MPS Cycle Task Force (bicycle advance boxes/ASL)
emes
Posts: 5
For those of you who took an interest in my recent post regarding bicycle advance boxes/ASL, the article copied at the foot of this post from http://www.bikehub.co.uk as well as Rule 178 of the Highway code http://www.directgov.co.uk may be useful.
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070332
178
Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)]
Although the Highway Code is not necessarily always enforceable by law or actively policed, referring specifically to rule 178 [Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)], above, according to Bikehub, the MPS Cycle Task Force has recently recruited a small unit aimed at traffic enforcement and cycle safety in London.
While this does not single out motorists, bus drivers or bikers in favour of cyclists as all transgressions (including cyclists ignoring red traffic lights) should, theoretically, be targeted it does mean that cyclists may now have some backing to support the much debated argument that vehicles and motorbikes rolling into advance boxes unnecessarily or by choice (when the traffic lights are against them) should be deterred and penalised in the same manner as they would be when crossing the solid white line at intersections where bicycle advance boxes do not exist or when stopping in box junctions.
As not only a cyclist but also a holder of a driving licence I believe that bicycle advance boxes are and should be exclusively for cyclists (unless it is unavoidable for a vehicle or motorbike to be in the box because of the genuine inability to stop as the traffic light changes to amber before going red or as a result of waiting to turn once the split signal has changed to green).
In my opinion the time-saving, if any, that a vehicle or motorbike gains is pointless when the safety of cyclists is at stake. However, I do feel that the animosity demonstrated by some pedestrians is warranted when cyclists behave discourteously by cycling on pavements and equally that ignoring traffic signals removes any credibility we have as a unit when we argue that other road users wrongly view cyclists in a poor light and in this instance fight for the enforcement of a rule that is as beneficial as it is sensible for the group of road users it was created for .
If like me you feel strongly about this please consider emailing your MP should this newly launched public service not deliver the desired result.
Thanks
http://www.bikehub.co.uk/news/bike-to-work/london-gets-more-bike-police/
London gets more bike police
29/09/2010 Bike to Work
Extra officers have joined the Metropolitan Police Service (Cycle Task Force to help improve cycle safety and to crackdown on road users who disobey the rules of the road.
10 more officers have joined the Cycle Task Force just three months since the team was introduced.
The MPS Cycle Task Force is part of the Safer Transport Command and is funded by Transport for London. It was introduced to tackle cycle theft and vandalism in the Capital. From this month, the original team, which tackles cycle theft, is being joined by a new unit, which will focus on traffic enforcement and cycle safety in London.
Since its launch in June this year, the MPS Cycle Task Force team, which tackles the problem of stolen and vandalised bikes in London, has already cycle security marked nearly 5,000 bikes, made nearly 20 arrests for bike theft and reunited some Londoners with their stolen bikes.
Ten extra specialist traffic police officers, who recently swapped their police cars for bikes, have now joined the MPS Cycle Task Force to help promote cycle safety and to crackdown on drivers – and cyclists – who break the rules of the road. The unit ran a six week long operation this summer to target road users who disobeyed traffic signals, encroached on advance stop lines, cycled carelessly or on pavements, or used their mobile phones on the two pilot Barclays Cycle Superhighways.
The operation resulted in:
More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists;
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists;
Around 300 people attended an Exchanging Places safety education course to encourage considerate and safe behaviour from all road users and to promote sharing the road safely;
106 cyclists who were given FPNs for less serious offences were given the option to have their ticket cancelled if they attended an Exchanging Places safety education course. Fifty per cent of those offered the opportunity attended and had their ticket revoked;
More than 20 arrests made for a variety of offences, including for bike theft and driving while disqualified to do so.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Transport Advisor, said: “The Cycle Task Force is a fundamental part of the cycling revolution the Mayor has delivered in London and has proven to be hugely effective. This task force, through both education and enforcement, has already helped thousands of London’s cyclists, by catching bike thieves, security marking bicycles and reuniting people with heir stolen bikes. The real success of this team is that it is helping both cyclists and those Londoners who do not cycle by ensuring that there is better behaviour on our streets by all road users.
“However there is always more that can be done to make London the best cycling city in the world and these additional officers should reassure everyone who cycles in the Capital that making London safe and secure remains our focus.”
