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.

[squarebear]

I don't see any mention of him speeding. His "entourage" was a van from what I read.

[bednobs]

i doubt he was exceeding the speed limit. Bikes are just as entitled to be on the road as cars are

[craft1948]

Obviously the cyclists fault, should have been expecting the van to stupidly pull out in front of him................

[squarebear]

Why wouldn't he be allowed to ride a bike on the road?

[woofgang]

We don't know what happened and cannot comment from the Sun's reporting.

[craft1948]

I don't think you can ride a bike on the road in York, which is why most cyclists use the pavement..............

[squarebear]

No mention of York in the article either. Are we just making up our own story here?

[bednobs]

craft was being ironic - she lives in york (and presumably often nearly gets run over by pavement cyclists)

[squarebear]

Oh silly me. Sorry craft.

[Nibble]

Should have been able to stop within the visible area of road ahead, and anticipate the actions of others, according to http://assets.dft.gov.../nsct-level-three.pdf


In particular, see section 5 - Hazard Perception, which IMO neither of the people involved here adhered to.

[jackthehat]

What a peculiar stance to take over this news item.......

[McMouse]

No, cyclists should not use the road as a race track. It is against the law unless
Special permission has been granted. Time trials are legal for cars, motorbikes and bicycles but they are required to keep within speed limits.

[squarebear]

Did you read the article? There was no mention of him racing or speeding.

[youngmafbog]

Trigger
//Sorry, I wanted clarification that ymf's question is "why is he allowed to ride a bike on the road?"//

Can you read or are your eyes painted on? I suspect you are just trying to be clever but it has the opposite effect.

I am talking about racing on the road not cycling and that is very clear. At no point do I say you should not ride a bike on the road. I am a cyclist and cycle daily for your information.

[jackthehat]

If a single cyclist is on the road..........who is he 'racing'?

[squarebear]

But why do you assume he was racing? Do you also imagine Usain Bolt runs around everywhere he goes?

[youngmafbog]

So Squarebear Bradley higgins practices by riding at 15mph does he? Get real. And the question is general, not pointed at Bradley.

I have nearly been mown down many times by cyclist in London on and of the pavement at breakneck speeds, riding non freewheeling bikes with no brakes.