Reducing Close Passes - A Good Initiative

[Littgull]

I came across this thread on the Thorn Cycle Forum - http://thorncyclesforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=12854.0

Top marks to Bournemouth Council in trying to do something positive in terms of educating motorists of the safe passing distance.

Perhaps we could all lobby our local councils to ask for them to erect similar signs.

 

[ColinJ]

I suspect that many people wouldn't know what a metre looks like, despite the metric system having been taught in UK schools for well over 50 years! Maybe it would be better to say 'yards'?

I think the Highway Code should be changed so that a lot of the 'should (not)' rules (strong guidance) become 'must (not)' (the law!) so that it is easier to prosecute drivers who drive badly.

The signs are a good idea. Even if drivers ignore them (as many will), it would make it easier to prosecute them if/when something bad happens!

 

[Littgull]

I suspect that many people wouldn't know what a metre looks like, despite the metric system having been taught in UK schools for well over 50 years! Maybe it would be better to say 'yards'?

I think the Highway Code should be changed so that a lot of the 'should (not)' rules (strong guidance) become 'must (not)' (the law!) so that it is easier to prosecute drivers who drive badly.

The signs are a good idea. Even if drivers ignore them (as many will), it would make it easier to prosecute them if/when something bad happens!

I absolutely agree, @ColinJ.

The West Midlands Police had a recent initiative and campaign (within the last 18 months I believe) to apprehend motorists who passed cyclists too closely. To assist their campaign, Cycling UK (formerly CTC) provided them with mats showing the 1.5 metre minimum pass distance which the police used to educate errant motorists.

It's incredible how low profile this 'recommended' minimum passing distance has been publicised (rule 163 0f the Highway Code). Especially when you consider how vulnerable cyclists are.There are other countries that have the minimum passing distance clearly defined in law e.g. Ireland and Canada. I reckon if you sample questioned 100 motorists about the minimum distance most would respond that it is no more than 12 inches!

 

[classic33]

Irelands was a one man campaign, with the backing of ever more County Councils.

Worth a gander

View: https://mobile.twitter.com/Trafficwmp/status/978532947748970496?p=v

 

[PaulSB]

This has been happening across Lancashire for the last 12 months.

Though it didn’t make much difference to the lady driving a red Audi, baby strapped in to front child seat, driver on mobile who forced her way by 5 of us and 30 yards up the road parked on zig zag lines outside a primary school!!!!!

 

[hoopdriver]

Ever noticed how cars that have those idiotic “baby on board” signs in their windows are driven by the most reckless and ruthless motorists on the road?

 

[screenman]

Ever noticed how cars that have those idiotic “baby on board” signs in their windows are driven by the most reckless and ruthless motorists on the road?

No.

 

[biggs682]

Perhaps we could all lobby our local councils to ask for them to erect similar signs.

I can imagine asking cash strapped Northampton council for extra signs !

but great idea and very needed

 

[PaulSB]

Ever noticed how cars that have those idiotic “baby on board” signs in their windows are driven by the most reckless and ruthless motorists on the road?

I know what you mean but I think it’s simply because we notice more detail of the drivers and their vehicles who close pass or cut us up.

Those such as the lady mentioned above really make my blood boil. Do something as a road user which might threaten her child and there would be hell to pay. From her view though other road users? Who cares.

The school run in to and out of my village is unbelievable. You could shoot a full scale Road Safety video every day of the week!!!!!

 

[I like Skol]

It is all about driver education and social opinion, like drink driving. If people are not even aware of the risk or intimidation it causes, or if they just don't care because there is no penalty, then it won't change.

These initiatives are helping but it is far too little in the face of the problem. It needs high profile cases to break the habit. If the national media was suddenly full of several cases where drivers had lost their licences and even received prison sentences after driving badly and injuring cyclists then opinin would begin to change and the word would soon spread.

I saw this the other day and it really made me despair - http://road.cc/content/news/239146-...ver-wont-face-prosecution-because-cyclist-was

 

[GuyBoden]

What I can't understand is how can cars pass a bike on narrow single lanes at 1.5 metres, it's impossible?

 

[Katherine]

What I can't understand is how can cars pass a bike on narrow single lanes at 1.5 metres, it's impossible?

Exactly. So they shouldn't attempt to. Either the cyclist pulls in to a suitable place or the driver waits until there is room.

 

[BSOh]

Exactly. So they shouldn't attempt to. Either the cyclist pulls in to a suitable place or the driver waits until there is room.

Yes. I came across a sunday ride a few months back, about 10 riders. Although not a narrow road, I was on a road with a particularly bendy section. I drove behind them for about 1.5 miles till I knew they were safe and I could pass.But I could sense the tension and animosity from the cars behind by the way they were driving. What's wrong with people?

I have never ridden on roads in my adult life because of traffic. But this summer I've decided to give it a go as I feel I'm missing out on experiencing some distance cycling. But other road users scare the life out of me.

 

[GuyBoden]

Another potential problem I see for this 1.5m rule is that many cyclists squeeze through gags smaller than 1.5 metres between slow moving vehicles in traffic, which would make a mockery of this 1.5m rule. So would this 1.5m rule apply to all vehicles including cyclists.

 

[classic33]

Another potential problem I see for this 1.5m rule is that many cyclists squeeze through gags smaller than 1.5 metres between slow moving vehicles in traffic, which would make a mockery of this 1.5m rule. So would this 1.5m rule apply to all vehicles including cyclists.

The idea behind the 1·5 distance is aimed at getting drivers to realise they should be giving cyclists the same room when overtaking, as they would any other vehicle.

If you're in a cycle lane(Painted white line) on the road, the chances are it won't allow 1·5 to be maintained.