Commander Mark Gore, Safer Transport Command, said: “The Safer Transport Command welcomes these officers into the Cycle Task Force as we move a step closer to realising the Mayor’s vision of a cycling revolution.
“While the vast majority of cyclists and motorists behave with care around London, a visible police presence helps all road users, including cyclists, to use the road responsibly. The MPS Cycle Task Force will continue to organise targeted operations to tackle bike theft and vandalism, as well as encourage considerate, safe and lawful behaviour from all road users.”
Steve Burton, TfL’s Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing, said: “London is a fantastic city to get around on two wheels. However people can sometimes be put off by other road users or the fear of getting their bike stolen, and we are determined to put a stop to this.
“The MPS Cycle Task Force has done a cracking job to tackle bike theft since it was launched and these additional officers will strengthen the excellent work done to date.”[/b]
http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/TravelAndTransport/Highwaycode/DG_070332
178
Advanced stop lines. Some signal-controlled junctions have advanced stop lines to allow cycles to be positioned ahead of other traffic. Motorists, including motorcyclists, MUST stop at the first white line reached if the lights are amber or red and should avoid blocking the way or encroaching on the marked area at other times, e.g. if the junction ahead is blocked. If your vehicle has proceeded over the first white line at the time that the signal goes red, you MUST stop at the second white line, even if your vehicle is in the marked area. Allow cyclists time and space to move off when the green signal shows.
[Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)]
Although the Highway Code is not necessarily always enforceable by law or actively policed, referring specifically to rule 178 [Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD regs 10, 36(1) & 43(2)], above, according to Bikehub, the MPS Cycle Task Force has recently recruited a small unit aimed at traffic enforcement and cycle safety in London.
While this does not single out motorists, bus drivers or bikers in favour of cyclists as all transgressions (including cyclists ignoring red traffic lights) should, theoretically, be targeted it does mean that cyclists may now have some backing to support the much debated argument that vehicles and motorbikes rolling into advance boxes unnecessarily or by choice (when the traffic lights are against them) should be deterred and penalised in the same manner as they would be when crossing the solid white line at intersections where bicycle advance boxes do not exist or when stopping in box junctions.
As not only a cyclist but also a holder of a driving licence I believe that bicycle advance boxes are and should be exclusively for cyclists (unless it is unavoidable for a vehicle or motorbike to be in the box because of the genuine inability to stop as the traffic light changes to amber before going red or as a result of waiting to turn once the split signal has changed to green).
In my opinion the time-saving, if any, that a vehicle or motorbike gains is pointless when the safety of cyclists is at stake. However, I do feel that the animosity demonstrated by some pedestrians is warranted when cyclists behave discourteously by cycling on pavements and equally that ignoring traffic signals removes any credibility we have as a unit when we argue that other road users wrongly view cyclists in a poor light and in this instance fight for the enforcement of a rule that is as beneficial as it is sensible for the group of road users it was created for .
If like me you feel strongly about this please consider emailing your MP should this newly launched public service not deliver the desired result.
Thanks
http://www.bikehub.co.uk/news/bike-to-work/london-gets-more-bike-police/
London gets more bike police
29/09/2010 Bike to Work
Extra officers have joined the Metropolitan Police Service (Cycle Task Force to help improve cycle safety and to crackdown on road users who disobey the rules of the road.
10 more officers have joined the Cycle Task Force just three months since the team was introduced.
The MPS Cycle Task Force is part of the Safer Transport Command and is funded by Transport for London. It was introduced to tackle cycle theft and vandalism in the Capital. From this month, the original team, which tackles cycle theft, is being joined by a new unit, which will focus on traffic enforcement and cycle safety in London.
Since its launch in June this year, the MPS Cycle Task Force team, which tackles the problem of stolen and vandalised bikes in London, has already cycle security marked nearly 5,000 bikes, made nearly 20 arrests for bike theft and reunited some Londoners with their stolen bikes.
Ten extra specialist traffic police officers, who recently swapped their police cars for bikes, have now joined the MPS Cycle Task Force to help promote cycle safety and to crackdown on drivers – and cyclists – who break the rules of the road. The unit ran a six week long operation this summer to target road users who disobeyed traffic signals, encroached on advance stop lines, cycled carelessly or on pavements, or used their mobile phones on the two pilot Barclays Cycle Superhighways.
