Should there be a highway code test for cycle riders?

[Dan B]

I still think the most effective method of increasing road safety for all would be to increase the numbers of police randomly dotted about.

I think the most effective and cost-efficient method of increasing road safety for all would be to introduce a presumption of liability for the bigger/heavier/faster vehicle in civil cases

 

[palinurus]

I think the most effective and cost-efficient method of increasing road safety for all would be to introduce a presumption of liability for the bigger/heavier/faster vehicle in civil cases

I think it would help, better if it were part of a range of measures aimed at changing driver attitudes in the UK.

Someone on here linked to this recently- it is surprising. Particularly if you've ever read the comments following a cycling accident in the local press in the UK.

 

[ROG.]

Maybe even the IAM could do an advanced cycling certificate.

The IAM have http://www.iam.org.u...ngtraining.html

 

[peelywally]

No, absolutely not.

We have a right to be on the roads just as pedestrians have a right to be on the roads and I wouldn't advocate anything which could be considered for ammunition by a motorist.

That said, I'm all for training but without any compulsion.

+1


any compulsory test which would no doubt put people off cycling .

 

[John the Monkey]

Because less people will bother cycling

Reckless and poorly behaved cyclists are rarely a threat to other people's lives in the way that reckless and poorly behaved drivers are, they are more a threat to themselves, hence it should be advisable to have training.

This is road safety in the sense of getting the plebs out of the way of the cars, Jezston.

This lot, the h*lm*t compulsion lot, the "use the cyclepath" lot, they don't want cyclists safe, they want them OUT OF THE WAY. As though their cars would magically find the queues ahead of them suddenly vanishing, and every traffic light on green. Once you understand that, I think proposals like this become easier to figure out.

 

[John the Monkey]

I think they should manage to put it in the school curriculum as even separately to Bikeability training. Not all kids cycle, and I think it would be worth knowing ... can't they fit it in with all the other things they do in PHSE? (Which I'm never exactly sure what it is).

My son's school do a brief period of training in year 6. I don't know whether this will survive the council cuts or not.

Training is good, but the people who need training are mostly in the metal boxes on the main roads, ime.

 

[ROG.]

Those that say cars are potentialy more of a danger to other road users than cycles are spot on
same as LGVs are potentialy more dangerous than cars

By ensuring that cycle riders know the rules of the road (HC) before they venture onto the roads would surely give them an insight into what other road users SHOULD be driving to and so therefore giving them a heads up on what to expect?

 

[oldroadman]

Strange, was chatting with some friends about this only a couple of days ago. Most are cyclists or ex-cyclists. One thing cropped up. The route to drive a four wheel vehicle should be c=via bike - demonstrate you can ride one (!!) and some kind of minr test not for cycling but to qualify for getting a provisional licence. Then small (125) motos, actually pass a proper test, then allowed to start learning to drive cars. The thinking is to get everyone, over time, to realise how surfaces, speed, etc., all affect vehicles of all types. Of course, it will never happen because it's "too expensive" or "not inclusive" e.g give everyone a licence to drive 1500kg of metal about after a simple test. Exceptions for disabled, of course.
It's a nice idea, though....

 

[Rod]

I don't think there should be a test as cycling for me epitomises freedom. I would however like to see schools have pool bikes for field trips or trips so that kids could get some basic riding advice and experience that would hopefully gear them up (groan) for a life devoted to being on two wheels.