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Would These Changes Benefit Cyclists?
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I'd make them all compulsory/law. The only issue is the one about taking the middle of the road. That one is a bit misleading because cyclists are taught to 'take primary' anyway at certain times(pinchpoints etc).
Helmets is a no-brainer, hi-vis too. I'm always amazed at the amount of cyclists who wear dark clothing, with a dark helmet on a dark coloured bike!
Lights, I have one constant and one flashing at the rear(both on the seat stem) AND front(constant on the handlebars, flasher underneath on stem), as well as a flashing one on the rear of my helmet. As far as I can recall, a rear constant is required by law anyway, I add a flasher for extra safety, along with my helmet cam.
I basically look as bright and garish as possible and my bike is lit like a Christmas tree.
My ethos is: If I get knocked off by a motorist they're going to have to explain to the magistrate/judge how they missed seeing me!
Helmets is a no-brainer, hi-vis too. I'm always amazed at the amount of cyclists who wear dark clothing, with a dark helmet on a dark coloured bike!
Lights, I have one constant and one flashing at the rear(both on the seat stem) AND front(constant on the handlebars, flasher underneath on stem), as well as a flashing one on the rear of my helmet. As far as I can recall, a rear constant is required by law anyway, I add a flasher for extra safety, along with my helmet cam.
I basically look as bright and garish as possible and my bike is lit like a Christmas tree.
My ethos is: If I get knocked off by a motorist they're going to have to explain to the magistrate/judge how they missed seeing me!
1. Should helmets be compulsory?
No - helmets are useless in most cycling accidents. Nearly all Cycling Fatalities are caused by crush injuries, a vehicle going over the body of a cyclist not the head.
2. Should high-vis gear be used in daytime?
I am a bit ambiguous about this one. It depends on the conditions. If the weather is bright and sunny, other road users should be able to see a cyclist whatever they are wearing. Bikes should have sufficient reflectors, and reflective straps on the legs should be sufficient.
3. Banning headphones?
Definitely yes. The Highway Code says cyclists should be visualibly and audibly aware of their surroundings. Phones, iPiods or Radios should not be worn.
4. Should cyclists ride in the middle of the lane?
Definitely. The Highway Code says cars should give a cars width when over taking a cyclist, but most don't. By cycling in the middle of the lane (which cyclist are perfectly allowed to do) it makes it more difficult for cars to over take and carve up a cyclist. Obviously if near the kerb ( 18 inches ) has no hazard the cyclists should take this part of the road most of the time. Adopting the middle of the lane is the safest option at junctions and lights.
5. Flashing lights or steady lights?
Any lights. I do not see any distinction. No lights at night is a complete no no. Flashing lights get a cyclist more noticed, but a steady light is also sufficient. Not sure why any motorist would object to a cyclist using ANY lighting.
No - helmets are useless in most cycling accidents. Nearly all Cycling Fatalities are caused by crush injuries, a vehicle going over the body of a cyclist not the head.
2. Should high-vis gear be used in daytime?
I am a bit ambiguous about this one. It depends on the conditions. If the weather is bright and sunny, other road users should be able to see a cyclist whatever they are wearing. Bikes should have sufficient reflectors, and reflective straps on the legs should be sufficient.
3. Banning headphones?
Definitely yes. The Highway Code says cyclists should be visualibly and audibly aware of their surroundings. Phones, iPiods or Radios should not be worn.
4. Should cyclists ride in the middle of the lane?
Definitely. The Highway Code says cars should give a cars width when over taking a cyclist, but most don't. By cycling in the middle of the lane (which cyclist are perfectly allowed to do) it makes it more difficult for cars to over take and carve up a cyclist. Obviously if near the kerb ( 18 inches ) has no hazard the cyclists should take this part of the road most of the time. Adopting the middle of the lane is the safest option at junctions and lights.
5. Flashing lights or steady lights?
Any lights. I do not see any distinction. No lights at night is a complete no no. Flashing lights get a cyclist more noticed, but a steady light is also sufficient. Not sure why any motorist would object to a cyclist using ANY lighting.
A few years ago, I wrote and produced this leaflet for cyclists:
http://
http://
Should helmets be worn?
I'd wear one.
Should they be compulsory?
No. It's your brain and face. Protect them or not as you see fit.
I think the problem we have in this country is that there are too many cars on the roads, and not enough room to provide proper cycle lanes - ie ones more than a couple of foot wide that are more than twenty feet long.
I wouldn't ride a bike on British roads. Good luck to those that do, but I personally wouldn't do it.
I'd wear one.
Should they be compulsory?
No. It's your brain and face. Protect them or not as you see fit.
I think the problem we have in this country is that there are too many cars on the roads, and not enough room to provide proper cycle lanes - ie ones more than a couple of foot wide that are more than twenty feet long.
I wouldn't ride a bike on British roads. Good luck to those that do, but I personally wouldn't do it.
Some maybe, I dont think helmets should be made compulsory though.
What we need to do is enforce the laws we have already. Where I live we have hundreds of foreign students, the vast majority dont even use lights late at night, couple this with total disregard for red lights at junctions and pedestrian crossings (I see this pretty much daily) and there is a recepe for disaster.
If we cannot enforce the laws we already have, what is the point of more?
Gromit, interestingly my company has banned access to your leaflet !!
What we need to do is enforce the laws we have already. Where I live we have hundreds of foreign students, the vast majority dont even use lights late at night, couple this with total disregard for red lights at junctions and pedestrian crossings (I see this pretty much daily) and there is a recepe for disaster.
If we cannot enforce the laws we already have, what is the point of more?
Gromit, interestingly my company has banned access to your leaflet !!
Helmets / Helmet Cameras / Hi Viz Compulsory, Keeping in the N/S Lane unless turning Right, Compulsory, all lights Compulsory, been that bike lanes lane's are every where, a road tax /Insurance Compulsory, ( as said in Previous posts) I Am not anti Cyclist) the work / cost of cycle lanes & the cyclist pays no contribution is not right.
FYI - this is the best cycling jacket I've ever owned:
http://
It's stunning how bright it is in direct light - like headlights for example! People aren't used to them yet, so tend to slow down, react with great caution. It's excellent :)
http://
It's stunning how bright it is in direct light - like headlights for example! People aren't used to them yet, so tend to slow down, react with great caution. It's excellent :)
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