Highway Code Consultation

[Paul Dishman]

The DSA have the Highway Code up for revision and are holding a public consultation exercise.
www.dsa.gov.uk/content.asp?id=13014

One of the proposed revisions is that cyclists "should" use the cycle lanes provided which has got the C+ mob worried
www.cyclingplus.co.uk/forum/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=90346

[Don]

Utter scaremongering. Cyclists should not be worried about being advised to use Cycle Lanes. I don't think it will lead to any weaseling out of insurance payouts if there's a prang.

I completely understand their frustration with cycle lanes that are nothing but a line of white paint and an area for the road debris to collect.

But many cycle lanes are dedicated (or shared with pedestrians) and either run along an old bridleway or are seperated from the road by a metre of grass and a kerb. These should clearly be used in preference to roads - I know I use them. Safer and more pleasant for everyone.

[minicity]

I think the concern comes because insurance companies have tried to reduce compensation payments for people injured by cars when the rider has not worn a helmet. They expect something similar in this respect. Others are concerned because it may give the general impression that cyclists have no right be on the road and those that are should expect poor treatment.

[Don]

minicity said:

I think the concern comes because insurance companies have tried to reduce compensation payments for people injured by cars when the rider has not worn a helmet. They expect something similar in this respect. Others are concerned because it may give the general impression that cyclists have no right be on the road and those that are should expect poor treatment.

I'm not surprised insurance companies view not wearing a helmet on a bike as being culpable in the damage done to a cyclist in an accident. They *should* make an adjustment....IF a head injury resulted. Shouldn't make any difference if its a leg injury, for example. I think, to some extent, that IF safer facilities are provided Cyclists SHOULD use them is common sense. I doubt very much, though, that this will lead to cyclists being denied use of the roads in any way. It *is*, however, asking Cyclists to take an active role in their own safety. That's all - no hidden agenda.

And people do do dumb things, an example: Joggers often jog in the road. Despite there being a pavement. Why? Dropped kerbs at the driveways of houses create an uneven surface its unpleasant to run on. I understand *why* they do it. And yet - running in the road with your back to the traffic in dark clothing and hoping not to be hit by passing cars is pretty dumb...and it should certainly make a difference in an insurance claim.

I don't think the cyclists should worry, frankly.

[WildCat]

Don - as usual - ist sense you talk

Ist debate going on in Pauli'es cycling site on this.. und seem to be issue of losing cadence when path cross main roads und cyclist has to stop..

But ist this not the same when lights change - und you atart to accelerate - only they are in "short green" setting - und you have to stop again? Or if you are on road with a lot of marked und unmarked crossings?

I ride bike (but my bike riding ist not as zippy or as smooth as my drives - as I tend to run out of steam und need a breather - und ist because of past und not wussiness or feeble wimminy stuff - I can manage a 15 -so mile ride on gentle rides with gentlish hills at steady cadence und speeds of 10 -20 mph constant fluctuates. If steep - I cheat! I walk it or put bike on Post Bus und cadge lift

Und I can walk 25 miles or so up on the Fells at gentle pace - with the odd sit down to take in the views - und a stop at watering holes I know

But like you - mein Lieber - if path ist there und ist good - I use it. I also wear helmet, dress appropriately - in sassy, jazzed up "get me noticed" gear und we have Lupines on these sassy sporty roady racers we use.

Have thus no problem with a directive law (ist where ist coming from I think )) which bring us into line with Europe und the laws which I grew up with anyway.

[zumbruk]

Don said:

Utter scaremongering. Cyclists should not be worried about being advised to use Cycle Lanes.

Quite. After all, they don't pay any attention to any other rules, why should they give a damn about this one?