - I had to show the certificate at school before I was allowed to cycle to school. It was run jointly by Rospa and the police if I remember correctly.
However there are many training schemes around. My kids have had them in y5 or 6 at promary school. There's no compulsion though
I may be wrong but I don't think they do the same kind of "cycling proficiency test" I did many years ago - I had to show the certificate at school before I was allowed to cycle to school. It was run jointly by Rospa and the police if I remember correctly.
However there are many training schemes around. My kids have had them in y5 or 6 at promary school. There's no compulsion though
Re the comments of Elmo at 8:30am on Tue 13 May
I'm afraid we will have to disagree. I rather thought that I had stuck to my guns and stayed with my opinions without wavering.
Re the comments of Elmo at 8:30am on Tue 13 May
I'm afraid we will have to disagree. I rather thought that I had stuck to my guns and stayed with my opinions without wavering.
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May
I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant.
What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars?
It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety.
We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May
I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant.
What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars?
It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety.
We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.
Re the comments of tom at 10:32am on Tue 13 May
Perhaps it's time that school children were taught to cycle safely as part of the national curriculum. The powers that be could set a target of educating all children in road safety as a way of reducing accidents.
Re the comments of tom at 10:32am on Tue 13 May
Perhaps it's time that school children were taught to cycle safely as part of the national curriculum. The powers that be could set a target of educating all children in road safety as a way of reducing accidents.
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant. What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars? It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety. We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.[/quote] The 'road racing' you refer too is racing on public roads & all events are properly organised & have to be sanctioned by the police. No need to worry as they do not occur in Wycombe although it has been muted as an idea to hold a race on closed roads in the town centre like those that are organised in other towns. But before you have a panic attack it will not happen as the organisation would be too complicated.
Ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant. What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars? It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety. We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.
The 'road racing' you refer too is racing on public roads & all events are properly organised & have to be sanctioned by the police. No need to worry as they do not occur in Wycombe although it has been muted as an idea to hold a race on closed roads in the town centre like those that are organised in other towns. But before you have a panic attack it will not happen as the organisation would be too complicated.
Re the comments of Joe English at 8:49am
I think it would be a good idea to have a cycle race on the streets of Wycombe and I support your idea. It’s the sort of thing that would create interest and draw in some crowds to our lovely town.
However it comes as no surprise that the organisation would be too complicated as it would require getting some roads closed and then you would have to deal with the powers the be and we all know how bureaucratic they can be....
Re the comments of Joe English at 8:49am
I think it would be a good idea to have a cycle race on the streets of Wycombe and I support your idea. It’s the sort of thing that would create interest and draw in some crowds to our lovely town.
However it comes as no surprise that the organisation would be too complicated as it would require getting some roads closed and then you would have to deal with the powers the be and we all know how bureaucratic they can be....
[quote][bold]Ivor[/bold] wrote:
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant. What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars? It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety. We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.[/quote] The 'road racing' you refer too is racing on public roads & all events are properly organised & have to be sanctioned by the police. No need to worry as they do not occur in Wycombe although it has been muted as an idea to hold a race on closed roads in the town centre like those that are organised in other towns. But before you have a panic attack it will not happen as the organisation would be too complicated.
Ivor wrote:
Re the comments of Joe English at 10:01am on Tue 13 May I can assure you that I am not a "wind up" merchant. What exactly do you mean by "road racing"? I do hope you don't do the racing on public roads that are full of cars? It's not just the cyclists that have to look out for the bad car drivers as other car drivers have to look out for them too. From my experiences some of the four wheeled drivers are just as bad as the two wheeled variety. We are supposed to have a police force to ensure everyone keeps to the rules but sadly only speeding and using a mobile phone seems to matter to them as they can generate a very nice income from the fines for these offences.
The 'road racing' you refer too is racing on public roads & all events are properly organised & have to be sanctioned by the police. No need to worry as they do not occur in Wycombe although it has been muted as an idea to hold a race on closed roads in the town centre like those that are organised in other towns. But before you have a panic attack it will not happen as the organisation would be too complicated.
surely banning cars from roads so that cyclists would be safer is the answer
the risk of an early death by cycling on the road are far lower that through obesity and heart disease from all the fatties driving to work every day who are also
a heavy burden on the NHS,
and emitting nasty toxins and gasses (far worse than in ivors lemonade),
and contributing to rapidly rising fuel prices which in turn freezes all our OAPs to death in the winter
surely banning cars from roads so that cyclists would be safer is the answer
the risk of an early death by cycling on the road are far lower that through obesity and heart disease from all the fatties driving to work every day who are also
a heavy burden on the NHS,
and emitting nasty toxins and gasses (far worse than in ivors lemonade),
and contributing to rapidly rising fuel prices which in turn freezes all our OAPs to death in the winter
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