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Move over motorists, we cyclists also have rights on our streets
Thursday, 6 August 2009
I write in response to the letter ‘Cyclists should have to pay road taxes (Writeback, August 3) by Tricia, Carryduff.
If we cyclists were to pay, would people like your correspondent treat all cyclists on the roads as equal, giving us the same room and respect that they expect from every other road user? Somehow, I don't think it would.
Perhaps she should notice it isn't ‘road tax’, and not all motor vehicles have to pay, it being vehicle excise duty. It’s also an emissions-based duty.
Furthermore, Government estimates put the number of vehicles on the roads without the owner having paid either vehicle excise duty or insurance at around one in five.
That’s 20% where the owners choose not to pay, and so are on the roads illegally. Why does she fail to mention them?
As for coming close to us, anyone who comes so close that the pedals on the bike actually make contact is too close.
Speed uphill is always going to be slow, because unlike those in a motor vehicle we are limited by what we can supply energy wise. Downhill and on the flat, you will find that many drivers fail to realise the speed a cyclist can travel at.
I was hit four years ago by a driver, who had been drinking, driving a car that wasn't his.
He gave false details to the police.
He'd no licence and the insurance on the vehicle didn't cover him to drive it.
As a result of this, pressure was applied at work to try and prevent me from cycling to work.
At that stage 1,000 miles a month to and from work was being done on two wheels.
S. Loftus
Name and address supplied
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Everyone surely needs to realise that the road is designed for more than cars??
I live in a county famed for its tolerance of cyclists (Lancashire), where kids are taught at school how to ride bikes on roads - shame it aint done with selfish arrogant car drivers! In my county (officially the cyclists county) people are encouraged to leave their cars at home to drive around the heavily congested cities of the UK.
In Manchester where my two brats ride on training days with the British Cycling Federation, the population is over 2.5 million, can you image the chaos on the roads, yet accidents involving cyclists are falling dramatically. Growing congestion means that bikes are now more common place and in fact with the proposed introduction of congestion charge in Manchester, more people will need to either use public transport or bikes to not have to pay silly prices to get to work.
So Belfast, take this on board and accept that this will happen to you one day.
Posted by Gill | 13.08.09, 14:27 GMT
Simon, sadly, you have it backwards. Twice.
Studies show that in around two thirds of car vs. bicycle accidents blame lies primarily with the car driver, with the remaining third split between the cyclist, joint-blame, environmental and other factors. Who is the menace?
I suspect you really mean "annoyance" or "inconvenience". You're another one who needs to learn that the roads are not just for cars.
Secondly, I'd argue that a modern city is one with a progressive transport policy, with good provision for non private car modes of transport - such as cycling.
Posted by John Girvin | 13.08.09, 13:43 GMT
Car drivers are a menace to cycllists. Simple as that. There is no place for the car in a modern city.
Posted by Cycle Bear | 13.08.09, 13:15 GMT
Simon, a truly efficient modern transport system would mean that no one would need private cars for regular use. Bikes, trains, buses, trams would cover it. Cars just once a week to the supermarket.
If that.
Ah, but that would be heaven!
Posted by Andy | 13.08.09, 13:12 GMT
Cars are a menace to everyone. Simple as that. There is no place for the car in a modern city.
Posted by Nev | 13.08.09, 11:18 GMT
Cyclists are a menace to car drivers. Simple as that. There is no place for the bicycle in a modern city.
Posted by Simon | 12.08.09, 14:42 GMT
Peter D, motorways are for cars, other roads are for *traffic* and bikes are traffic whether you like it or not.
The notion that cyclists are "second class citizens" is both ridiculous and dangerous, but unfortunately all-too common. We all pay for the roads (don't make me explain that again), so please stop being so selfish and learn to share.
Stay out of your way? Gladly. Your attitude would indicate you'd be a menace. Give me a decent, segregated cycle network maintained to the same standard as the roads and I will happily leave you to "your" roads.
Posted by John Girvin | 12.08.09, 10:11 GMT
The day when all motorists obey red lights, amputate the mobile phones from their ears, obey the speed limit, and stop applying make-up while driving will be the day when they can lecture cyclists about how to behave. Motes and beams spring to mind.
Posted by Watcher | 12.08.09, 00:45 GMT
John,
The footpaths are for pedestrians, and the roads are for cars. You are 2nd class citizens in that respect. Stay out of our way on either!
Posted by Peter D | 11.08.09, 11:31 GMT
I seen two cyclists going through red lights this week on the Ormeau Road. If motorists have have done that they would have appeared in court probably losing their licenses. Time you guys paid tax and insurance like the rest of us! If you hit us how do we claim against you?
Posted by Patrick | 10.08.09, 20:30 GMT
I agree that cyclist shouldn't use footpaths and I abhor the behaviour of any cyclist who gives the rest of us a bad name. But (a) don't label us all with the same lycra bully tag and (b) when you find a decent cycle path can you let me know - I'd love to use cycle paths all the time. Most I know are shared either with buses (a disaster) or pedestrians (ditto). Oh and if we're having a go about people using our space, can pedestrians stop wandering all over dedicated cycle paths please. Cheers.
Posted by Yip | 10.08.09, 13:39 GMT
William: try cycling on the cycle path that runs alongside the M5. It has become infested by walkers, joggers and dogs running free with no regard for anyone trying to cycle there.
Regarding the "spandex" jibe, do you also laugh at those funny spiky boots that footballers' wear? It's the same thing.
Jeni: I agree, many, many cyclists are very badly behaved and a danger to themselves and others. I'm all for better training to give people the skills and confidence to get off the pavements and cycle properly on the roads. Statistics show that the more cyclists there are on the roads, the safer it becomes for everyone.
Posted by John Girvin | 10.08.09, 11:23 GMT
Try walking on the Lagan towpath. It has become infested by prats in spandex speeding along with no regard for man nor beast. But at-least I get a good laugh at the skintight suits they wear.
Posted by William | 08.08.09, 19:17 GMT
I love the sanctimonious tone of cyclists. However, the truth is that a very substantial number are simply appalling. Their use of pavements, jumping red-lights, abusing pedestrians, does not suggest 'road users' just ignorant yahoos. All cyclists should have to carry insurance, cycle in a proper manner - what about a course in good manners! I post this shortly after having nearly been hit by one, cycling at speed on the pavement at King's bridge and (this is the best bit) using a mobile!
Posted by Jeni | 08.08.09, 17:51 GMT
What about the cyclists who use footpaths and claim them to be cycle paths travelling at speed endangering pedestrians. Yesterday morning i turned while walking down Cromac Street, Belfast and almost collided with a female cyclist. She was lucky she did not fall in front of a vehicle. I shouted to her as she sped off that is a footpath. She replied it was also a cycle path. When I catch up with her I told her there are no markings to indicate such she replied there were. Yes there are markings at the Gasworks but crossing Raphael Street entrance they stop - she ought to learn the highway code.
Posted by Kevin | 07.08.09, 12:22 GMT
Why cant cyclists use cyclepaths where provided? Would that not keep everyone happy?
Posted by Pd | 06.08.09, 17:58 GMT
I don't mind cyclists having rights - it's the ones who invade my space - namely on the footpath (here in Coleraine = one wonders if the Highway Code is different up here...) that should be made to pay.
Posted by Donegore | 06.08.09, 14:29 GMT