Cycling Dan
Cycle Crazy
I thought this was deservant of its own thread.
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/art...ween-cyclist-and-cop-ignites-riders-v-drivers
Campaigners have called for tougher laws on "bike boxes" following a row that erupted between a cyclist and a policeman.
Cycle groups say the fact that even a police officer didn't know the law governing the use of the areas means that most road users are unlikely to recognise them.
The boxes are there to allow cyclists to ride safely away from traffic lights, giving them the chance to move off unimpeded by vehicles.
Whilst red lights are on drivers are not allowed into the boxes, which are marked off by white lines and have an image of a bike inside.
Newcastle cyclist Michael Smiles raised the issue when a policeman - with the blue lights of his panda car flashing - pulled him over for "undertaking" him at traffic lights.
Northumbria Police were later forced to apologise when the video shot from a camera mounted on Michael's helmet showed it was the officer and not him who had broken traffic rules.
Campaigner Peter Harrison, President of Gosforth Road Club, re-visited the spot on Newcastle's Grainger Street where the incident unfolded. Whilst there we witnessed numerous vehicles encroaching on the cycling box whilst lights were on red.
Mr Harrison said: "It is typical that someone doesn't know the law. They are in a tin box - by that I mean a car - and think they own the road space instead of sharing it. The fact he was in uniform makes it even worse.
"There should be cameras on these junctions and motorists who have transgressed should be penalised."
http://tyneandwear.sky.com/news/art...ween-cyclist-and-cop-ignites-riders-v-drivers
Campaigners have called for tougher laws on "bike boxes" following a row that erupted between a cyclist and a policeman.
Cycle groups say the fact that even a police officer didn't know the law governing the use of the areas means that most road users are unlikely to recognise them.
The boxes are there to allow cyclists to ride safely away from traffic lights, giving them the chance to move off unimpeded by vehicles.
Whilst red lights are on drivers are not allowed into the boxes, which are marked off by white lines and have an image of a bike inside.
Newcastle cyclist Michael Smiles raised the issue when a policeman - with the blue lights of his panda car flashing - pulled him over for "undertaking" him at traffic lights.
Northumbria Police were later forced to apologise when the video shot from a camera mounted on Michael's helmet showed it was the officer and not him who had broken traffic rules.
Campaigner Peter Harrison, President of Gosforth Road Club, re-visited the spot on Newcastle's Grainger Street where the incident unfolded. Whilst there we witnessed numerous vehicles encroaching on the cycling box whilst lights were on red.
Mr Harrison said: "It is typical that someone doesn't know the law. They are in a tin box - by that I mean a car - and think they own the road space instead of sharing it. The fact he was in uniform makes it even worse.
"There should be cameras on these junctions and motorists who have transgressed should be penalised."