The operation resulted in:
More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists;
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists;
Around 300 people attended an Exchanging Places safety education course to encourage considerate and safe behaviour from all road users and to promote sharing the road safely;
106 cyclists who were given FPNs for less serious offences were given the option to have their ticket cancelled if they attended an Exchanging Places safety education course. Fifty per cent of those offered the opportunity attended and had their ticket revoked;
More than 20 arrests made for a variety of offences, including for bike theft and driving while disqualified to do so.
Kulveer Ranger, the Mayor of London’s Transport Advisor, said: “The Cycle Task Force is a fundamental part of the cycling revolution the Mayor has delivered in London and has proven to be hugely effective. This task force, through both education and enforcement, has already helped thousands of London’s cyclists, by catching bike thieves, security marking bicycles and reuniting people with heir stolen bikes. The real success of this team is that it is helping both cyclists and those Londoners who do not cycle by ensuring that there is better behaviour on our streets by all road users.
“However there is always more that can be done to make London the best cycling city in the world and these additional officers should reassure everyone who cycles in the Capital that making London safe and secure remains our focus.”
Commander Mark Gore, Safer Transport Command, said: “The Safer Transport Command welcomes these officers into the Cycle Task Force as we move a step closer to realising the Mayor’s vision of a cycling revolution.
“While the vast majority of cyclists and motorists behave with care around London, a visible police presence helps all road users, including cyclists, to use the road responsibly. The MPS Cycle Task Force will continue to organise targeted operations to tackle bike theft and vandalism, as well as encourage considerate, safe and lawful behaviour from all road users.”
Steve Burton, TfL’s Director of Community Safety, Enforcement and Policing, said: “London is a fantastic city to get around on two wheels. However people can sometimes be put off by other road users or the fear of getting their bike stolen, and we are determined to put a stop to this.
“The MPS Cycle Task Force has done a cracking job to tackle bike theft since it was launched and these additional officers will strengthen the excellent work done to date.”[/b]
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Comments
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More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.0 -
Any information on how many tickets have been handed out so far to motorists in ASL's?
I think between April 2009 and April 2010, none where issued in greater london.0 -
I doubt the information exists at all, the FPN would show the same offence as running a red light unless the they have a seperate internal offence logging code for ASL's.
SimonCurrently riding a Whyte T130C, X0 drivetrain, Magura Trail brakes converted to mixed wheel size (homebuilt wheels) with 140mm Fox 34 Rhythm and RP23 suspension. 12.2Kg.0 -
Not sure what the relevance of the title is to the posting. There is no offence for entering an ASL area and the offence of passing the first stop line is mitigated if you stop at the second.
The ratio of tickets given to cyclists when compared to the number given to motorists would seem to support the generally held perception that cyclists are, in the main, a lawless bunch.
Bob0 -
mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
That's exactly what I've always said and this just backs it up. There are frequently crack downs on cyclists in the City (London) but I never see any such crack downs on cr@p driving....Do not write below this line. Office use only.0 -
Headhuunter wrote:mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
That's exactly what I've always said and this just backs it up. There are frequently crack downs on cyclists in the City (London) but I never see any such crack downs on cr@p driving....
Its easier to pull over cyclists than cars for minor infringements...0 -
beverick wrote:The ratio of tickets given to cyclists when compared to the number given to motorists would seem to support the generally held perception that cyclists are, in the main, a lawless bunch.
Presumably we mostly regulate roads to keep people safe. Cyclists are involved in (although not necessarily to blame for) 0.5% of accidents that lead to serious injury of a pedestrian. Figures are slightly higher for other cyclists (1.6%), but much much lower for car occupants.
Enforcement, IMO, should reflect the reality that cars and other motorised vehicles are dangerous in a way that bikes are not.0 -
notsoblue wrote:Headhuunter wrote:mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
That's exactly what I've always said and this just backs it up. There are frequently crack downs on cyclists in the City (London) but I never see any such crack downs on cr@p driving....
Its easier to pull over cyclists than cars for minor infringements...
