Suddenly cyclists, the most endangered species of road users in Britain, find
themselves cast as the callous thugs of the highway. That's the evident
reaction to the case of Jason Howard, fined £2,200 on Tuesday for dangerous
cycling after he knocked over 17-year-old Rhiannon Bennett, who died of her
injuries. Howard's behaviour was certainly deplorable. He shouted “move,
because I'm not stopping” at youngsters standing by the road. He didn't
swerve or slow down. So he ploughed into his victim at an estimated 17mph -
a tortoise-like speed by motorised standards, but enough to knock her to the
ground, where she struck her head on the pavement.
However, it seems that Howard may not have been riding illegally on the
pavement. A police spokesman said after the trial that Rhiannon “was
probably a few inches, or a foot, into the road and then she moved towards
the pavement”. In other words, she may have been standing precisely where
“responsible” cyclists are encouraged to ride: close to the kerb, so that
cars can give them a wide berth as they overtake.
Pedantically trying to ascertain the exact details of this tragedy may seem
macabre, and certainly insensitive to Rhiannon's family. They have already
expressed their outrage that this “arrogant and vile” cyclist wasn't charged
with “manslaughter, or perhaps even murder”.
But, as all cyclists know, tiny details can mean life or death on our frenetic
roads. A pothole at the wrong moment, a smashed bottle, the door of a parked
car contemptuously flung open, a driver misjudging his left turn, a lorry
forgetting that his wing mirror protrudes at the height of a cyclist's head
- any of these spell disaster on a bike. And disasters happen every day.
Last year 136 cyclists were killed on Britain's roads, and 2,428 seriously
injured. The number of motorists and pedestrians killed by cyclists in the
same period? One.
That doesn't excuse aggressive behaviour. But it does explain why cyclists
feel proprietorial about that vital metre between the kerb and the passing
truck. And it also explains why cyclists so dislike being forced to share
space with cars travelling at twice their speed.
I cycle from my North London home to The Times - a round trip of 22 miles.
Only four miles of that, I estimate, is along a cycle-path. Bus lanes
(relatively safe for cyclists, despite the obvious presence of buses)
account for another four miles. But that still leaves 14 miles of
heart-thumpingly dangerous pedalling alongside motorists who often emerge
from gridlocked junctions full of pent-up frustration. Or so their driving
suggests. Creep next to the kerb and you are vulnerable to left-turning
vehicles. That was made tragically clear by the case of the woman cyclist
crushed to death against a pedestrian barrier by a lorry turning left at a
traffic light. Had she cycled “irresponsibly”, and edged ahead of the lorry
while the lights were red, she would still be alive.
Even more hazardous is any attempt to turn right: the cause of my two serious
biking accidents. Motorists regard a cyclist moving into the “fast” lane as
an affront to some unstated rule of the road - even when the cyclist is
clearly indicating a right turn. Verbal abuse, or an angry toot on the horn,
is virtually de rigueur.
And few motorists seem to understand, let alone sympathise with, the chief
reason why cyclists appear to swerve erratically: the potentially
life-threatening ruts and potholes on many roads. Why should they
understand? In the cushioned safety pod that is the modern automobile, the
driver doesn't even feel the bumps.
In a country that gives such priority to motorists, is it desirable, even
possible, to cycle “responsibly”? If I added ten miles to my journey each
day, I could probably do the whole trip along quieter, meandering
backstreets. But I haven't got all day. So I commute along the quickest
route: the A-roads. Here, if I cycle “responsibly”, I will share the road
with thundering juggernauts and white-van maniacs. My metal ankle - the
result of a collision on the Brent Cross flyover - attests to the perils.
But if I switch to the pavement, which is pedestrian-free for a large
stretch of the journey, I am cycling “irresponsibly”, and liable to a £20
spot fine.
You see the dilemma. Yet I'm increasingly convinced that cyclists should
resist the temptation to break the law. Why? Simply (and cynically) because
I think the tide is turning in our favour. It's symbolic that one of the
main cycling lobby groups is called Critical Mass, because a critical mass
is exactly what cyclists are edging towards, in London at least. They
constitute a group that's now too large to be ignored.
