SIGN THIS PETITION NOW!!!

Unknown · May 2007

Ok many of you may have signed the below petition, but theres no harm in putting out this link again, especially as it affects cyclists directly, we have a right to the roads at the moment, lets not make it a thing of the past....

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/

I got the one that looks like Twisted Sister....... DEATH BY STEREO!

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

Sorry but what is the revised highway code?

I wont just sign unless I know what it's all about.[}:)]

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

WyS · May 2007

isnt it making bikes stick to cycle lanes if they are there?

rothbook · May 2007

Draft letter to your MP re the HC changes:

I am writing to bring your attention to the recently proposed amendments to the Highway Code, in particular in reference to changes to the wording of rule 61. In the current edition of the Code, this reads:

47: Use cycle routes when practicable. They can make your journey safer.

The consultation proposed that this advice be extended to:

61: Use cycle routes and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings wherever practicable, as they can make your journey safer.

This is problematic, since of course there are cycle facilities which clearly do the reverse, i.e. make the journey less safe (for instance in my locality, Cherry Hinton High Street is an example of where this occurs). The advice, therefore, is wrong, and was objected to by many cyclists - who formed the vast majority of respondents to the consultation. This is acknowledged in the consultation report:

"The wording on the use of cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings - originally, the rule regarding these facilities stated "Use cycle routes where practicable. They can make your journey safer." New wording was inserted into the consultation document, which contained greater detail with regard to the use of cycle boxes and advanced stop lines where provided. This change was read by many to suggest that their use was mandatory. Many felt this was unfair and unsafe, as they considered the standard of cycle lanes in GB to be very poor and very dangerous, often filled with parked vehicles, debris, drain covers and pot holes.

A large number of respondents also felt that other road users believed cyclists were legally obliged to use these facilities at all times , and therefore expected cyclists to use them wherever available, rather than by free choice, dependent on conditions. This then raised the issue of liability if cyclists did not use the facilities and a road traffic incident occurred.

It was felt that other road users needed to be made aware that the choice to use these facilities remains with the cyclist, and there is no law forcing their use. The phrasing of the rule has therefore been amended to take this into account. The standard of cycle routes remains the responsibility of the relevant highway authorities and so falls outside the remit of The Highway Code."

It should be noted that the question of the standard of cycle facilities has been carefully avoided. However, it is surely wrong for such blanket advice to be given, when the poor standard of the vast majority of cycling "facilities" and the resulting issues of safety and convenience are considered.

However, the major problem is the wording now chosen. I remind you that the conclusion drawn above was that "It was felt that other road users needed to be made aware that the choice to use these facilities remains with the cyclist, and there is no law forcing their use. The phrasing of the rule has therefore been amended to take this into account".

Thus, the wording chosen is:

61: Use cycle routes and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings wherever possible, as they can make your journey safer.

The change from "practicable" to "possible" in the wording cannot be considered to meet the stated aim. It flies in the face of all sense. One can only conclude that the process has gone badly wrong if this is the result.

It is highly important that this error be corrected, as the right of the cyclist to make their own choice about the route is crucial. A cyclist capable of riding at 15-20mph would find a pavement cycle path entirely unsuitable, yet the Highway Code is if left unrevised, going to advise them to use it. I, for one, would perhaps double my time to commute to work if I was forced to take this advice at face value, and my safety would not be enhanced - if anything it would be reduced.

Faced with that, I would be forced to drive to work every day - adding to the already significant pollution and congestion that Cambridge attracts. I thus am asking you to raise this issue with the Transport Secretary, and that when the newly revised Highway Code is debated in the House of Commons that you will vote against approval whilst such a gross error remains.

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

They can't enforce the law now.I thought the new wording might be that you have to stop at red traffic lights.Probably one of the most important rules instead of total bollox.

Not worth worrying about IMHO.

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

dondare · May 2007

Rothbook:- good letter. Take out the specific references to Cherry Hinton (and I'd suggest the last remark about being forced to drive) and you've got one that everyone could use.
Hackbike, it is very worth worrying about. With the revised wording the aportionment of blame in the event of an accident and the level of compensation for injury would be unfavourable to a cyclist riding legally and correctly on the road. It would also increase the probability of cyclists being convicted of "Inconsiderate Cycling" and reduce the probability of such an injustice being overturned on appeal. It also promotes the myth that using cycling facilities is safer than using the road. Please sign the petition, and send an e-mail to you MP.

