Don't jump, occupy!

[CotterPin]

Thought someone might ask that - we didn't but my impression was that the number of cyclists RLJIng was less than the number of motorbikes in the ASL. But it is a dodgy junction - you have got to be suicidal to rlj at that point.

 

[fossyant]

Very few motorists actually know that it's illegal to stop in an ASL - most don't even know what they are for....

I use them when I can get to them...

 

[purplepolly]

Very few motorists actually know that it's illegal to stop in an ASL ..

Not exactly, the highway code says that if the motorst has crossed over the first stop line by the time the light turns to red, then they have to stop at the second line even if they're in the marked area for cyclists (rule 178). If the lights weren't been retimed to give more amber when the ASL was added, then the cars have less distance in which to stop making it more likely that they'll miss the first line.

 

[downfader]

Very few motorists actually know that it's illegal to stop in an ASL - most don't even know what they are for...

This is true, hence the petition I saw on the no10 website. ASLs are about being seen rather than being down the side of traffic, and also about getting a safe headstart. Some motorists do think its about slowing cars down.

 

[PBancroft]

any count on the number of cars in ASL?

I rarely see motorbikes in ASLs here, but often see cars sitting all the way in them.

I'm getting more and more convinced that this is because some people simply do not look at road markings. I see people stopped bang on top of "Keep Clear" markings, people who drive up turn left only lanes... then go straight on. People who don't give way, and, as you say, folk who stop in ASLs.

I think some folk simply don't see them.

 

[purplepolly]

There's pratically nothing taught to new drivers about cyclists, other than to identify them as hazards. In the DSA driving guide there's one page on cyclists, most bullet points and white space, out of a total of over 350 pages. What's really needed is to make learners study cyclecraft and the motorbike manual so they'll understand other road users better.

 

[downfader]

What can a learner learn though in respect of cyclists by studying Cyclecraft?

The two go hand in hand, although I have bever read either book I'm sure cycle craft says something along the lines of maintaining a good road position and being aware. The driving guide will probably mention soemthing along the line of that cyclists need to be given extra room and you should be careful around them because they are a vulnerable road user.

I really don't see how studying Cyclecraft will add to the information already gained by reading the drivers guide.

I think you're spot on there, lee.

Though I have in the past sent suggestions to the DSA on how they teach learners about cyclists. I would suggest other cyclists, whether you drive or not, contact them if you too have ideas. The more voices aired the better things can become.

Out of all the silly little things I see people do I have noticed normal commuters sit on pedestrian crossings, keep clear, etc, all the things Kaipaith has mentioned. Often they are so intent of getting through a set of lights that they'll block up roads, roundabouts and crossings.

 

[Tynan]

most drivers barely know the HC a day after their test

the idea of them having cyclecraft and the motorcycle equivalent in mind is a pipe dream

 

[goo_mason]

What can a learner learn though in respect of cyclists by studying Cyclecraft?

The two go hand in hand, although I have bever read either book I'm sure cycle craft says something along the lines of maintaining a good road position and being aware. The driving guide will probably mention soemthing along the line of that cyclists need to be given extra room and you should be careful around them because they are a vulnerable road user.

I really don't see how studying Cyclecraft will add to the information already gained by reading the drivers guide.

Totally agree there, Lee. If we're all honest, how many of us can remember most of what we had to learn in the Highway Code to pass our driving tests ? Even if they were to read Cyclecraft, that'd be forgotten as soon as the pass certificate is handed over !

Some kind of regular re-testing of drivers is probably the only way around this, but that's as likely to happen as you stopping at red lights....

 

[purplepolly]

I agrre it's impracticle, but then complaining that motorists don't understand cyclists needs isn't exactly practical either. The most practical solution is to hammer the theory into them at the learner driver stage, becuase they're certainly not going to all suddenly take to 2 wheels.

 

[BentMikey]

I have to agree with Lee as well. All that's needed for proper driver behaviour towards cyclists is already in the highway code. What's missing for learner drivers is the experience of being a cyclist and learning how to behave in order to encourage drivers to do the right thing, and to correct for those who make a mistake or treat cyclists with carelessness.

 

[ufkacbln]

[/IMG]

Here is a classic bad design. The ASL is at the junction that enters the "Gunwharf" complex car park. The traffic is a long queue that assumes everyone is going left and few signal.

This is compounded bythe fact that traffic from the rightto left ignore and block the yellow box.

So any cyclist at the ASL is going to be the victim of a left hook by an overtaking vehicle, as is anyone who is approaching on the cycle lane.

From experience, vehicles coming alongside at the ASL and then edging forward indicating left is common. Luckily it is also busy with pedesttrians so a loud and firm "DO NOT TURN" is very effective.

The sad fact is that such a poor design has been allowed!

 

[hackbike 6]

I can't get into ASLs increasingly, if it ain't motorbikes blocking the channels to it, it's cars and vans already there, strating from between to cars isn't that attractive

motorbikes are in the cyclelanes more every week, and plenty of them aren't too bothered about bikes

It does look that way doesn't it?

 

[Keith Oates]

I'm getting more and more convinced that this is because some people simply do not look at road markings. I see people stopped bang on top of "Keep Clear" markings, people who drive up turn left only lanes... then go straight on. People who don't give way, and, as you say, folk who stop in ASLs.

I think some folk simply don't see them.

Is it a case of not seeing them or not wanting to see them, I think in most cases it's the latter!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[hackbike 6]

Something like that is being introduced next year (I think) for HGV drivers. They will have to have 40 hours of driving assessed every five years.

And anybody wishing to do their HGV will have to do a CPC. (google if you want to know what it is)

What do car drivers get?