Of course it will be years before Britain gives cyclists the protection and
priority they enjoy in, say, Amsterdam or Vienna. But more and more
politicians are arguing that we must move in this direction. And the
petrol-price rises of recent months will add to the momentum. Sooner or
later there will be a radical overhaul of the way we share our roads. It's
madness for cyclists to jeopardise what could be a huge victory in the near
future by blatantly flouting the Highway Code now.
When Ken Livingstone was Mayor of London he suggested that bicycles be
required to display number-plates. I was sceptical. Now (a little late for
Ken) I'm warming to the idea. If cyclists are going to argue successfully
for greater respect from fellow road users, they have to show common sense
and courtesy in turn. The prospect of being caught on camera might be just
the spur needed to keep the aggressive minority of Lycra loonies within the
law. Cyclists deserve a better deal. But in return, they also need to grow
up.
VIEW FROM THE CAB
They believe the rules of the road don't apply to them
I don't think there is a way to stop cyclists being so rude. It's in their
nature: they believe that the rules of the road do not apply to them.
Cyclists routinely ride the wrong way down one-way streets, and jumping lights
is so commonplace that no one even talks about it any more - almost every
cyclist does it almost every time. The problem may not be getting worse, but
it is certainly not getting better.
This leads to dangerous situations. The other day I was approaching Parliament
Square in Central London and I watched a cyclist come down from the Millbank
area and go across the top of the square against the traffic flow. He then
went into Parliament Street on the wrong side of the traffic lights. He had
driven across the square, across the lights, on the wrong side of the road -
purely for his own convenience. That's the kind of thing they do.
And then, sometimes, they are rude to you and very aggressive. Once, I passed
a bike on the North Circular, close to a traffic island. It's a very wide
road, but when I pulled up at the lights he drew alongside and started
mouthing off at me and spitting at my face. He claimed that I was too close
when I overtook.
He then sped off. Frankly, if I hadn't been sitting in traffic I would have
got out and killed him!
I think it would help if there was more police enforcement. Rarely do they
take notice of cyclists jumping traffic lights. Sometimes you have to brake
to avoid running them down.
I appreciate that it is difficult, though - it's not as if the cyclists have
registration or insurance. Perhaps adult cyclists should be required to
carry documentation.
RICHARD MASSET
The author works for the Licensed Taxi Drivers Association and is a former
London cab driver
VIEW FROM THE PAVEMENT
The selfishness of cyclists is absolutely galling
I am a pedestrian and use the pavement. I thought that was what it was for. If
you don't want to cycle on the road, don't cycle. That's the choice, surely.
Yet every morning the pavements are awash with so-called responsible cyclists,
kitted out in their reflective jackets and bombing along on two-wheeled
versions of 4x4s.
It's not a small proportion of cyclists giving the rest a bad name. In cities
and towns, a significant number of cyclists one encounters (at very close
quarters) are putting the safety of pedestrians in danger - and they don't
seem to care. It's their sense of entitlement and craven selfishness
(besides their excessive speed) that pedestrians find so galling.
They abuse you if you dare to cross the road when the green man is showing
(this symbol, and the red light, must have been reclassified to mean
“cyclists proceed, pedestrians take your chance”). It's the pedestrian who
gets the earful - “Watch where you are going!” - if you dare to use the
zebra crossing for what it is intended.
Somehow, in their scrambled helmeted heads, cyclists have reshaped the rules
of the road in their favour.
The solution? A friend shouts - or rather booms for maximum shaming - “Cycle
on the road!” at the pavement invaders. Or you could invest in the mask as
worn by the killer in the horror movie Scream. When you hear the hum of
bicycle tyres approaching from behind, put the mask on and turn around. That
should set the cyclist back on the road to righteousness.
