Is dangerous cycling a problem?

[Jimbo.GRFC]

All of this positivity and happiness is boring, what we need is a good old cycling debate.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/magazine-13040607

Personally I don't think the new law is needed, and I don't think it'll do anything to encourage sensible behaviour from the small minority of people on bikes who act stupidly and irresponsibly. However I do think it would be good to tackle this behaviour, as it only serves to endanger the idiot and other cyclists and cause stress and anger in other road/path users.

I have a massive problem with "inconsiderate" cyclists, especially the ones that run through red lights but my real bug-bear are the one's who don't use lights when cycling after dark. That I believe should be made a road traffic user offence. The amount of times of near misses in Church Road where they have no lights, or the dimmest little torch effect light is frightening. It means you have to avoid them at the last minute and they shout expletives at you. Lovely new bike lane costing fortunes from Grand Avenue to Old Shoreham Road and they still ride in the middle of the road...Rant over

 

[Stat Brother]

All correct Jim.
The problem with cycle lanes is that ALL cyclists can use them.

Caravans, learners, scooters et al are not allowed on motorways as it would be unsafe.
Personally, I've never used a cycle lane, for exactly the same reason.

I am a lot safer on the road, riding at the speeds I do, because I know if I make a mistake I am the one who will suffer.

 

[Gwylan]

I have a massive problem with "inconsiderate" cyclists, especially the ones that run through red lights but my real bug-bear are the one's who don't use lights when cycling after dark. That I believe should be made a road traffic user offence.

It is. I know someone who was fined for not having lights on his bike. This was in Oxford though, where the police have few motorists to go after.

 

[bhaexpress]

My problem with your 'pet hate', is how it effects me.
Sometimes it feels like I'm riding around with a target on my back.
We were riding 3 (oh yes three) abreast a while ago.
Yes we know we shouldn't have been but it was a dead straight, clear road, and we did 'wake up' and move into single file pretty quickly, but not before, we were over taken by a tooting gesticulating man, shouting, and swearing his head off.
The thing was it was 8am on a Sunday morning.
I can't help thinking if you're that angry then, you've got issues!



Last night me and a mate went out for a 20 mile sprint, coming down into Arundel from Crossbush, a fella drew level with me, (second wheel). He realised the descent backed right off and gave us the full road , at the next roundabout I backed off, waved and gave the fella a thank-you, thumbs up.
Hardly the actions of a TdF wannabe who thinks he owns the road, and deserves to be mowed down


Why were you in yelling distance to 76 year old former West Indian spin bowler? Show some respect.

Lance Armstrong then ! Cycling is clearly not my sport. The funny thing was that the horse rider also had a go. The cyclists who annoy me are the bicycle messengers in London and kids that ride on the pavement, however that's not a very high percentage. Where I live is a narrow lane that many cycle clubs use for weekend riding, I can understand why they do rather than using a main road though.