Safe Speed Forums

On the letters page - reader writes about his concerns over the changes to "two abreast"

Per Rule 51 - (equivalent of Drivers Rule 121 -124 - the "courtesy ones" as it stands - cyclists are told to show consideration for other road users - keep both feet on pedals, both hands on the bar (gear change/singal apart ), not to ride too close to another vehicle, not carry anything which will affect balance, or get tangled in wheels. pedals, chain , and to be vigilant of other road users

It also advises not to ride more than two abreast and to ride in single file on narrow and on busy roads

This is the rule as it stands at the moment.

The proopsed change? FIVE words!

ride in single file on narrow roads and on busy roads and when riding around bends

Cycling
3. Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD): If he will make a statement on his Department's strategy for (a) increasing cycling journey numbers and (b) reducing cycling injuries and deaths. [66803]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Transport (Derek Twigg): The Government set up Cycling England to plan and co-ordinate the development of cycling across the country. Cycling England is supporting local authorities by providing expert advice on the design and promotion of cycling and showcasing best practice in six towns. Measures to improve safety include recommending safety and visibility aids, publicity campaigns, promoting cycle training, and raising motorists' awareness through training and testing.

Jo Swinson: Many people are deeply concerned about the draft revised highway code and the effect that it will have on cyclists. If, as is proposed, it is changed to require cyclists to use cycling facilities, a cyclist involved in an accident with a vehicle might not be covered by the motorist's insurance company due to a contributory negligence claim. Will the Minister give us an assurance that the new highway code will not force cyclists off the road for fear of legal consequences?

Derek Twigg: The simple answer is that it will not.

Mr. David S. Borrow (South Ribble) (Lab): We want to encourage more cyclists to use our roads in urban areas, but I am sure that many hon. Members will have noticed the increasing propensity of cyclists to ignore traffic regulations. They often cycle straight through red traffic lights and over pedestrian crossings. What action is my hon. Friend's Department taking to increase the education of cyclists, and to enforce existing legislation?

Derek Twigg: We have set up Cycling England, which plays an important role in taking cycling forward, and we will see better cycling safety training and driver awareness. Significant extra sums have been invested, not least in providing safer routes to school to increase the safety of younger people.

Daniel Kawczynski (Shrewsbury and Atcham) (Con): In regard to the point raised by the hon. Member for South Ribble (Mr. Borrow), the House of Lords has recently discussed a proposal for vehicle registration for cycles to encourage cyclists to be more responsible on the roads. What is the Minister's view of that proposal?

Derek Twigg: The key issue is that cycling is a sustainable type of travel that is very good for people's fitness and health, and we want to encourage it. It is also important that we continue to press safety awareness issues and to make them clear to cyclists and motorists alike. Increased investment has been made in cycle training and in developing cycle training programmes, which will be important for improving safety on the roads for cyclists and motorists.

Lynne Jones (Birmingham, Selly Oak) (Lab): What about training for motorists? Instead of trying to confine cyclists to using specific cycling provision, which might be inadequate, will my hon. Friend consider the practice in continental Europe, where far more people cycle? One of my constituents, who comes from France, tells me that the French highway code places the onus on motorists to give cyclists plenty of space. Can we look to best practice in European countries and bring our cycling levels up to theirs?

Derek Twigg: Yes, we can clearly learn lessons from such best practice, and we will do so. The consultation on the highway safety code finishes on 10 May and we will listen to any suggestions and proposals made. I hope that, when the right hon. Member for Witney (Mr. Cameron) cycles anywhere, the Lexus carrying his socks and shoes is far enough behind him.

I have no problem with having to single out around bends; like others on here I'm always very aware that I might be in someone's way if I'm riding two abreast and I don't like it. How many car drivers know that cyclists often can't hear cars behind them?

I don't like the idea that we may be forced to use cycle paths though. I use a bike purely as a means of transport these days (my Audax days are sadly behind me now...I don't have the time any more ) and I don't have time to stop at fifteen factory entrances, deal with 28 recalcitrant pedestrians (and their dogs and/or imbecile children) and mend 103 punctures caused by broken glass. Besides, there are approximately no cycle paths on any of my four routes to work (not even the painted - on - the - roadside variety) and I get an adrenaline rush out of mixing with the "hard" traffic and riding as quick as I can anyway. I always wear a helmet and a high vis, and my lights are worth about £150 - after all, you've got to give yourself a chance.

There are some decent cycle paths around. Many areas have turned disused rail lines into landscaped paths and these can work out quite well for some people. Sadly - really decent paths are countable on one hand and the proposals are still advising to use if "practicable" and no MUST.

But delighted to read you wear a helmet and nothing at all wrong in riding on the road at all - so long as rules of road are obeyed. Safe cycling depends on communicating and negotiating with the other road users anyway.

Most behave decently. But the hard core 5% of ill-mannered t:censored:s -

well .... we do try to nab them.