TIM TEEMAN
Tips for safer cycling
Take care when passing pedestrians on pavement cycle tracks -
especially children or disabled people. Be prepared to stop if necessary
Cycling on standard pavements is illegal under all circumstances, with
no exemptions. Sanctions include a £30 fixed-penalty notice
Wearing light-coloured or fluorescent clothing helps other road users
to see you. Front and rear lights are a legal requirement at night
When manoeuvring, give clear hand signals to other road users to
indicate your intentions
Never cross the stop line when traffic lights are red. Some junctions
have advanced stop lines for bicycles, ahead of other traffic
Behave predictably. Sometimes actions that appear to leave you exposed
- such as moving into a central lane before turning right - are the safest,
as other road users then know your intentions
Cycle training can help both adults and children. For information about
government-subsidised courses go to www.bikeability.org.uk
At some junctions, such as roundabouts, you may feel safer moving onto
the verge or pavement. If you do so, you must walk your bicycle
TOM WHIPPLE
Source: The Highway Code, Action Wheels
Thousands are killed every year without comment, but a pedestrian is killed by a cyclist and there's a media feeding frenzy. It's a tragedy of course and the cyclists was probably to blame, but just consider numerous cyclists are killed by motorists and if they're unlucky, they might get fined.
Christopher, Walton-on-Thames, UK
The contrast between the A1 and Hampstead Heath shows that cyclists such as ourselves should be supported by a direct cycle route through the Heath. No stress.
Ben, Hendon, London, UK
I cycled home last Weds night. On an A road, straight, no traffic, daylight, a teenage girl danced off the pavement in my path, her back to me. I was going downhill with a back wind. Quite legal. Lucky for me her pal called out and she stopped. So no harm that time and no headlines for the press..
Liz, Newcastle, UK
I cycle 11miles to work in London. I don't run red lights, I don't ride on pavements, I estimate that it takes me at most 10% longer than those that do; obey the rules. I also ride down the middle of the inner lane on the Embankment at 30mph, yes that is fast. Drivers why am I abused?
Ben, London,
Alistatis,
If the clear difference between someone losing control (i.e. an accident occurring) and someone else deliberately riding into a group of pedestrians isn't clear enough to you then there's not much point in explaining it!
PP, UK,
+1 to Gail from London. It is also the bad that are pretty much a minority. If we just focus on the job in hand (using the roads) and chill out and slow down there isnt a problem. Life is too short.
Dan C, southampton,
Does anyone remember January 2006 when a group of cyclists were ploughed into by a car coming the other way? Basically the car lost control on a bend on an A road. I don't remember the driver going to prison. I don't remember the public out cry either at the lose of 4 lives.
Alastair, Northampton, uk
People need to accept the fact that there are 'good' cyclists and 'bad' cyclists, just as there are 'good' drivers and 'bad' drivers, just as there are 'responsible' pedestrians and 'irresponsible' ones (with & without children) People need to be more objective.
Gail, London, England
Nobody is saying that cyclists are perfect. But the cabbie is citing an incident where he is guilty of inconsiderate & possibly dangerous driving yet he is blaming the cyclist.! . Maybe if he tried riding a bike he might get a more rounded view of other peoples road use.
Stuart, Edinburgh,
Colin Monks, Romford:'thereby causing less congestion for you' Sadly not, as most cyclists decide the roads not for them and use the pavement, that causes me, as a pedestrian more congestion, and it's against the law
Ray Glendenning, Durham,
I was shouted out the way by a cyclist recently, as I was crossing a road during the green man. Whilst I understand he was riding through a red light to maintain his safety, the green man and pavements for predestrians' safety. Use them where necessary, but cyclists do not have right of way.
Ella, London,
Stan , Chorleywood asks: "Why stop at a red light if there is no on coming traffic or pedestrians".
Because it is against the law. Perhaps you'd like to re-write the Highway Code, you must be far better qualified than the previous authors. Cyclists... A law unto themselves.
Invicta, Chatham, England
Sam from Carlisle says that "drivers break rules too." But it's cyclists who are demanding to be taken seriously as bona fide vehicle operators, with all the rights and privileges that implies. It's revealing that all to often, the attendant responsibilities get short shrift.
Geoff Miller, Boulder Creek, CA, USA
Just what is the matter in London? We have police who stand and watch cyclists going through red lights, riding on pavements and they do nothing. Every other aspect of our daily lives is regulated and policed and yet we have total and utter cycle anarchy on the roads.
Russell Harris, London, UK
Quite frankly we ALL need to grow up in the uk and stop trying to blame everyone else for whatever happens on the roads. Life is TOO short, and whats the rush? I've been a cyclist all my life and NEVER cycle on pavements. We all get angry - just we need to learn to destress more effectively
dan C, southampton, uk
Bikes riden by people over 16 need number plates.
