Cyclists on A roads

[JOB-BLACK-RAT]

Now to fuel the argument even more - how about cyclists that cycle parallel to each other taking half the width of the road and refuse to move out. I am pretty sure this is illegal but they don't care.

Wonton and furious cycling offence may this as it is not just speed related but I'll have to have a read up and get back to you.

 

[Frankie]

Hasn't only one person ever been done for that? I don't think anyone has ever been done for speeding on a bike but you can for furious cycling.

 

[219]

I don't think there is any reason why someone couldn't be convicted of speeding on a bicycle - the speed limit applies to all road users - it is just that no one may have tried it so far .

Even though speeding may be done on a non motorised vehicle , it may still be possible for the holder of a driving license to have points added for such a conviction .

A test case would be needed to set precedent .

Similarly , where some cyclists seem to interpret 'never ride more than two abreast' as 'you may ride two abreast wherever and whenever you jolly well feel like it and never mind what hold ups you cause' , a charge of 'driving (cycling) without due consideration for other road users' could be tried . Again , a test case would be needed to set precedent - the difficulty would be that the charge would have to be levelled against a group rather than a single person .

Most road traffic offences , although intended for drivers of motor vehicles , could probably be applied to any road users .

Just because it has not been done to date does not mean it could not .

 

[steve333]

Hasn't only one person ever been done for that? I don't think anyone has ever been done for speeding on a bike but you can for furious cycling.

Did a google search & although cycling 2 abreast is not illegal,cycling with due care & attention/observing the highway code are legal requirements for cyclists(heard a report on the radio friday am that police forces accross the uk are cracking down hard on cyclists not obeying the highway code after a rise in road rage incidents/pedestrians being knocked over by cyclists).

 

[219]

Disregarding traffic lights has also been targeted in some areas . In Glasgow , we see quite a lot of police officers out on bicycles who , I understand , watch out for poor cyclists . Some cities ( Edinburgh is one ) have also had cops on small trail motorcycles for dealing with offenders on small motorcycles and pushbikes which could run rings round the normal motorcycle patrols in the city .

 

[steve333]

Disregarding traffic lights has also been targeted in some areas . In Glasgow , we see quite a lot of police officers out on bicycles who , I understand , watch out for poor cyclists . Some cities ( Edinburgh is one ) have also had cops on small trail motorcycles for dealing with offenders on small motorcycles and pushbikes which could run rings round the normal motorcycle patrols in the city .

About time too in my opinion,why shouldn't cyclists be prosecuted for braking the law as all other road users are?

 

[Dieselman]

About time too in my opinion,why shouldn't cyclists be prosecuted for braking the law as all other road users are?

They already are and always have been.

25 years ago my Brother got a £20 fine for riding through a pedestrianised section of road at 7:30 in the morning on his way to work.

A bit daft really as there was no-one else around but him and the two coppers sitting waiting in the car...in the pedestrian only area of course.

 

[Dieselman]

I don't think there is any reason why someone couldn't be convicted of speeding on a bicycle - the speed limit applies to all road users - it is just that no one may have tried it so far .

Because there is no legal reason to have a calibrated speedometer on a bike, so it's unenforceable.
Have you tried riding at over 30mph, it takes a lot of effort due to wind resistance.

Even though speeding may be done on a non motorised vehicle , it may still be possible for the holder of a driving license to have points added for such a conviction .

The licence doesn't apply to bikes, it is a Licence to allow the driver to drive a motorised car.

If the offence isn't committed under the terms of the licence then no penalty can be applied.

Sometimes I wonder if we understand the laws of driving at all...??

We are only allowed to drive under licence and abiding by the conditions attached, a cyclist doesn't need such a licence, just to follow road traffic law and observe the highway code.

Car drivers need to understand that cyclists, pedestrians and livestock have a legal right to use roads and have higher priority over any licenced user...they are only licenced, they have no legal right..they are being granted permission only...!!

 

[Frankie]

Cycling offences definitely don't give you points on your driving license. You either end up with slapped wrists,court or a fine. But what difference do points make anyway,there are countless people driving on the roads with over 12.

 

[219]

Just because it hasn't been done up to now is no reason not to start now .

Even if a change to the law is required - if that is what is needed - DO IT .

Points or a ban on your DL might just be the deterrent needed to stop some cyclists from blatantly disregarding the law and endangering themselves along with others .

Most cyclists are drivers as well - so if the possibility of bad conduct under pedal power might result in the removal of the privilege of using motorised power , then it might just make some think twice .

 

[dtr]

Most cyclists are drivers as well - so if the possibility of bad conduct under pedal power might result in the removal of the privilege of using motorised power , then it might just make some think twice .

Some are some aren't. You may find that a significant proportion of the offenders may be students, that still haven't got the licence. It is against the law to discriminate against one group of people (licence holders). The law must be non-discriminatory and equally apply to all cyclists in this case. On the spot fine may be a good tool, particularly against some students.

 

[Dieselman]

Just because it hasn't been done up to now is no reason not to start now .

Even if a change to the law is required - if that is what is needed - DO IT .

Points or a ban on your DL might just be the deterrent needed to stop some cyclists from blatantly disregarding the law and endangering themselves along with others .

