E-Scooters: I've seen it all now

Posted on 19/12/2021 11:39 by vbfg

I agree that cyclists need to take responsibility for their actions, however, as an occasional cyclist, I can verify that there are SOME drivers who will deliberately make things difficult for cyclists as they refuse to make any room at traffic lights or junctions, even though they have overtaken the cyclist when approaching so are fully aware of their presence.  However, that being said, many roads in the UK are simply not safe for cyclists as they may be too narrow or the traffic, far too heavy.

Posted on 19/12/2021 10:00 by Cornersteady

I think saying who is to blame legally or otherwise is not really the point in my view. The sad fact is that pedestrians and  cyclists will usually come off worse and who is to blame is no consolation at all for either party.

• an average of 2 pedal cyclists died and 83 were seriously injured (adjusted) per week in reported road casualties
• a majority of pedal cycle fatalities (59%) do not occur at or within 20m of a junction compared to 32% of all seriously injured (adjusted) casualties
• almost half (46%) of pedal cycle fatalities in 2 vehicle accidents involved a car
• 56% of pedal cycle fatalities occurred on rural roads compared to 29% of traffic
• 83% of pedal cycle killed or seriously injured (KSI) casualties were male

I believe that there are just as 'many' poor drivers as there are 'poor' cyclists, it is not one or the other.

The most common contributory factor allocated to pedal cyclists in fatal or serious accidents (FSA) with another vehicle was ‘Driver or rider failed to look properly’. It was also the most common factor allocated to the other vehicles involved

In my view the new rules/laws in the code are there, or will be there, to ensure that there is greater separation and enhanced safety for all. If that means that drivers have to wait patiently to overtake and not cut cyclists off then I'm afraid that is what they will have to do. I certainly take a lot of care around cyclists knowing first hand who could happen by either party not paying enough attention. Following them, and as TDA says, knowing these rules hopefully will ensure those terrible statistics go down

Posted on 19/12/2021 11:41 by SeasideBill

I think most would accept that and it’s acknowledged in this thread. You have to question where the antipathy towards some cyclists comes from tho’?

Posted on 18/12/2021 21:24 by Tinwheeler

So it’s OK to hit a cyclist if you think he’s done something stupid, is it?

Posted on 19/12/2021 12:10 by dave the rave

YES!  they need to take responsibility for their own actions!!!

Posted on 19/12/2021 10:15 by SeasideBill

Content has been removed.

Posted on 19/12/2021 10:43 by Tinwheeler

Good factual post, Corners.

The whole point of the change in HC rules is surely to protect life and limb. How can anyone with a conscience oppose that?