Exactly so as I said on another thread a week or 2 ago, cyclists are soft, revenue generating targets. In fact a PCSO said to me a few weeks ago when I asked why they didn't stop motorists in ASLs or when they RLJ, she basically said that it's too difficult. Great so stop and fine cyclists, one of the least dangerous vehicles on the road instead!Do not write below this line. Office use only.0 -
mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
Have you seen how many cyclists go straight through red lights? It's like tying a large flag to you in dayglo saying FINE ME!!
Perhaps its because they are so blatantly breaking the law?1997 Gary Fisher Big Sur
2009 Scott Spark 60
2010 Ghost 5000
2011 Commencal Ramones AL1
2012 Commencal Meta AM10 -
Pufftmw wrote:mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
Have you seen how many cyclists go straight through red lights? It's like tying a large flag to you in dayglo saying FINE ME!!
Perhaps its because they are so blatantly breaking the law?
Eeerm, you ever seen a car jump a red? They're usually speeding and that is a far bigger flag in my opinion, usually by around 400kg0 -
Cars do jump lights but not as blatantly as a lot of cyclists - as in you can be at the head of a peloton and stop at lights and then 10 more cyclists pile on through :shock:
They do it with a flagrant disregard for the law and their own safety (and of others). If you go round sticking a finger up at the law, expect to get nicked - bikes or cars.1997 Gary Fisher Big Sur
2009 Scott Spark 60
2010 Ghost 5000
2011 Commencal Ramones AL1
2012 Commencal Meta AM10 -
ride_whenever wrote:Pufftmw wrote:mybreakfastconsisted wrote:More than 900 Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN) of up to £60 issued to drivers and motorcyclists.
Over 400 FPNs of up to £60 issued to cyclists.
There are seven times as many private car journeys in London than bike journeys.
So it looks as though the commuters least likely to kill or injure anyone are the ones disproportionately targetted by the cops.
Have you seen how many cyclists go straight through red lights? It's like tying a large flag to you in dayglo saying FINE ME!!
Perhaps its because they are so blatantly breaking the law?
Eeerm, you ever seen a car jump a red? They're usually speeding and that is a far bigger flag in my opinion, usually by around 400kg
By 400kg? A car weighs about 2 tonnes, a cyclist, possibly 100kg at a push.... The difference is more like 1900kg! Enough to do a fair bit more damage...Do not write below this line. Office use only.0 -
i was thinking a small car weighing like 1/2 a tonne, but you make a point, it's more like 2 tonnes.0
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ride_whenever wrote:i was thinking a small car weighing like 1/2 a tonne, but you make a point, it's more like 2 tonnes.
It would have to be a very small car to weigh half a metric tonne! Or are you thinking an imperial ton?Do not write below this line. Office use only.0 -
beverick wrote:Not sure what the relevance of the title is to the posting. There is no offence for entering an ASL area and the offence of passing the first stop line is mitigated if you stop at the second.
The ratio of tickets given to cyclists when compared to the number given to motorists would seem to support the generally held perception that cyclists are, in the main, a lawless bunch.
Bob
The article states:
Ten extra specialist traffic police officers, who recently swapped their police cars for bikes, have now joined the MPS Cycle Task Force to help promote cycle safety and to crackdown on drivers – and cyclists – who break the rules of the road. The unit ran a six week long operation this summer to target road users who disobeyed traffic signals, encroached on advance stop lines, cycled carelessly or on pavements, or used their mobile phones on the two pilot Barclays Cycle Superhighways.0 -
emes wrote:beverick wrote:Not sure what the relevance of the title is to the posting. There is no offence for entering an ASL area and the offence of passing the first stop line is mitigated if you stop at the second.
The ratio of tickets given to cyclists when compared to the number given to motorists would seem to support the generally held perception that cyclists are, in the main, a lawless bunch.
Bob
The article states:
Ten extra specialist traffic police officers, who recently swapped their police cars for bikes, have now joined the MPS Cycle Task Force to help promote cycle safety and to crackdown on drivers – and cyclists – who break the rules of the road. The unit ran a six week long operation this summer to target road users who disobeyed traffic signals, encroached on advance stop lines, cycled carelessly or on pavements, or used their mobile phones on the two pilot Barclays Cycle Superhighways.
I'll believe it when I see it.... So far the City Police has made no bones about the fact that "community meetings" (AKA meetings with people who have time to attend community meetings and not a cross section of the population in the City) have indicated that people want a crack down on cyclists...Do not write below this line. Office use only.0
