RE: Wrong Way On One-Way
Wednesday 4th June 2008
Cyclists are to get even more priority over cars as a result of a new scheme to make it legal to pedal the wrong way up a one-way street.
Wrong Way On One-Way
Cyclists are to be given new right to go the wrong way up a one-way street
Cyclists have already been doing it for years but in certain areas they will soon be allowed to weave through oncoming traffic without fear of arrest.
The experiment is designed to get more people out of their cars and on to bikes and will allow those who ride to take shorter routes.
The Royal Borough of Kensington & Chelsea has decided to implement the scheme and if successful it is likely to spread to other areas of the country.
A ‘no motor vehicles’ sign will replace the ‘no entry’ sign at one end of the road but instead of dividing the bikes and cars it is deemed easier to let them dodge each other.
Blue signs will also be put up to show that bicycles can travel against the flow of motorised traffic.
Daniel Moylan, deputy leader of the Conservative-controlled council, said a change was needed after he spotted hundreds of cyclists a day were ignoring no-entry signs on a street near his home.
He told the Times newspaper: ‘If this is what bicyclists want to do and they can do it safely, then we see it as our responsibility to adapt the legal position to allow them to do it legally.
‘We are recognising the reality that cyclists prefer to take the shortest route through quieter streets. The alternative of having a policeman standing on the road to catch cyclists would be foolish and unworkable.’
Captain Gatso said: 'The same rules should apply to every road user.
'You cannot make exceptions just because someone happens to be on a bicycle.
'Cyclists already get away with blue murder and it would be a mistake to give in to their law-breaking.'
Discussion
Funny really....a lot of European countries already allow this and I've never seen it to be a problem so long as cycle paths are clearly marked on the road.
I live in Austria and it's great for zipping around 1-way streets. Not had a problem with it and drivers are pretty courteous with it all.....
I personally don't see what the fuss is all about. If it can be done in Europe without problems, then why can't it be done in the UK????
I live in Austria and it's great for zipping around 1-way streets. Not had a problem with it and drivers are pretty courteous with it all.....
I personally don't see what the fuss is all about. If it can be done in Europe without problems, then why can't it be done in the UK????
Edited by beanbag on Wednesday 4th June 10:54
Daniel Moylan deputy leader of the Conservative-controlled council said:
a change was needed after he spotted hundreds of cyclists a day were ignoring no-entry signs on a street near his home.
He told the Times newspaper: ‘If this is what bicyclists want to do and they can do it safely, then we see it as our responsibility to adapt the legal position to allow them to do it legally.
on that basis the days of the Speed enforcement are numbered!He told the Times newspaper: ‘If this is what bicyclists want to do and they can do it safely, then we see it as our responsibility to adapt the legal position to allow them to do it legally.
Loads of motorists exceed the posted limit so the limit must be wrong!
Edited by odyssey2200 on Wednesday 4th June 11:00
beanbag said:
Funny really....a lot of European countries already allow this and I've never seen it to be a problem so long as cycle paths are clearly marked on the road.
There is a cycle lane in Plymouth which allows you to ride in the opposite direction to the traffic along the sea front (the Hoe). Have not had any problems using it (yet).
A welcome return of common sense over centralised government nannying!
I think that the new traffic policies implemented in Kensington & Chelsea are excellent. They've removed excessive road markings, signs, etc and have seen a decrease in the number of injuries on the roads of the borough, for instance. I'm not sure how this plan will pan-out but they're clearly doing something right (perhaps thinking with heads and not their bottom line), so let's see how it goes.
I think that the new traffic policies implemented in Kensington & Chelsea are excellent. They've removed excessive road markings, signs, etc and have seen a decrease in the number of injuries on the roads of the borough, for instance. I'm not sure how this plan will pan-out but they're clearly doing something right (perhaps thinking with heads and not their bottom line), so let's see how it goes.
beanbag said:
Funny really....a lot of European countries already allow this and I've never seen it to be a problem so long as cycle paths are clearly marked on the road.
article said:
A ‘no motor vehicles’ sign will replace the ‘no entry’ sign at one end of the road but instead of dividing the bikes and cars it is deemed easier to let them dodge each other.