Most cyclists are drivers as well - so if the possibility of bad conduct under pedal power might result in the removal of the privilege of using motorised power , then it might just make some think twice .

I'm having real trouble understanding your approach.

You don't need a licence to ride a bike, it is a legal right and can be done by anyone of any age.

Why should any transgression while riding a bike affect ones driving licence, if that was to happen where should we stop, horse riders, boat captains, pedestrians, dog walkers. Maybe pushing your shopping trolley round Tesco too fast would get you 3 points on your car licence.

NUTS..!!

Riding a bike is nothing to do with driving a car and it shouldn't be connected to that licence.
What if you don't have a car licence at all?

Thank goodness the lawmakers of this country have a bit more of a realistic view of how things should work, otherwise no-one would be allowed to use the road if they didn't drive a Mercedes...

 

[wemorgan]

Is it not just an element of frustration that motorists feel victimised by legislation so they then feel the need to strike out at other road users not under the thumb?

 

[oldcro]

Is it not just an element of frustration that motorists feel victimised by legislation so they then feel the need to strike out at other road users not under the thumb?

Or is it that some feel their need to get from A to B is so important that overtaking trucks, cyclists and those driving within the speed limit should be banned from their road.

 

[219]

Why should any transgression while riding a bike affect ones driving licence, if that was to happen where should we stop, horse riders, boat captains, pedestrians, dog walkers. Maybe pushing your shopping trolley round Tesco too fast would get you 3 points on your car licence....

Well , it should not matter what sort of vehicle you are using - if you break one of the road traffic laws , you should be penalised . This would apply to all ROAD USERS who break road traffic laws - so certainly pedestrians , horse riders , cyclists if they do something on the road which endangers themselves or others . Obviously trolley pushers or mariners are not using the roads so road laws would not apply .

Examples can certainly include cyclists who run red lights and cause crashes as a result ; cyclists who ride on the footpath and knock down pedestrians ; cyclists speeding ( unusual perhaps , but not so hard in a busy 20 mph road full of school children where they might be endangering said youngsters ) ; pedestrians who disregard traffic signals and 'jaywalk' into the paths of oncoming traffic ( whilst I agree with you that peds and cyclists generally have priority over motorised traffic , I would say that this does NOT apply where the peds/cyclists have been signalled to stop ) ; drunk in charge of a bicycle to the extent that you knock down a pedestrian or cause a car crash - or are cycling so erratically and found to be drunk to the extent that such an event is likely .

It does not matter if you don't actually have a driving license - young offenders are routinely awarded points , or even bans , on licenses before they even apply for them ! Convictions can be stored up against your name and take effect whenever you finally apply for your license , so no discrimination is taking place .

In similar debates regarding the conduct of cyclists vs that of motorists , it is generally accepted that the majority ( granted , not all ) roadgoing cyclists are also motorists .

Those who drive as well as cycle or walk have both passed a test and therefore are expected to know the rules of the road , and have at least some experience of what it is like to be a driver so should know the limitations of motor vehicles in terms of driver visibility/stopping ability etc , thus should know when they are putting themselves/others in danger . Those who have passed a test and obtained a license have signed a document agreeing to abide by the rules of the road and have demonstrated at least some understanding of same . For those who have not , the old adage 'ignorance of the law is no excuse' still applies .

I think it is perfectly fair and just that if a motorist commits an offence and a cyclist commits the same offence - both should merit the same punishment . Why on earth shouldn't it ?

We have previously debated the merits of cyclists being licensed , having to be insured , display an ID number ( registration plate ) and having to pass a test of competence to cycle on the roads ( Cycling Proficiency Test - how many here sat it at school ? ...... I did . )

If pedestrians could be licensed - I'd be all for that too - but I accept that one is impracticable - mobility scooters should be though .

 

[219]

Or is it that some feel their need to get from A to B is so important that overtaking trucks, cyclists and those driving within the speed limit should be banned from their road.

Ah , the B** driver syndrome

 

[eggzy43]

"Cyclists have legal priority over cars" ..................... eh?

 

[Stratman]

Pedestrians, livestock, riders on horseback and cyclists have an absolute right to use the public highways. Driving is a privelege granted by licence.

 

[corned]

Driving is a privelege granted by licence.

Absolutely! If this fact was a little more on driver's minds then the roads would be a much better place than they are.

I suspect most people these days regard driving as an absolute right, and not a privilege.

It's all about rights these days, isn't it?

 

[Martin Jennings]

The definition of "frustration", Why do councils install bus lanes in our citys to enable the smooth flow of public transport with the idea that people will leave the car at home or at a park and ride site to make traffic flow easier in the city centres and then go and allow a bl**dy bike to use it!!!!!!!!!! I get this every day in various cities, see a nice clear bus lane and put my coach in it to be stuck behind something that looks like a bag of walnuts squeezed into a condom sitting in front of me in the middle of the bus lane Consequently I sit at 5mph as The other traffic WILL NOT let me pull over a bit to get round the aforementioned "condom" and the reason for the bus lane is rendered useless!!! Mind you, the look on his face when he looks over his shoulder and sees a 49ft 3 axle Nat Exp coach is somewhat amusing.
RANT OVER!