The road is a dangerous place.

[hobo]

I wouldnt want to put cyclists and cycling off but it seems the roads are getting more dangerous by the day.
Out on my 4 hour ride yesterday, 6 vehicles passed me dangerously close (inches) mainly vans and 7.5tonners. Overrall this is a low percentage of passing vehicle (probarbly 2-3%) but worrying none the less.
Recently there has been quite a few high profile deaths of cyclists either amateurs or touring cyclists.The forever on going debates and arguments between the wearing of helmets does nothing in to helping cyclists out on the road. The press jumps on the bandwagon about 'cyclist killed wasnt wearing a helmet' is another nail in the coffin for the next cyclist.
The public will see cyclists at fault and a increase in hatred against them.
What i feel is a need for a public campaign in to educating motorists to give cyclists room to halt the seeming lack of respect to cyclists by some motorists.
If we dont start doing something about this a more dangerous place awaits the cyclists.

 

[hobo]

ADMIN Could you move this to the campaigning thread please

 

[Maz]

hobo...which town are you riding in?

 

[hobo]

Stoke-on-Trent

 

[Maz]

Are you riding assertively? Not gutter-hugging? Read Cyclecraft? etc etc

 

[hackbike 666]

Here we go.

 

[hobo]

I have over 30 years experience of cycling, i have cycled in Australia, France and Spain where (Spain and France) they have alot of respect for cycling and cyclists.
I know someone a bit reckless will get knocked down infact i dont recommend cycling on our roads to strangers, saying its too dangerous.
The problem here is a negative view of cyclists from some road users and i think we need a national campaign like motorcycles get.
In the current situation of environmental issues you would think it would make sense to promote safe cycling.
This countrys been going down the wrong avenues with cycle lanes and taking cyclists off the main roads which need and would be better off with their presence on the road.

 

[RedBike]

Stoke-on-Trent

There you go!

I never seem to have any trouble out on a Sat/Sun morning around Cheshire but my weekday commute through Stoke often feels like i'm taking my life in my hands.

Everyone seems to have been pre-programmed into thinking they HAVE to pass the cyclist as soon as possible. So what if it's not sensible to do so.

 

[MacB]

Agreed that cycle lanes aren't the answer, anything that reinforces the mistaken belief that roads are only for cars is bad. But the main thing is how people behave behind the wheel of a car and how far from accepted behaviours that can be. No matter how hard done by you may feel, the step from irritation to blind rage, and using the vehicle as a weapon, seems far too commonplace.

 

[hackbike 666]

Cycle lanes aren't the problem.Motorists/Motorcyclists/Peds general attitudes are the problem.

 

[RedBike]

Agreed that cycle lanes aren't the answer, anything that reinforces the mistaken belief that roads are only for cars is bad

This week with the nice weather / clocks going back there's actually a few people commuting to work by bike. Yesterday as I drove to work (Sad I know) I counted 6 people riding. Out of this 6 not one of them was riding on the road.
They were all riding on the pavement. (As in footpath not shared use cycle paths)

Is this a sign of things to come. As the roads get busier will we all be forced to illegaly ride on footpaths / cycle lanes in order to remain safe?

 

[HJ]

Education, education, education (where have I heard that before), for all road users is the answer... we all have the right to use the roads, we all need to respect the right of others...

The cause of cycling is not helped by the bad behavior of a few, driving without "due care and attention" is a criminal offence and should be prosecuted more vigorously...

Here endeth the sermon for today.

 

[4F]

I cannot say that I have noticed a real difference in the last 15 years apart from inattentive driving due to using mobile phones.

 

[Maz]

I cannot say that I have noticed a real difference in the last 15 years apart from inattentive driving due to using mobile phones.

Do they have cars in Suffolk?

 

[4F]

Do they have cars in Suffolk?