Omega Owners Forum

Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: robbo299 on 20 September 2009, 14:08:17

Title: They can`t be serious!
Post by: robbo299 on 20 September 2009, 14:08:17
Saw this today and just can`t believe they are serious. :o

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6211429/Drivers-could-be-blamed-for-all-crashes-with-cyclists.html

So the thinking here is that, say for example, if a driver driving an Escort or Fiesta crashes into an Omega, the driver of the Omega will automatically be at fault regardless of blame just because he has a more powerful car??? :o And if a cyclist jumps or fails to stop at a red light and is hit by any car then the driver of the car is also automtically at fault? >:(  I can see this leading to anarchy on our roads with drivers driving old beat up minis, fiestas etc. deliberatly into Beemers, Lexus and, god forbid, our Miggys knowing that we will get the blame. >:( A few of my mates at work regard cyclists as "pikeys on wheels" because they dont have any insurance, road tax, or MOT`s. And we as road tax payers are paying for their own cycle lanes on the roads. >:( Definately a world gone/going mad. :'(
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: tunnie on 20 September 2009, 14:11:18
thats the way it works in Holland, seems to work! cars have huge respect for Bicycles!
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 20 September 2009, 14:12:14
I stand by what I have allways said.  If we as car drivers have to have a Tax Disc, Mot and Insurance to legally use the road.  Then why shouldnt Cyclists and Horse riders at leat have insurance in the case of an accident. Why should we the motorist allways be to blame.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: robbo299 on 20 September 2009, 14:13:21
That may be Tunnie but respect has to go both ways! :y
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: robbo299 on 20 September 2009, 14:17:44
Agree Mr Skruntie. :y  A motorcyclist has to have insurance so why not a cyclist? Just because the bike doesn`t have an engine doesn`t make it any less dangerous to others on the road or pedestrians.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: HolyCount on 20 September 2009, 14:33:27
Cycling arguements apart .... if the driver of the more powerful vehicle in any incident is deemed to be automatically at fault, guess what that is going to do to insurance premiums of the higher grouped cars !!!!!!

Back to cycling ... the best way to deal with the cyclist vs. motorist situation is simply ... keep them apart !!!

Get cyclists to have to take a test of proficiency (at a fee the government gets a cut of), carry insurance ( part of which goes to government) and pay a road fund licence equivalent (which goes, guess where).  Then the government uses this revenue to build dedicated cycleways.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: tunnie on 20 September 2009, 14:42:27
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: HolyCount on 20 September 2009, 14:46:09
Quote
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.

ah -- but that's down to the wind powered craft being at the mercy of the elements and having to follow certain manouvres and tacks to forces outside of their control. Whereas a cyclist can stop, start and change course at will.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Big Fra on 20 September 2009, 15:06:11
How is a bicycle more powerful than a pedestrian?

This is an utterly daft suggestion and would never work.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: robbo299 on 20 September 2009, 15:06:19
Holy Count for transport minister!! :y
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: tunnie on 20 September 2009, 15:32:19
Quote
How is a bicycle more powerful than a pedestrian?

This is an utterly daft suggestion and would never work.

Disagree, it works in Holland! Cycling there is an absolute joy, cars giving way for bikes on roundabouts and junctions.

But as Holy Count says, it needs to go both ways.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Tony H on 20 September 2009, 16:06:29
One thing that makes my blood boil is close to me the A 565 duel carriage way has at the expence of tax payers had quality cycle tracks added on both sides and the cyclists don't rather use them >:( >:( >:(. On many occasions I have witnessed cyclists on the main carriage way (sometimes two abreast :o)being overtaken by cars at 70 MPH I sometimes think the people on the bikes have joined a suicide cult.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: STMO999 on 20 September 2009, 17:27:48
Calm down.  ::) ::)

But a spokesman for the Department of Transport said the proposals were not being considered by ministers and added: “Cyclists are traffic and are subject to the same laws as other traffic. They are responsible for their own actions and whether insured or not are liable for the consequences of their actions.”
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Mr Skrunts on 20 September 2009, 18:14:57
Quote
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.

I can see it now, a 800,000,000 tonne oil tanker giving way to a 25 ft sailing dinghy.  Beep beep, please move liccle boat, I would liketo get past.   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] ::)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: KillerWatt on 20 September 2009, 18:43:46
It's been that way in France for years, and the "protection" is actually extended to mopeds (which can be ridden at 14, and don't have to be registered).

You know what??

