Shocking turn up for the books

[vickster]

My mum's a magistrate, has been for years. Need to have time to spare to volunteer as it's not paid

 

[HLaB]

Cycling down Meanwood road, Leeds (the works start at the right arrow and carry on just to around the bend) approaching some traffic works on the left hand side with a slight corner , as I was overtaking said works I shoulder checked and found a BMW trying to force itself past me, little did the driver know but I was staying in said lane to turn right a little further on but they insisted on trying to overtake whilst with oncoming traffic. Said daft tart then realised I wasnt moving and undertook me with some pleasantries exchanged I pootled on my merry way, it then occurred to me, this was the same car and driver who did the exact same maneuver six months ago with the exact same verbal discussion!!

Serious changes need to happen in terms of law, education and awareness if this country is not to be left in the dark ages, will it happen? Never, more cyclists filling up the big velodrome in the sky

And the same goldfish brain probably forgot 10secs later

 

[Leodis]

And the same goldfish brain probably forgot 10secs later

Yep, this morning I stuck my arm out for 50 meters just to make sure.

 

[Chris-H]

Yep, this morning I stuck my arm out for 50 meters just to make sure.

Lucky You wasn't in Bradford.......you would've had your watch nicked

 

[Leodis]

Lucky You wasn't in Bradford.......you would've had your watch nicked

This is true, I also would have had a takeaway bag with a kebab attached.

 

[shouldbeinbed]

I find a lot of potential 'squeezers' respond quite well to me showing my palm as if to say 'keep back a bit'... bit of a wave or thumbs up after the event usually results in a wave back and all seems good in the jungle.

This. I find people are often unaware of the potential harm rather than deliberately selfish or thoughtless to our safety - a bit of assertive (not aggressive) taking control of the situation, good clear hand signals, a dab of eye contact letting them know you're well aware they're there and a friendly wave etc as a follow up as you do let them by works wonders with the vast majority.

 

[Ganymede]

My mum's a magistrate, has been for years. Need to have time to spare to volunteer as it's not paid

So true. That's why most beaks are over 50, or indeed over 60. They are desperate for younger people to apply (you can apply at 18) so you have a high chance of success if either a) you have a sympathetic employer or b) you work part-time or flexibly. It is 13 days a year.

Before anyone screams at the idea of being judged by an 18-year-old, beaks sit in panels of 3!

 

[Chris-H]

This is true, I also would have had a takeaway bag with a kebab attached.

 

[vickster]

So true. That's why most beaks are over 50, or indeed over 60. They are desperate for younger people to apply (you can apply at 18) so you have a high chance of success if either a) you have a sympathetic employer or b) you work part-time or flexibly. It is 13 days a year.

Before anyone screams at the idea of being judged by an 18-year-old, beaks sit in panels of 3!

I think she started doing it in her 40s

I can't see any 18 year old or even someone in their 20s having enough experience to do the job effectively. Yes there is a bench of 3 but all equally adept

My mum does more than 13 days a year, I'd say a couple a month at least. Does traffic but also sits on family panel where the cases often last a week or more

 

[Ganymede]

I think she started doing it in her 40s

I can't see any 18 year old or even someone in their 20s having enough experience to do the job effectively. Yes there is a bench of 3 but all equally adept

My mum does more than 13 days a year, I'd say a couple a month at least. Does traffic but also sits on family panel where the cases often last a week or more

Good for her - especially taking on the family court, which takes experience. Some of the magistrates I know also do more than they are supposed to - partly because they have the time and partly because we need more Magistrates! But you are only obliged to do 13 days.

I don't think an 18-year-old would be inadequate - they would be very carefully selected after all. And a lot of the people coming up in court are young too, so they can add insight. People that age often have a very strongly developed sense of justice and I would have thought the experience of being a Magistrate would make them grow up and into the role very quickly.

 

[sabian92]

The first sentence, is I am afraid to say only too true. Most instructors only teach what is needed to pass the test, in my opinion. Fiscal pressure from mum/dad & pupil is the main constraint. Also, a general lack of will for improving road safety from Department for Transport. The minister, is only concerned about pass rates, not a drivers ability to safely interact with other road users.

Pretty much hit it out of the park with that. Sad really.

 

[Matthew_T]

I know it's a radical concept... but maybe a module on 'sharing the road with other road users (not just motor vehicles)' should be a compulsory aspect of driving lessons and the test.

We were discussing this at a CTC - Road Justice media training course yesterday in Sheffield.

One of the concerns we have (in relation to the relationships between cyclists and other traffic) was that mandatory cycle training should be compulsory in the driving test. There is minimal questions in the theory and virtually no training when out on the road (until you come across a cyclist).

We were also promoting using the term 'vulnerable road users' as it takes into account elderly people, children, and pedestrians. So people when people hear the term 'vulnerable road user', it doesnt just mean cyclists.

The main things we were discussing were changes in the legal system though.

 

[Nortones2]

We were discussing this at a CTC - Road Justice media training course yesterday in Sheffield.

One of the concerns we have (in relation to the relationships between cyclists and other traffic) was that mandatory cycle training should be compulsory in the driving test. There is minimal questions in the theory and virtually no training when out on the road (until you come across a cyclist).

We were also promoting using the term 'vulnerable road users' as it takes into account elderly people, children, and pedestrians. So people when people hear the term 'vulnerable road user', it doesnt just mean cyclists.

The main things we were discussing were changes in the legal system though.

Not sure the legal system is the priority. Until the Home Office take road accidents seriously enough to set the police some targets (for all their faults) road accidents will be dealt with on a grace and favour basis. At present the police are not accountable, thus in the main, not bothered. Except for PR purposes.