Good luck with your radical approach, hope it ever does more good than harm.
How would you improve central London Cycling?
- Thread starter Mrklaw
- Start date
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Even if 100s, rather than a few, people disagreed, I would still prefer to see some reputable science to back the opposing view up. I'm hitting my time limit here, enjoy your almost inevitably forthcoming last comment on the matter
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
Over the last few years, I've spent a few weeks cycling in Amsterdam. The locals are expert at negotiating the incredibly crowded cycle lanes and seem to have powers of telepathy that prevent collisions. I found them to be far scarier than busy central London traffic.
I fully appreciate that some people want to be entirely segregated from motorised traffic. I hope they find an accommodation with other interested parties, but please don't automatically assume that because I ride a bike I am an activist for your particular jihad.
I fully appreciate that some people want to be entirely segregated from motorised traffic. I hope they find an accommodation with other interested parties, but please don't automatically assume that because I ride a bike I am an activist for your particular jihad.
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
From my experience riding through the burbs today I'd say the number one improvement would be if a lower percentage of drivers weren't utter <stop in deference to the swear filter> and looked where they were going.
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
If you indicate you will accept half a lane, you'll get a quarter or less. Better with no lane than a dangerously narrow one.
I don't think protected cycle lanes should be likened to either of those very loaded terms. It's unhelpful for discussing cycling and a bit disrespectful to those who suffer them.
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
mjr
Comfy armchair to one person & a plank to the next
- Location
- mostly Norfolk, sometimes Somerset
Hear that wooshing? That's the point being ducked!
slowmotion
Quite dreadful
- Location
- lost somewhere
Well I thought you like cycling challenges? Or was the risk ultimately too low to keep the adrenaline flowing (bent bike vs a trip to the morgue)?
How often do serious cycling injuries result from collisions on those busy Amsterdam cycle lanes? Some stats comparing that to London road cycling accident rates would be ideal.
OK, if it's a negotiating technique then perhaps, but ultimately my point is that half a car lane would be more than enough to comfortably handle reasonable one-way cycle traffic. Of course, in particularly busy areas further down the cycling adoption line we might need 2 lanes!
I would still start with the baby step of getting cars off parking in the existing cycle lanes.
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You are preaching to the choir. The problem is that you can't expect to transition to a bike nation in a big bang. It will take a gradual and nuanced approach. The rising cost of car ownership and things like fuel shortages might help to some extent, unless electrics and hydrogen cars start seriously catching on.
Ming the Merciless
There is no mercy
- Location
- Inside my skull
Even if 100s, rather than a few, people disagreed, I would still prefer to see some reputable science to back the opposing view up. I'm hitting my time limit here, enjoy your almost inevitably forthcoming last comment on the matter
There‘s plenty of science and the effects of using a phone is pretty shocking. It should have no place for someone driving. They are a danger to themselves and more importantly a danger to vulnerable road users. Not something you want in central London if you are serious about improving conditions.
Obviously, it's a waste of time with you, since I asked a few times already, but will try one more time: can you demonstrate an example of specific research regarding the effects of phone use while the vehicle is stationary?
Dogtrousers
Kilometre nibbler
There is ample research on the risks of using a phone while driving. I'll leave that as homework for you.
As to the question of whether the car is transitioning or about to transition from stationary to moving or not, the driver is in control throughout: it is all "driving". You may as well ask whether there is any specific research on the risks of mobile phone use while driving in Hertfordshire, or when driving on a Tuesday, or when driving while wearing yellow socks.
While you are in control of the car you are driving. It is your responsibility to devote your full attention to the task at hand. Some drivers like to think that they are special exceptions and that this doesn't apply to them. I'm a skilled driver they may say - a couple of pints won't affect me. Or, I was momentarily stationary at the time during the red phase of the lights or waiting at a junction or roundabout, they may say, a quick peek at my phone can't do any harm, surely. Or, I was cruising in clear conditions in light traffic on the motorway, surely I can look away for a bit.
Wrong.
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