Two cyclists killed

[ComedyPilot]

I have just been shown the fatalities in the EU, and trust me, the UK seems to have a lesser problem with safety than a lot of our neighbours.

Except cars


historical

I know it is sort of reassuring to see a decline, but 2000+ on such a small island is too many

 

[Glow worm]

What is it with this country?

We lost a champion boxer, 2 other people on bikes, 2 horses and 1 rider in the space of a week, and the motoring community feel little or no remorse?

I truly believe there would be hell on in Holland if that happened.

How are we so out of kilter?

Britain's run by motons, for motons. That's why the punishment for murder on the roads is pitiful- while the judges have their shiny jags parked out the back. Tossers. Cyclings always been marginalised by Government as we all know- until we get better representation, things will not change in a hurry. And punishment for murder on the roads will always be a nonsense

Painfully sad news about all these deaths- R.I.P.

 

[psmiffy]

I am currently registered on a Dutch cycle forum. My jaw hit the floor when they told me an average of 140 cyclists are killed per year in the Netherlands!!!

I do not find it particularly suprising as there is 15 to 20 times as many cyclists doing approximately a cumlative 20billion k/yr - a much better safety rate than the UK - but I am pretty sure that the Dutch are not complacent about it and are putting considerable resources to cutting the accident rate further - a contrast with the feeble response we see in this country

 

[ComedyPilot]

we have over 13,000 members on here. If we all signed a Downing Street petition to demand more just punishment for killer drivers, and for better infrastructure, it would be a beginning. Or we can carry on lamenting the passing of more of our own before anything gets done? Has anyone set up a Downing Street petition before?

 

[ComedyPilot]

I do not find it particularly suprising as there is 15 to 20 times as many cyclists doing approximately a cumlative 20billion k/yr - a much better safety rate than the UK - but I am pretty sure that the Dutch are not complacent about it and are putting considerable resources to cutting the accident rate further - a contrast with the feeble response we see in this country

Per capita population, our figures are actually better than theirs. However, given so few people cycle here (compared to the Netherlands) it makes our casualties absolutely horrendous.

 

[Arch]

Slightlt off-topic, but many cyclists don't know what to do when they come up behind a horse and rider on the road.

PLEASE call out in good time and say something like, "OK to come past?" The horse will be reassured by the sound of a voice, which it's used to hearing. And there's nothing worse than a cyclist or cyclists suddenly sweeping past unannounced - this can really spook a horse!

I didn't realise, until a friend said this, that many cyclists think suddenly shouting out might spook the horse - it's the other way round, please don't keep quiet!

Indeed. And you want to try riding a recumbent! Something silent, fast and vaguely lion shaped (low and long). I always call out if coming from behind, and continue to talk (to the horse, generally) as I pass, and if I see a horse and rider oncoming I'll slow right down and if necessary stop and stand up - then they can see that I'm a person.

 

[Chromatic]

If the level of death on the railways, airlines, and shipping were the same as on the roads, those types of transport would be closed down. But, as this is now a car cultered country it is tollerated by govenments in the name of personal freedom.
[/quote]

Yes, I think you are right here. What society needs to do is instil a sense of responsiblity in drivers as an intrinsic part of this freedom. Most drivers do have such a sense of responsibilty when behind the wheel, it's the irresponsible minority that something needs to be done about.

 

[ComedyPilot]

[/quote]

Yes, I think you are right here. What society needs to do is instil a sense of responsiblity in drivers as an intrinsic part of this freedom. Most drivers do have such a sense of responsibilty when behind the wheel, it's the irresponsible minority that something needs to be done about.
[/quote]

Given that one of the people killed this weekend, the driver's first reaction was to not stop at the scene and do a runner, then I would like to see a maximum sentence imposed for the sheer callousness and human disregard shown.

 

[ComedyPilot]

People talk about CTC campaigns, well when are they going to say to the government, 'Enough is enough!'

 

[Chromatic]

Given that one of the people killed this weekend, the driver's first reaction was to not stop at the scene and do a runner, then I would like to see a maximum sentence imposed for the sheer callousness and human disregard shown.
[/quote]

Yes, that is the sort of something that needs to be done.

 

[psmiffy]

we have over 13,000 members on here. If we all signed a Downing Street petition to demand more just punishment for killer drivers, and for better infrastructure, it would be a beginning. Or we can carry on lamenting the passing of more of our own before anything gets done? Has anyone set up a Downing Street petition before?

An excellent idea -I think it is as simple as this-

"In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government published in May 2010, e-petitions that receive 100,000 signatures or more will be eligible for debate in Parliament.

 

[ComedyPilot]

An excellent idea -I think it is as simple as this-

"In line with the commitments in the Programme for Government published in May 2010, e-petitions that receive 100,000 signatures or more will be eligible for debate in Parliament.

That's brilliant.

I think a new thread (hopefully a sticky) will get the ball rolling?

 

[Arch]

Given that one of the people killed this weekend, the driver's first reaction was to not stop at the scene and do a runner, then I would like to see a maximum sentence imposed for the sheer callousness and human disregard shown.

Given that that lad recently got three years wasn't it, for chucking a fire extinguisher off a roof during the student protest/riot (not that I condone that, it was bloody stupid), the sentences drivers get for also being bloody stupid seem to be derisory.

I'm not utterly anti all drivers. Most of 'us' are drivers too. And I am sympathetic to the idea that we all make mistakes, have a moment of inattention and so on. In some cases, there but for the grace of god go I. But there's way too much impatience and aggression, and 'might is right', and that's what needs tackling with more bans, fines and jail.

For failing to stop, I'd impose castration, (select female alternative of choice).