Why does no one address this issue?
Xavier Bacon, Oxford,
I'm a cyclist, and it drives me nuts when other cyclists go through red lights at which I'm stopped. The only thing more annoying than that is self-proclaimed perfect drivers using that kind of cyclist as an excuse to treat *all* cyclists like criminals.
Harry, London,
Without justifying all bad behaviour, cyclists may seem aggressive to motorists because a "close thing" from the comfort from a car is a non-event, but is a close brush with death for the cyclist.
Chris Williams, Geneva,
If police take equal action against drivers and cyclists for their misdemeanours on the road, there'll be a lot more of us cyclists left out there!
Sid, Glasgow,
Cyclists need number plates and insurance. Rights come with Responsibilities! And keep of the pavements you oafs!
Lucas Tatek, Herts., uk
I have informed the Press Complaints Commission of Richard Masset's threat to kill cyclists. Should I inform the police also?
McGlashan, Aberdeen, uk
Lycra on men is in the same league as Speedos. Please consider the rest of us when chosing what to wear! (Women exempt from this rule)
Lucas Tatek, Herts., uk
I can't agree with Tom Whipple's rule about never crossing the stop line. Many junctions don't have advance stop lines, and I'd rather be alive to argue the point of law than dead when a truck turns left.
Andrew, london, uk
Until recently in Manchester, there was a green cycle lane that you couldn't get to unless you cycled partly down a one-way street, on the pavement or (to be completely legal) got off and pushed your bike to it. There are good and bad cyclists and not much training for kids nowadays?
Robert, Manchester, UK
Why don't cyclists pay road tax? Is it because they ride on the pavement?
Craig , Liverpool, UK
The problem is that most cyclists in UK are young men in lycra on racing bicycles. In places like Amsterdam or Copenhagen everyone cycles, in normal clothes, on a normal bicycle where you can sit up and look around rather than pedaling grimly while hunched over the handlebars.
Miss Fudge, Sussex,
Regretfully there is a minority who flout the law and are abusive to say the least. Even when as a motorist I am following the rule of the road and keeping enough distance away when overtaking.
Its never enough for them.
Its also never the ordinary cyclists but the young males on expensive bikes.
Richard, London,
Ever the cyclist and for a while a jedi minded courier too, who never knocked anybody down, suffering relatively few scrapes, I believe myself to be quite proficient. All road usage requires intelligent anticipation, fitness and assertiveness but above all consideration for others.
Damian , London, UK
I've had drivers call out to me with a "get out of the road"; or overtake dangerously and then stop; or just drive straight at me and force me to swerve sharply to avoid being hit head on. I've also had pedestrians step, run and jump off the footpath in front of me with total lack of sense.Crazy!
Charles, Midleton, Ireland
I obey the rules as a responsible rider but I tend to cross the stop line at lights in order to be visible to the cars,buses,trucks behind me - Don't like that? Tough I'd rather not be crushed by a lorry.
bob taylor, london, uk
I bike and drive in Canada. It is difficult for both. I agree with the article though and find it safer for me to ride on the roads instead of the pavement with those unpredictable pedestrians and pets! Act like a car when cycling and be mindful of cyclists when driving.
Sean, Toronto, Canada
There is simply no excuse for cycling on the footpath, or in the manner of Jason Howard.
It is strange though the amount of abuse I get for simply cycling in the road, and obeying the highway code. I have even had pedestrians shout at me for not using the footpath.
Martin, Bristol, England
‘the potentially life-threatening ruts and potholes on many roads.’
And the cyclists contribution to the upkeep of these roads is?'
Council Tax and Income Tax, the same as everybody's...
'Road Tax' doesn't exist. It's called Vehicle Excise Duty, which is mistakenly referred to as 'road tax'
ian Sansom, London, England
The thing that irritates me most about the article is the universal branding of all cyclists as selfish and rude. As with motorists and pedestrians, there is a spectrum of beahaviours, extending from rude and selfish to respectful and polite.
Steve Walker, Chobham, UK
Crossing High Street Kensington on a pedestrian crossing when the lights were green in my favour I have in the past 4 weeks twice narrowly escaped being crashed into by a cyclist shooting the lights at high speed. It was only because another pedestrian shouted out that I avoided one of the crashes.