The system works (at least, it does there).
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Banjax on 20 September 2009, 19:09:56
Quote
One thing that makes my blood boil is close to me the A 565 duel carriage way has at the expence of tax payers had quality cycle tracks added on both sides and the cyclists don't rather use them >:( >:( >:(. On many occasions I have witnessed cyclists on the main carriage way (sometimes two abreast :o)being overtaken by cars at 70 MPH I sometimes think the people on the bikes have joined a suicide cult.

it's statistically proven that car drivers give cyclists more room if they're not on a cycle lane, furthermore if they don't wear a helmet drivers give them an even wider berth - so the safest way to cycle is helmetless and avoiding roads with cycle paths - the rest are fair game as i see it  ;D
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 20 September 2009, 20:12:42
Quote
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.

So are you saying.....if i fart at a junction....driving my bus....i have the right of way  ::) ;D
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Gaffers on 20 September 2009, 20:16:29
A minority break laws and act stupidly on a bicycle, a fair number ride on pavements when they shouldnt, the majority are law abiding.

As one who was knocked off recently by a motorist in the wrong I can tell you it's very dangerous for cyclists on the roads and anything that makes drivers take more care around more vunerable road users gets my vote.... although harsher penalties against cyclists caught running lights, etc would be nice too... they give us law-abiding cyclists a bad name..
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: SJKOO01 on 20 September 2009, 21:14:20
Back to cycling ... the best way to deal with the cyclist vs. motorist situation is simply ... keep them apart !!!

Well of course the scheme works in Holland, they've had proper cycle lanes away from the road for a while now, and the government spent money on doing it correctly, so if the cyclist are away from being hit by cars, no wonder they're not in so much danger as they are in this country ?!.

The reason we don't have the same cycle lane scheme to the extent as Holland is down to money at the end of the day.

For all those cycle loving, & car hating non-car owning types, who don't pay anything to use the roads that the rest of of us have to pay to use, then perhaps those same cycle loving, & car hating, non-owning types might like to use the money they would normally use; car tax, road tax, etc, to put into a central fund to build the so-called safe cycle lanes away from road users !.
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Martin_1962 on 20 September 2009, 21:17:08
Quote
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.


I have seen the cartoon of a dingy sailor saying this about a supertanker
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: unlucky mark mv6 on 20 September 2009, 21:27:21
Well i know they are already talking about having number plates on push bikes,so maybe insurance and tax next,who knows. :o ::)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Vamps on 20 September 2009, 21:36:20
Quote
Cycling arguements apart .... if the driver of the more powerful vehicle in any incident is deemed to be automatically at fault, guess what that is going to do to insurance premiums of the higher grouped cars !!!!!!

Back to cycling ... the best way to deal with the cyclist vs. motorist situation is simply ... keep them apart !!!

Get cyclists to have to take a test of proficiency (at a fee the government gets a cut of), carry insurance ( part of which goes to government) and pay a road fund licence equivalent (which goes, guess where).  Then the government uses this revenue to build dedicated cycleways.

Done that, got 99%

Got that, as part of house insurance
 :P :P :P

Just need to get it out more, little Miss Vamps said I wobble a bit.... :-[ ::) ::)




Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: HolyCount on 20 September 2009, 22:41:57
Quote
Quote
Cycling arguements apart .... if the driver of the more powerful vehicle in any incident is deemed to be automatically at fault, guess what that is going to do to insurance premiums of the higher grouped cars !!!!!!

Back to cycling ... the best way to deal with the cyclist vs. motorist situation is simply ... keep them apart !!!

Get cyclists to have to take a test of proficiency (at a fee the government gets a cut of), carry insurance ( part of which goes to government) and pay a road fund licence equivalent (which goes, guess where).  Then the government uses this revenue to build dedicated cycleways.

Done that, got 99%

Got that, as part of house insurance
 :P :P :P

Just need to get it out more, little Miss Vamps said I wobble a bit.... :-[ ::) ::)







is that the bike or the gut   ::) ::) :D ;)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Vamps on 20 September 2009, 22:46:26
Quote
Quote
Quote
Cycling arguements apart .... if the driver of the more powerful vehicle in any incident is deemed to be automatically at fault, guess what that is going to do to insurance premiums of the higher grouped cars !!!!!!

Back to cycling ... the best way to deal with the cyclist vs. motorist situation is simply ... keep them apart !!!

Get cyclists to have to take a test of proficiency (at a fee the government gets a cut of), carry insurance ( part of which goes to government) and pay a road fund licence equivalent (which goes, guess where).  Then the government uses this revenue to build dedicated cycleways.

Done that, got 99%

Got that, as part of house insurance
 :P :P :P

Just need to get it out more, little Miss Vamps said I wobble a bit.... :-[ ::) ::)







is that the bike or the gut   ::) ::) :D ;)

That would be me on the bike HC :P :P  Me 6ft and only 10 stone, just can not get the weight back on :'(
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Andy B on 20 September 2009, 22:55:52
Quote
...... they give us law-abiding cyclists a bad name..