What's worse than raining cats and dogs?
Idiots who leap out into the road oblivious of their own safety and mine, flailing about with bags and umbrellas in the belief that buses won't stop at bus stops if there are people just waiting there.

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

It's more hype like a lot of petitions on here.It's crap.It wont stop me.I have to get to work without a car like I have been for the last twenty six years so ****em.I've never been nicked for not stopping at a red traffic signal.

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

dondare · May 2007

You are missing the point.
It won't stop you cycling, but it might affect the level of compensation you would get if you were involved in an accident that wasn't your fault, and could increase the chance of being convicted of inconsiderate cycling when you were riding legally on the road.

What's worse than raining cats and dogs?
Idiots who leap out into the road oblivious of their own safety and mine, flailing about with bags and umbrellas in the belief that buses won't stop at bus stops if there are people just waiting there.

mazcp · May 2007

I signed up to it some time ago...got a letter from my MP to acknowledge this and a follow-up letter from Steven Ladyman, Minister of State for Transport. OK, it was a standard letter that 'your views are under consideration', but I'd urge everyone to do the same, so that the level of opposition to the proposal is evident.

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

With the justice system in this country my compensation for getting knocked off or the worst happening by some total half wit on a mobile phone is likely to be œ500 so I try not to worry about it too much.On behalf of my fellow cyclists I will sign it.What a hero I am.

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

mazcp · May 2007

@Hackbike - well done, man.

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

Signed.[:)]

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

dondare · May 2007

Thanks.

What's worse than raining cats and dogs?
Idiots who leap out into the road oblivious of their own safety and mine, flailing about with bags and umbrellas in the belief that buses won't stop at bus stops if there are people just waiting there.

Hackbike 6 · May 2007

Christ it's got over 6000 signatures.[8D]

Hackbike 8 Commuting Debut 09/09/2006Dawes Audax 2006 New 20/09/2006 

 Cycle Commuting since 1981 

Cycling Proficiency Test 24 May 1977

 Bike 1 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i11.tinypic.com/4gpk6z9.jpg
Bike 2 Gran Canaria Nov 2006 http://i13.tinypic.com/2qxmcdy.jpg

dondare · May 2007

It's on page one.

This one has 23 signatures and they're not all from people who agree.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/cyclelanes/

What's worse than raining cats and dogs?
Idiots who leap out into the road oblivious of their own safety and mine, flailing about with bags and umbrellas in the belief that buses won't stop at bus stops if there are people just waiting there.

mazcp · May 2007

<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by dondare

It's on page one.

This one has 23 signatures and they're not all from people who agree.
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/cyclelanes/
<hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">
Tee hee!...there's a few bogus signatures on there! [8D]

Blonde · May 2007

Sad that the 'scrap speed cameras' and 'scrap congestion charges' petitions have thousands more signatories...

Colin Watts · May 2007

I thought that this could do with a bump up
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/

Colin

dondare · May 2007

We are making good progress, and might even overtake Mr. Blankety Blank.

http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/list/open?sort=signers

Baby elephants? Pah!!

Alcdrewcp · May 2007

Is it just me, or does this really make no sense,
<blockquote id="quote">quote:<hr height="1" noshade id="quote">Originally posted by rothbook
61: Use cycle routes and cycle facilities such as advanced stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings wherever practicable, as they can make your journey safer.

This is problematic, since of course there are cycle facilities which clearly do the reverse, i.e. make the journey less safe <hr height="1" noshade id="quote"></blockquote id="quote">

Surley it becomes impractible to use the said cycle facilities if it makes the journey less safe? therefore there is nothing to worry about?

dondare · May 2007

The proposal is to change "practicable" to "possible".

The Highway Code will be advising cyclists to use cycle paths (tracks, lanes &c.) wherever it is possible to do so, irrespective of any other factor.
The implications are very serious, which is why petitions must be signed and MPs lobbied.

It would also help a lot if cyclists behaved themselves and demonstrated that they do actually care what the HC says.

Baby elephants? Pah!!

Alcdrewcp · May 2007

Arr OK, then. Makes sense now. Just my litle brain not working very well.

And your comment on cyclist not behaving, probably is the reason that this chage was first thought up. As I don't see how any one can complain (I know they do) about a cyclist using the road in a proper and proficient manner.

mr_hippo · May 2007

"SIGN THIS PETITION NOW!!!" - I nmight if you ask nicely

http://bangkokhippo.blogspot.com/

Ex-XXL weigh-in 9/10 June: Update published: Monday 11 June

emu · May 2007

http://ctc.org.uk/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabID=4568

SIGN THIS PETITION NOW!!!

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