Ann Hunt, London, England
It is simply a problem of unmatched momentums where the slower / lighter psycholists can't match heavy / faster traffic. Thus they always lose.
Does that mean cyclists need special considerations? No. They simply have to accept the consequences of their choosing to play an unfair game of physics.
Scott, Durham, NC, USA
Cyclists on pavements are a real danger to pedestrians. It is against the law to ride on the pavement but so many ignore it and ride,often at speed, on the pavement. As a disabled person I have been knocked down or pushed aside by cyclists more times than I can remember. KEEP OFF THE PAVEMENT!!
Chris, london, UK
Ray Glendenning, Durham: Many cyclists contribute financially to the upkeep of roads through the car tax they pay on the vehicle they leave at home (thereby causing less congestion for you, and wearing the roads out less).
Colin Monks, Romford, UK
Lets force all those selfish and rude cyclists to get back into their cars where they clearly belong. Then we can sit in the traffic jams those selfish buggers create (through accidents or 'sheer volume of traffic') and contemplate on who to scape goat next.
margot, london,
I've always assumed that rude, dangerous and yobbish cyclists are in all likelihood, rude, dangerous and yobbish drivers as well.
Jon Anderson, Farnham, UK
i've had a cyclist punch my window when i shrugged my shoulders at him when i had to stop suddenly to avoid hitting him when he was going the wrong way down a one way road. They don't all have lights when it's getting dark and they don't position themselves correctly at junctions. they're a menace
stuart, exeter,
As a cyclist I completely agree with the majority of this article. Though it's worth pointing out that in the past I have been cycling on the road (where I believe bicycles belong), and been verbally abused and spat at by some people in a car and order to 'get on the pavement!'
Richard, Nottingham,
When pedestrians step out into the road in front of cyclists they force the cyclist to swing wide into the traffic or cycle behind them. Drivers constantly take risks with cyclists lives, by coming too close, overtaking then turning left, not giving way. We need a proper infrastructure for cyclists.
margot, london,
It's not motorists fault that our road system is not built with bicycles in mind. The challenge is to find a fair solution for all. This means cycle lanes and more consideration from motorists on the one hand, but it equally means insurance and licenses for cyclists on the other.
Steve, Altrincham,
One arrogant, ignorant, selfish cyclist kills a pedestrian and it's front page news. So why do we put up with the carnage that is our roads - thousands of deaths, hundreds of pedestrians each year. I dare say a good proportion of those caused by arrogant, ignorant selfish drivers. ( I drive & cycle)
Ham, London,
I always assume the worst when cycling: every parked car is about to open a door in my path, pedestrians haven't looked before crossing the road (many only listen for engine noise) and many car drivers have not seen you or are not going to make allowances for you. Sad but safer for everyone.
Jonathan T, Wigston, UK
Cyclists are in danger on the roads, and a nuisance on the pavements. There is no place for them in our current infrastructure. It's so dangerous out there, what are we supposed to do? As in all endeavours, ride with respect, but safety always comes before law and uppity busy bodies for me.
Toby, London, UK
I cycle 12 miles every day and I have cyclist's insurance. I think 'responsible cyclists' are in the minority, and that the driver's and pedestrian's views are valid. I have been abused by other cyclists for stopping at lights, queuing, not squeezing through gaps and for lights that are 'too bright'
Nat, Cambridge,
pedestrians have pavements, cars ahve roads (and metal shields) cyclists have thin painted sections of road, that stop every few meters, can be parked in, often shared with busdrivers.....
no wonder most cyclists act as if they are crazy, in london you have to be crazy to cycle.
memeroot, netherlands,
‘the potentially life-threatening ruts and potholes on many roads.’
And the cyclists contribution to the upkeep of these roads is ?
Ray Glendenning, Durham,
There are many selfish, aggressive, stupid or inattentive people in the world. The fact is that they're fairly evenly distributed between cyclists, pedestrians and drivers.
Statistically, it's the drivers who are by far the most likely to put you in hospital though.
Simon, London,
As a pensioner and a pedestrian I frequently have to leap off the pavement so cyclists can zoom by unhindered. They should use only designated cycle paths or the road and they should be made to take out insurance to cover any injuries they cause.