I do not have a problem with letting cyclists avoid slogging around a one way system and after all there are similar ideas where only buses can travel in one direction but just letting them "dodge each other"?'If this is what bicyclists want to do and they can do it safely, then we see it as our responsibility to adapt the legal position to allow them to do it legally'
If this was the case then why not apply this to cars, the majority of people do 80 MPH on the motorway, safely.... why not let us drive up the motorway with out fear of being slapped a fine and points!
please please dont say the word 'green'
If this was the case then why not apply this to cars, the majority of people do 80 MPH on the motorway, safely.... why not let us drive up the motorway with out fear of being slapped a fine and points!
please please dont say the word 'green'
Think it needs a cycle lane for the safety aspect, what would the insurance viewpoint be if there was an accident?
Not sure about the legality of the scheme as I thought it was the responsibility of the Highways Dept not local councils. I'm sure they have looked into it properly.
Good idea though but think it needs a bit more thought perhaps.
Not sure about the legality of the scheme as I thought it was the responsibility of the Highways Dept not local councils. I'm sure they have looked into it properly.
Good idea though but think it needs a bit more thought perhaps.
Anyone hear Tiff Needell arguing with the greenie on the radio this morning?
Tiff was, IMO quite sensibly raising concerns regarding the cyclists, who, even in a 20 zone, could be contributing to a closing speed of 40mph, and on a two-lane one-way, could well be coming at the motorist from either direction. TN's concern was also that with legislation being what it is, any accident would automatically be deemed to be the fault of said motorist.
Greenie (who didn't seem to understand the concept of 'closing speed'), berated Tiff for wanting to drive at 40mph in a built-up area and said 'why do all motoring journalists seem to live in a parallel universe?'
Tiff was, IMO quite sensibly raising concerns regarding the cyclists, who, even in a 20 zone, could be contributing to a closing speed of 40mph, and on a two-lane one-way, could well be coming at the motorist from either direction. TN's concern was also that with legislation being what it is, any accident would automatically be deemed to be the fault of said motorist.
Greenie (who didn't seem to understand the concept of 'closing speed'), berated Tiff for wanting to drive at 40mph in a built-up area and said 'why do all motoring journalists seem to live in a parallel universe?'
I really thought that this was in place already?? In my time in Edinburgh I’ve also see the following been done by cyclists;
Riding through red lights
Upon coming to a red light, mounting the pavement and cross the road using the pedestrian crossing (Not the toucan one)
Ignoring the red light and cycling out in the path of cars/pedestrians
Cycling three of four abreast the road (Quite sure the Highway Code says single file)
Cycling at night with NO lights
Holding on to cars as they leave a red light to build up their speed
Instead of using their own two legs to support them while stopped at a red light they lean on the nearest car, then complain that you let you’re car roll out of their reach while they are trying to hold on
Cycling on pavements and not the cycle paths
Obviously the cyclists feel that they can do the above safely so if the government could also see that cyclists can do the above legally that would be great, thanks.
Riding through red lights
Upon coming to a red light, mounting the pavement and cross the road using the pedestrian crossing (Not the toucan one)
Ignoring the red light and cycling out in the path of cars/pedestrians
Cycling three of four abreast the road (Quite sure the Highway Code says single file)
Cycling at night with NO lights
Holding on to cars as they leave a red light to build up their speed
Instead of using their own two legs to support them while stopped at a red light they lean on the nearest car, then complain that you let you’re car roll out of their reach while they are trying to hold on
Cycling on pavements and not the cycle paths
Obviously the cyclists feel that they can do the above safely so if the government could also see that cyclists can do the above legally that would be great, thanks.
