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[feeutfo]

A helmet cam is a good idea in case anything does happen, though. I'm starting to think the same about using one in a car, TBH.

Kevin

Indeed, something of a double edged sword though possibly...?

Depends on how you drive.......

.....and ride. 

[Kevin Wood]

A helmet cam is a good idea in case anything does happen, though. I'm starting to think the same about using one in a car, TBH.

Kevin

Indeed, something of a double edged sword though possibly...?

Depends on how you drive.......

.....and ride. 

.. and it's up to you to volunteer the footage.. or not.

Kevin

[feeutfo]

A helmet cam is a good idea in case anything does happen, though. I'm starting to think the same about using one in a car, TBH.

Kevin

Indeed, something of a double edged sword though possibly...?

Depends on how you drive.......

.....and ride. 

.. and it's up to you to volunteer the footage.. or not.

Kevin

Unless plod conmmandere the device at the road side.  .  Has happened, although I'm not usually that naughty.

[Kevin Wood]

Unless plod conmmandere the device at the road side.  .  Has happened, although I'm not usually that naughty.

True. They'd have to know it was there, of course. Hmm. Maybe a device that stops recording under "certain circumstances".

Kevin

[Lazydocker]

As you say G, it seems that the cyclist observes the rules of the road. Unfortunately lots don't!

The reaction of the white van driver was no real surprise TBH, although that doesn't mean I agree with him!

As for cyclists. I try to leave a cars (admittedly Astra/Focus sized car) width between myself and the cyclist when passing. Unfortunately, when I start seeing them 2 or 3 abreast (cycle clubs can be the worst for this) it becomes an impossibility!

The only thing that really bugs me is when they refuse to use the cycle path on one of our local roads because they'll have to look at junctions, then just get in the way, constantly coming up the inside, jumping the lights etc... These people are asking for trouble

[Gaffers]

I have just written to the Chief Constable of Hampshire Police asking him to take more action towards cyclist who dont obey the rules of the road.  That way drivers might start to respect cyclists more.

As for cycle lanes, some are excellent but a lot of the earlier ones were thought out by pillocks who have never seen a gym let alone used a bike on the roads and those I will not use.  Cycle lanes are optional remember and if they are dangerous or full of put holes I wont use them.

[Gaffers]

An extract from the letter I sent:

...On a separate issue and as a keen cyclist I follow the Highway Code the same as I would in a car and I am disgusted to see so many cyclists flaunting the rules and get away with it.  I have been the victim of road rage from motorists on many occasions purely for the reason of being on a bike.  I put that rage down to the cyclists who disregard the rules of the road.  Drivers then tar us all with the same brush and vent their frustration at the cyclists nearest them, often the law abiding ones.  As an Officer in the Army I often stop and chastise soldiers who cycle around the Garrison on the pavement, run red lights or have no lights at night.  Of course I can do nothing with civilians.  I have yet to see the Police take a single cyclist to task for not obeying with the rules of the road.  Only once cyclists are held accountable will drivers respect us, and only then will the roads become safer for us all.

....  Hampshire Police need to do something about changing attitudes on the roads in Hampshire.  Not just the drivers, but the cyclists and the Police Officers themselves.  Even if you give verbal warnings they will take note because right now everyone believes they can get away with it.  Indeed if I decided to take the lights off my bike this evening and cycle past the Police Station on the pavement while talking on my mobile phone, I bet that not a single Police Officer would even bat an eyelid in my direction......


Lets see what he makes of that

[djac]

A few weeks ago I was driving to my brother's in Ealing. We were on the Richmond Road, at a red ATS. I saw at least 8 cyclists go past me on my left, and straight through the red light.

On another occasion I was walking along a pedestrian footpath/alleyway when I heard a voice behind me say 'Excuse me'. I turned round and saw a man on a pushbike attempting to get past me. I pointed out that we were on a pedestrian footpath which was clearly posted with 'No Cycling' signs. I also pointed out the uniformed police officer walking along the same footpath about 30-40 yards ahead of us and mentioned that the officer would probably tell him to get off his bike and walk.

No such thing occured. The cyclist rode past me AND the police officer, who said absolutely nothing.

I have also seen entire families riding on the footpath.

I know a lot of cyclists do obey the rules and its the minority who cause the problems. Bit like motorcyclists really.

[bluey]

Well done guffer, and I hope the CC takes some time to reply to your letter. 

It's no good focusing on motorists to drive safely when there is no action taken against other road users as it just makes people feel picked on.  The law has to be fairly applied. And when you consider how much car and van drivers are taxed, targeted for any trangressions and aggressively penalised, it only stokes the fire when in some areas cyclists are just allowed to do what they like.

I've seen one cyclist have a go at another for igoring the Highway Code (he got a right earful too), so it isn't as if they don't care about how they behave and are seen by other road users, but they shouldn't be policing themselves.

[Kevin Wood]

While we're having a discussion about cyclists....

Has anyone else been fed up with cyclists using excessively bright lights recently? Car headlights have a properly controlled beam pattern to allow good illumination without dazzling other road users. not so cycle lights, it would seem.

Kevin

[Jimbob]

Yes, some bikes now have HID lighting, obviously just aimed where they want to point it.

Fully agree about wanting to see and be seen, but no need to dazzle other people to do it

[Seth]

While we're having a discussion about cyclists....

Has anyone else been fed up with cyclists using excessively bright lights recently? Car headlights have a properly controlled beam pattern to allow good illumination without dazzling other road users. not so cycle lights, it would seem.

Kevin

Good point there Mr Wood

[Gaffers]

While we're having a discussion about cyclists....

Has anyone else been fed up with cyclists using excessively bright lights recently? Car headlights have a properly controlled beam pattern to allow good illumination without dazzling other road users. not so cycle lights, it would seem.

Kevin

I suppose I am guilty of using them but they are aimed at the ground.  I cannot control the beam pattern and if I point them too far down they are useless.

[sassanach]

i have had a camera mounted by the rear view mirror for some time now permamantly recording everything that happens,i put it in having been concerned by the number of "twunts"who are incapable of going around a roundabout using a steering wheel, ie "straightlining".i have it for insurance purpose's only in case im "clobbered" by one of these blinkered idiots.

[geoffr70]

[size=12]As said I don't think he's necessarily anti-cyclist, just an arrogant slob who thinks he owns the road. It seems that there is an increasing minority of people who, once they are cocooned in their mobile metal box think they own the road, can do what they want, and no one else matters.

In this case I think he's probably more annoyed with himself for not using his mirrors, not expecting the cyclist to maintain his position/speed, and not expecting him to be there round the bend, so het got a shock and took it out on him. Obviously not excusing or justifying his behaviour though.[/size]