Norman, Oakham, UK
There are two crashes-resulting-in-death articles in this paper today, and yet one bears a tone of indignation and the other sorrowful regret. One was caused by a cyclist and the other a driver. Assumptions are telling.
Sarah, London, UK
Get a grip on perspective. Sad as this incident may be, the cyclist got exactly the same punishment as a car driver would (a fine) for killing someone on the road but this will most likely be the only person killed by a cyclist this year. Motorised traffic kills over 3000 people a year.
Jon Wyatt, Leigh, UK
Ok cyclists, why should I have to put up with this....
I'm sitting in a queue of traffic at a red light, minding my own business when along side me rides a cyclist who stops beside me and puches my wing mirror so that it folds away and gives me a load of verbals. Hadn't even overtaken him. Why??
rick, manchester,
According to Jonh Smith Cambridge, it is pedestrians who fail to know the rules of the road - this is an interesting claim, as In Norwich cyclists of all ages persistently ride recklessly and illegally on the pavements only narrowly missing mowing down pedestrians. Where is my protection under law?
Sally, Norwich,
How refreshing to read an article that doesn't just hurl abuse at cyclists which seems to be a national outlet for anger at higher fuel prices. It would be far better if people took action by leaving their cars at home and using their bikes instead.
Also, drivers break rules too, quite a lot
Sam, Carlisle,
James Chester - it sounds like the driver of the bus was at fault here. If a cyclist was able to pass between the bus and the pavement then that means the driver hadn't pulled into the bus stop properly and should not have been letting passengers off there, i.e. stepping straight into the traffic.
Helen, London,
If cyclists should have their bikes confiscated for breaking rules, then drivers should also have their vehicles conficated for breaking the rules of the road. That way the roads would be much safer so everybody could cycle on them safely. Horray!
Sam, Carlisle,
The tax driver in the article lost all credibility when he said, "Frankly, if I hadn't been sitting in traffic I would have got out and killed him." Nice!
That sort of attitude is common among car drivers. They're the real problem - some cyclists are bad but many more car drivers are.
Simon, London,
I cycle through London every day and get frustrated by the selfishness of those drivers on their phones etc. However, we mustn't transfer our frustrations onto innocent, vulnerable people, but be courteous to the majority of people who treat us with respect (because most do). Life's better that way.
Rich (cyclist / driver / biker / pedestrian), London, UK
Why stop at a red light if there is no on coming traffic or pedestrians, particularly if all you are doing is turning left against the red light. It is much the same as a pedestrian crossing the road anywhere other than at the lights or on pedestrian crossing: you look and if clear you proceed.
stan , Chorleywood, UK
I'm surprised that the Police do not take advantage of the opportunity to stop and search pavement cyclists. it is perfectly obvious that a significant proportion of these delinquents would be found to be in posession of some combination of weapons, narcotics and stolen goods.
Robert leQuesne, Leicester, UK
I am a cylcist - and a pedestrian - and a car driver.
Black cabs are amongst the most dangerous of hazards to cylclists (after bendy busses), and it is simply not true almost "every cyclist breaks the law all the time".
In my experience, the main issue is cars need to be driven safely.
Peter, London,
I am a cylcist - and a pedestrian - and a car driver.
Black cabs are amongst the most dangerous of hazards to cylclists (after bendy busses), and it is simply not true almost "every cyclist breaks the law all the time".
In my experience, the main issue is cars need to be driven safely.
Peter, London,
I ride my bike of weekend along the New Brighton Front the prominard is 20 feet wide with 6 feet wide cycle lane yet still people walk their dogs in the cycle lane and walk in it them selfs. Walkers are just as bad and need to stick to their own parts of the side.
MR W Jones, Liverpool, England
I'm a cyclist and a motorcyclist in London. As a motorcyclist I live in fear of cyclists, they have as much road sense as 16 year old yoots carving around on uninsured scooters. Registration/insurance is a must, but I do feel the collective psyche is starting to turn against the urban terrorists.
Nick, London,
If a car driver did this he would go to prison for dangerous driving and manslaughter. Why is a cyclist different?
David, Belfast, Northern Ireland
This morning I actually saw a cyclist stopping at the red light of a pedestrian crossing!