What is PH doing giving Captain Gatso an 'official' voice? His only qualification appears to be destroying speed cameras, which as gratifying as that obviously is to us, it gives Haymarket no credibility whatsoever in the non-motoring world.
As for the cyclists- no way should they be allowed to contravine one way systems. It makes no sense.
As for the cyclists- no way should they be allowed to contravine one way systems. It makes no sense.
Don't think I have ever seen a cyclist on a cycle lane ?
Only problem with this is the first time a cyclist is hit by a car on a one way street all hell will let loose about insurance problems etc.
Bikes are great and I always try to respect them but there are rogue arrogant cyclist's too... and they are a real problem.
TW>>>
Only problem with this is the first time a cyclist is hit by a car on a one way street all hell will let loose about insurance problems etc.
Bikes are great and I always try to respect them but there are rogue arrogant cyclist's too... and they are a real problem.
TW>>>
chunkymonkey71 said:
why not eh? Not like the obey any other rules is it? When's the last time you saw a cyclist stop at a red light?
...and they don't even pay road tax!!!
(ok, thats the blue touchpaper lit, I'm now standing well back...!)
No need to pay road tax if we cycle on the pavement...and they don't even pay road tax!!!
(ok, thats the blue touchpaper lit, I'm now standing well back...!)
I pay tax on 2 cars anyay so leave me alone. And No I don't ride everwhere on the pavement killing grannies as I go. chunkymonkey71 said:
why not eh? Not like the obey any other rules is it? When's the last time you saw a cyclist stop at a red light?
...and they don't even pay road tax!!!
(ok, thats the blue touchpaper lit, I'm now standing well back...!)
You beat me to it! No doubt there will be a flood of moaning cyclists,they love complaining. ...and they don't even pay road tax!!!
(ok, thats the blue touchpaper lit, I'm now standing well back...!)
A dedicated cycle lane is one thing but a free for all would be a nightmare.
What would be the insurance implications when you hit one of them?
I certainly wouldn't trust cyclists to use a dedicated lane anyway.
Part of the A27 near Lewes has very heavy traffic in the rush hour and therefore has a cycle lane on the pavement but what did I see last week? A prat in all the lycra risking his life riding 3ft out from the kerb in the road with rows of trucks trying to get past.
What would be the insurance implications when you hit one of them?
I certainly wouldn't trust cyclists to use a dedicated lane anyway.
Part of the A27 near Lewes has very heavy traffic in the rush hour and therefore has a cycle lane on the pavement but what did I see last week? A prat in all the lycra risking his life riding 3ft out from the kerb in the road with rows of trucks trying to get past.
when i cycle i ignore all traffic signs/lights/lanes, i just do what i wish... unless im towing the kids in the trailer.. then i ride on the pavement, and use all pedestrian crossings and only go into the road to cross it.
ive done it infront of police cars and bobbies on the beat, and ive never had a response, so im guessing im not doing anything illegal.
although cyclists like me boil my piss when im driving.
ive done it infront of police cars and bobbies on the beat, and ive never had a response, so im guessing im not doing anything illegal.
although cyclists like me boil my piss when im driving.
Edited by SystemParanoia on Wednesday 4th June 11:25
Maybe I'm not getting the road tax argument (well, I know that I dont). What exactly does the road tax represent?
I mean, pedestrians use roads when they cross them. Should they pay road tax too? Is weight a factor? I mean, are we saying that a 30kg child on a bike should pay tax? What about a person who weighs 100kg, should they pay tax?
Is it for the maintenance and repair of the road?
What, exactly, is road tax for? And why are there different amounts? Genuine question.
I mean, pedestrians use roads when they cross them. Should they pay road tax too? Is weight a factor? I mean, are we saying that a 30kg child on a bike should pay tax? What about a person who weighs 100kg, should they pay tax?
Is it for the maintenance and repair of the road?
What, exactly, is road tax for? And why are there different amounts? Genuine question.
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