An Appeal To Cyclists.

[derekpara]

With the onset of dark evenings I am appealing to cyclists to wear bright safety clothing and have bright rear and front lights - preferably the very good flashing/ strobe ones.

Now there are many more vehicles on the road the amount of light from headlights in busy areas seems to create pools of dark shadow where dark-clad, poorly lit cyclists can be difficult to spot. To add to the problem very few motorists keep the inside of the windscreen clean and this decreases visibilty. Think Bike.

Be safe everyone , especially at this festive time.

D

[Baldric]

Agree 100% Derek, but sadly most cyclists seem to think they're above the Law and also invincible.

[MallyJ]

Well said.....but please stay off pavements too.......

[Bazile]

Yes - and don't overtakee on the inside/ kerb side of traffic or between two lanes of traffic.

[tamborine]

Dipping headlights to oncoming traffic, especially on country roads, make it difficult to see cyclists. Hi-viz should be compulsory for cyclists.

[yogi-bear]

Nice thought and a good message,derek

But..... to add further to the good AB'ers above comments, can they please not constantly go through a RED signal at traffic lights and narrowly risk hitting a pedestrian simply crossing the road, when he/she has every right to do so.

Happy and safe festive season to everyone. :-)

[yogi-bear]

P.S

Red lights are for EVERYONE on the roads to stop and wait till the lights change to GREEN.....that is the signal to carry on, not risking anyone's life, and putting motorists, and pedestrians in danger.

[woofgang]

As a driver, I find the flashing lights on cycles much less easily visible than a good bright steady light. I agree heartily about Hi Viz clothing and would add that reflective bands add to the visibility. Can I add, dear cyclists, please no MP3 players or mobile phone headsets!

[murraymints]

and..can pedestrians also wear bright reflective clothing and refrain from leaping lemming style from the pavements without looking ????

[Bazile]

And don't forget a helmet .

If you can't afford one , then why risk serious head injury in a collision - leave the bike at home

[Togo]

Pedestrian crossings mean you give way as well bikeists, stop and put a foot on the floor.

[Gromit]

Good advice as most motorists are blind idiots.

[Gromit]

Helmets are useless in 99% of cycle fatalities, which are crush injuries.

[alavahalf]

While sat on a seat on the promenade at Bognor one day, I had to smile at a cyclist. He was riding on the pavement not holding his handlebars. In a basket on the front of the bike he had a dog. The cyclist was obviously on the phone as he was shouting at the top of his voice for all to hear .. handsfree I might add. The best bit were the pedestrians not knowing which way to jump to avoid him ... throughout all of this the cyclist never dropped a single one of the four balls he was juggling as he passed.... priceless !

[derekpara]

I'm really pleased that my post has generated so many responses. However, it was not my intention to invite people to have a go at cyclists. I am aware that some cyclists disobey road traffic laws and the Highway Code but so do some motorists. And then again, I realise that the criticism is also meant to be constructive and, if heeded, could prevent accident or injury.

So, thanks to you all.

D

[ToraToraTora]

fair enough and get off the kin pavement too!

[TWR]

Why do Cyclist get so much bad publicity?

[andy-hughes]

I fully appreciate that cyclists who don't drive cars have no idea how invisible they are to car drivers at night, or in fog - they can see, so they assume they can be seen.

I am sad to confirm that intelligence is no guarantee of safety awareness either.

Every year I attend the Cambridge Folk Festival, and driving back to my hotel in the dark, I am constantly observing the thousands of students who ride bikes, the vast majority unlit, and in dark clothing.

By definition, these are some of the brightest most educated young minds in the country - it's a shame that education does not stretch to simple personal safety.

[TWR]

I have my own views regards Cyclists, they are their worst own enemy regards safety, but I think it should be made a legal requirement that High Vis Jackets / Waist coats should be worn, but will it?

[paddywak]

Last Sunday morning we went to the local town for the Christmas Market. As we approached the town we were caught up a traffic tail back caused by a bunch of about 50 lycra clad idiots riding two abreast in the middle of the road,while ignoring a empty cycle lane and they wander why cyclists get such a bad press.

[Khandro]

I recommend 'Sam Brown' belts for night cyclists and joggers; easy on and off and goes into a pocket and highly visible from all directions - make a good Christmas present for someone?
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Time-Run-Reflective-Visbility-Cycling/dp/B003XEE7TK