Graeme, Melton Mowbray, Leics, England
I cycle to work every day. It absolutely infuriates me when a cyclist rides right past whilst i'm stopped at a red light. My sentiments at the time; if they get knocked off, tough!
However, to tarnish all cylists' is unjust, especially given the amount of motorists that regulalrly break the law.
Barrie, Manchester,
I've been shouted at for using pavements. Every single time it's been legal, on a shared use path. Pedestrians' ranting would hold a great deal more weight if they also knew the rules of the road they were defending...
John Smith, Cambridge, UK
I find the tendency to generalise about cyclists in many of the comments on this page extremely disheartening. Like most cyclists, motorists, and peds I traverse the city responsibly. This antagonism towards other road users is incredibly destructive and will only lead to more accidents.
mike, london, uk
To tar all cyclists as selfish and reckless would be equivalent to assuming that all pedestrians were feckless tourists who meandered unpredicably into the road at a moment's notice on the basis that they couldn't hear a car coming. Some people appear incapable of safe travel by any means.
Richard, London,
Apart from petrol prices and push-bikes the main grouse of motorists seems to be the denial of their right to break the speed limit. Meanwhile cyclists are expected to follow the Highway code to the letter. A wee bit hypocritical.
Colin MacDonald, aberdeen,
Good article, but one point: "where “responsible” cyclists are encouraged to ride: close to the kerb, so that cars can give them a wide berth as they overtake. ". Not true. Responsible cyclists should be at least .5 metres from the edge of the road, and where safe, the centre of the lane.
Matt, London, UK
The law does not apply to cyclists. The rules of the road do not apply to cyclists. The sooner this is rectified the better, for the pedestrian, the motorist and for them.
Lights on Bikes front and back to be compulsory would be a welcome start mayor Boris
Savvi, London,
I pay road tax for my car which I use at home because I prefer to cycle to work. My bike causes very little wear on the road so that's a lot of tax given away for nothing. I recently had some 4x4 driver jump a red light then blame me for having the cheek to use the cycle crossing!
Luke, London, UK
Yeah -whenever I read 'Lorry under 'Bike' or' Cyclist mows down 'Bus cue' I want to Ban them All.
brian spooner, gent, belgium
I walk to work on Regents Canal every day, and the cyclists are mad and act like they own it even though there are signs which say "Pedestrians have the right of way. Considerate cycling only." Either cyclists should actually be considerate, or they should be banned from the canal.
J, london, uk
Pedestrians being hit by cyclists is a common enough event round here (London W8). A friend of my was struck at speed by a cyclist whilst getting off a bus. The cyclist had raced between the bus and the pavement and with my friend catapulted to the floor, didnt even stop.
James Chester, London,
As a cyclist, a pedestrian and a car driver, its blatently obvious that as a cyclist you should be on the road. Cycling on a pavement is for small kids only. They should also stop at red lights. Red lights mean Stop. However, drivers should recognise that they are the ones in killing machines.
Tim, London,
I used to cycle from east to west london every day, and deliberately took a safe but slow route that went along canal towpaths and along the Thames.
The ONLY occasions when i have had to stop v. quickly are when a stupid person has stepped into the road without even looking.
It's not uncommon...
jason scrutton, London,
“And then they came for me” First they came for the smokers, and then they came for the drinkers!!!! I don’t cycle, so tax these scum until the pips squeak. THEY should have compulsory training before THEY can ride on the road, plus some sort of complicated licensing system with points etc. Followe
ccooke, Manchester,
I don't mind pavements being used by cyclists.
BUT
Pedestrians should have right of way on pavements. If the cyclist cannot swerve, then he/she should alight & push the bicycle. That's only fair. Pavements were made to make pedestrians safer, not for bikes/motorbikes feeling unsafe on roads.
Bertrand Lee, Singapore,
There are cycling paths where I live in North London. The cyclists don't use them (in favour of the pavements). Working in the City and in and around London generally, being mown down by a cyclists ignoring red lights and hurtling the wrong way down one way streets is a daily hazard!!!
Gemma, London,
Some should try cycling on our roads with the ever constant fear of having some twit cutting you up or coming so close they give your legs a shave. On cycle paths that are shared with pavements, pedestrians should walk on the pavement side NOT the cycle side (which happens time after time).