There's not many on my comute to work. I see more on the pavement than the road, those who are on the road are usually just about to go on the pavement to go through the red light.  ::)  ::)  ::) ;)  ;)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Gaffers on 20 September 2009, 23:01:16
Quote
Quote
...... they give us law-abiding cyclists a bad name..

There's not many on my comute to work. I see more on the pavement than the road, those who are on the road are usually just about to go on the pavement to go through the red light.  ::)  ::)  ::) ;)  ;)

Trust me we're not all like that  :y
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Turk on 21 September 2009, 00:43:01
I few months ago I was stuck behind two cyclist riding side by side and was unable to pass as it involved crossing the double white line.
Being a cyclist myself, I always give as much room as I can to cyclists and so I just sat behind them until I could legally and safely(for them) pass.
As I passed I opened the passenger window and politely said "Guys, you're not doing us cyclists any favours by riding two abreast on that section !". I just got a load of abuse.
Really felt like pulling over and smacking the sweaty 2hats in the stupid lycra outfits and the "five bananas" comedy hats.
Ignorant, obnoxious "Juan Kerrs"  >:(
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Ken T on 21 September 2009, 01:06:35
Quote
Quote
same as sailing, a wind powered craft always has right of way over a petrol / diesel powered craft.

I can see it now, a 800,000,000 tonne oil tanker giving way to a 25 ft sailing dinghy.  Beep beep, please move liccle boat, I would liketo get past.   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif] ::)

My Dad was a Clyde Pilot and used to bring 150,000 ton ships up the Clyde. Crash Stop time was about 15mins, so there is no way they could avoid a small sailing boat. However on the Clyde, sailing craft tended to be aware of this and kept out the way. There is a common sense message in there somewhere......... 

Ken   
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: albitz on 21 September 2009, 05:58:38
Quote
Saw this today and just can`t believe they are serious. :o

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/6211429/Drivers-could-be-blamed-for-all-crashes-with-cyclists.html

So the thinking here is that, say for example, if a driver driving an Escort or Fiesta crashes into an Omega, the driver of the Omega will automatically be at fault regardless of blame just because he has a more powerful car??? :o And if a cyclist jumps or fails to stop at a red light and is hit by any car then the driver of the car is also automtically at fault? >:(  I can see this leading to anarchy on our roads with drivers driving old beat up minis, fiestas etc. deliberatly into Beemers, Lexus and, god forbid, our Miggys knowing that we will get the blame. >:( A few of my mates at work regard cyclists as "pikeys on wheels" because they dont have any insurance, road tax, or MOT`s. And we as road tax payers are paying for their own cycle lanes on the roads. >:( Definately a world gone/going mad. :'(
Just had a bit of a flashback here.This very issue was one of the first things I ever posted about when I joined OOF. I must admit I got slaughtered for it at the time, some people thought I was a crazy man who had made the whole thing up,ask for links to be posted to prove it etc.
Maybe the fact that it hasnt provoked the same reaction this time shows just how far and how fast the country has moved along the road to lunacy in the last couple of years. ::) :)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: Nickbat on 21 September 2009, 12:34:21
There's no need to type out a long post about my feelings on this. DK sums up my views perfectly, yet again (incl. the sweary bits!). :y

http://devilskitchen.me.uk/2009/09/red-sky-at-night-cyclists-delight.html
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: VXL V6 on 21 September 2009, 13:37:48
Quote
I stand by what I have allways said.  If we as car drivers have to have a Tax Disc, Mot and Insurance to legally use the road.  Then why shouldnt Cyclists and Horse riders at leat have insurance in the case of an accident. Why should we the motorist allways be to blame.

They do  ;)
Title: Re: They can`t be serious!
Post by: mantahatch on 21 September 2009, 14:03:48
Quote
I few months ago I was stuck behind two cyclist riding side by side and was unable to pass as it involved crossing the double white line.
Being a cyclist myself, I always give as much room as I can to cyclists and so I just sat behind them until I could legally and safely(for them) pass.
As I passed I opened the passenger window and politely said "Guys, you're not doing us cyclists any favours by riding two abreast on that section !". I just got a load of abuse.
Really felt like pulling over and smacking the sweaty 2hats in the stupid lycra outfits and the "five bananas" comedy hats.
Ignorant, obnoxious "Juan Kerrs"  >:(


I have a feeling I read somewhere that it is now legal to cross a solid white line to get past cycle/horse etc. but you have to be doing no more than 10mph.

Is that correct guys or just wishful thinking on my part. ?