Should cyclists use the road as a race track?

[youngmafbog]

Is it acceptable to be racing along (I'm guessing he was not poodling along like I do) the highway with your entourage? The highway is not a race track and if you race in a car or bike you would be prosecuted, so why is this allowed?

http://www.thesun.co....-in-car-accident.html

Clearly his wife seems to think it is very acceptable.

[emmie]

this was another, poor bloke

http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/0/cycling/20255862

[FredPuli43]

Where does it say he was speeding? Or going at any speed in particular? There is an offence which exists for furious cycling, I'm sure, under a Victorian act of Parliament, though it's not pleaded specifically for cycling; it's 'furious riding' The draftsman was not specifically concerned with cycles but it has been held to apply to riding cycles as well as horses.( A friend was prosecuted for speeding on a cycle in one of the Royal Parks, but that might have been under Regulations specific to the Parks)

[aelmpvw]

did he have a bell?

[maggiebee]

Listened to the lunchtime debate on Radio 2. He was not speeding, reckoned he would be going about 20mph top speed. Idiot pulled out in front of him. So, he was not racing, had every right to be on the road and had a van following. What exactly did he do wrong youngmafbog?

[Booldawg]

and another, british downhill champ Rachel Atheron;

http://www.pinkbike.c...ar-accident-2009.html

[emmie]

so that is the third cyclist, down here we have a list of cyclist fatalities as long as your arm, our borough has installed many mostly useless cycle lanes, some so dangerous you would be better going with the traffic.
I detest those who cycle on pavements, there is no need, it is illegal, and one of these days i will get my shopping bag in the way of the next prawn to ding their blasted bell at me whilst they are on the pavement.

[jno]

as it doesn't say he was racing, you're clearly making this up.

[lankeela]

I do not think cyclists should be able to use a road as a racetrack. The A11 where I live is often used for road racing, they ride along heads down oblivious to the traffic around them. Would they allow a football match on the carriageway I wonder? Whats the difference - use a cycle track for testing/racing/time trials. It has exactly the same effect and has got to be safer surely?

[dickythecook]

That garage is in a horrible position. Very close to the M6 junction. It has been there for years. If they applied for building permits now, they would be turned down flat. If you wish to exit the forecourt and turn right to go to Parbold, you have say 3 hail marys just for a break in the traffic. The sensible opytion is to turn left, go around the island over the junction and come back on yourself.