Dave, Thurrock, England
Just how hard would it have been for Mr Howard to cycle round Miss Bennett, instead of into her? The young lady was killed by his arrogance and a modest fine is a grossly inadequate punishment.
Martin, Newmarket, Suffolk
Cyclist should have to licence their bikes and should abide by the rules of the ROAD where they should ride their bikes. Cycling on pavements should be punished by confiscation of the bicycle. If all road users behaved like cyclists there would be anarchy.
Dr Ian Burgess, Bristol,
A cyclist ran into the back of me as I walked along a park pathway. He had the audacity to shout back and abuse me. If a car runs into the back of your car, is it you who is liable or the car behind not displaying enough due care and attention? Let's not forget that a bicycle is a vehicle....
Sophie, Sydney, Australia
Start the hating. I am a cyclist. I use empty pavements if roads narrow, especially going up hills slowly. I get headstarts at lights because that's the safest thing to do. But the key thing is I'm not from London so I'm not a jerk. Sometimes breaking the law is safer. It's all about context.
michael, manchester, england
The difficult relationship between road users in the UK will only be improved when the law recognises the need to protect the most vulnerable. Aviation regulations have long recognised the need to prioritise right of way based on the category of vehicle. The same logic should apply to the roads.
Alastair MacQuarrie, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
In my town are two parallel one-way streets. The busier, wider one, with more shops and pedestrians, has 'down' road traffic, the other 'up'. More and more cyclists cycle the wrong way up this one, as it's a little less steep, causing danger to pedestrians caught off-guard when not expecting them.
janey, Bath,
If cyclists learnt what a RED light actually meant, and pavements are for pedestrians! Then we'd all be a lot better off.
Chris Ray, Rayleigh, Essex
If all road users obey the laws of the road and show each other respect then we can all get along .You motorists will have to accept going a bit more slowly sometimes and until the oil runs out we will have to put up with the noise, danger and poisonous gasses caused by your selfishness.
Clive Stringer, Eggesford, England
Sod minor offences like jumping the lights or not stopping at a zebra crossing: ban blokes on bikes from wearing lycra - it's disgusting!
Valerie, London,
In Manitoba, Canada there is no education for adult cyclists.
A few don't realize they must ride within 18" of the right curb except when there is a serious obstacle. In some countries in Europe cyclists are entitled to a full lane, but their lanes are probably much narrower.
Tony S, Manitoba, Canada
In Canada, many seem to cycle for sensation of confrontation and victory:
* That motorists will back down rather than kill them.
* That pedestrians will back down rather than be killed by them.
Many feel the rules of the road really only apply only to motorists.
Tony S, Manitoba, Canada
Cyclists belong on the road, the speed diffrence between pedestrians and cyclists is to great to be safe, I have not met a keen fit cyclist yet who would disagree.
jim, stoke on trent,
Having cycled daily to work, pedestrianed & driven in central London for the last ten years, I feel I can attest that amongst these groups, none can claim the moral highground. I've always known that though a vehicle might hit me on my bike, an incident would likely be caused by a stray pedestrian
Tamara, London,
I hit a pedestrian once. Both us were waiting for the other to change course. I had a nasty tumble, and was not even wearing a helmet. Stupid.
Frank, Kingston, Jamaica
My cycling history in London was one of frequent altercations with fellow cyclists. They had a problem with me stopping at traffic lights.
Until cyclists have to carry insurance and a visible registration they will continue to be a problem. They regard themselves as urban terrorists. Police action
David, Worthing, England
Cyclists get a bad press, but usually we behave just how pedestrians and motorists would under similar circumstances, namely in mortal fear of life and limb. This cyclist's behaviour was indefensible however.
Matt, London,
As a law abiding cyclist i do understand other drivers and pedestrians grumbles. However, there are just as many drivers who act as if we dont exsist and drive in a manner that will (and has) put me and others in hospital. Pedestrians should learn to look left and right before crossing the road too!
Patrick, London,
Most pavements here are dual purpose - pedestrian and cyclist. It works very well. Dual use paths are marked as such with a centre line. The rules are keep left and watch out for pedestrians as they have right of way.
Mark, Perth, Australia