Much has been made of the Tax issue, but I dont really think that that is the main point he is trying to make. Far more important is his concern about the increacing numbers of "Born again cyclists" heading for the streets of London with no more training or tests of their competance than a quick flick through the owners manual.
I think there is a case for requiring would be cyclists to show that they have achieved a certain level of competence before being let loose on the sreets of busy cities. (The ability to give clear hand signals and perform shoulder checks without falling off, that sort of thing) as you do for using any other vehicle on the highway
"Born again Bikers" are considererd to be a high risk group, and that is even with training and certification, "Born again cyclists" are lethal to both themselves and those around them!
'Get trained up and pay up': Taxi firm boss sparks anger of cyclists by demanding they pay road tax
By Helen Collis - PUBLISHED: 10:36, 21 April 2012 | UPDATED: 11:04, 21 April 2012
The boss of one of Britain's biggest taxi firms has angered cyclists by claiming they are 'throwing themselves' onto London roads and need to 'get trained and pay up'.
John Griffin, chairman of Addison Lee, fears more beginner cyclists will be taking to the streets this summer and he believes they should pay for the privilege - as motorists do to drive their vehicles.
Writing in his company's magazine Add Lib, Mr Griffin said: 'Green Party candidates and others are up in arms about what they see as the murder of cyclists on London Roads,' adding this summer the 'roads will be thick with bicycles'.
John Griffin, chairman of Addison Lee taxi service, fears more beginner cyclists will be taking to London's streets this summer and believes they should pay for the privilege - as motorists do to drive their vehicles.
John Griffin, chairman of Addison Lee taxi service, fears more beginner cyclists will be taking to London's streets this summer and believes they should pay for the privilege - as motorists do to drive their vehicles.
'These cyclists are throwing themselves onto some of the most congested spaces in the world,' he wrote.
'They leap onto a vehicle which offers them no protection except a padded plastic hat.
'Should a motorist fail to observe a granny wobbling to avoid a pothole or rain drain, then he is guilty of failing to anticipate that this was somebody on her maiden voyage into the abyss.
Pro-cycling: Major of London Boris Johnson has introduced measures to encourage cycling in the city including the pay-as-you-go 'Boris Bikes'
Pro-cycling: Major of London Boris Johnson has introduced measures to encourage cycling in the city including the pay-as-you-go 'Boris Bikes'
'The fact is he just didn't see her and however cautious, caring or alert he is, the influx of beginner cyclists is going to lead to an overall increase in accidents involving cyclists.
Mr Griffin said motorists undergo extensive training and pay 'extortionate amounts' in taxes to drive so cyclists should 'get trained and pay up'.
Today, writing in the Huffington Post UK, he defended his views which have prompted Facebook cycling campaigners to organise a protest on Monday outside the firm's offices.
A spokesman for the London Cycling Campaign said the 'tone' of Mr Griffin's article was clear:
'My drivers and I are safe in our metal boxes; vulnerable people like cyclists don't deserve to be on our roads; and if cyclists get hurt it's their own fault.'
The spokesman added: 'Addison Lee already has a very poor reputation among cyclists, with its drivers being frequently accused of inconsiderate or dangerous behaviour on the road.
John Griffin (pictured), chairman of Addison Lee taxi firm, has angered cyclists by claiming they are 'throwing themselves' onto London roads and need to 'get trained and pay up'
'Now it appears from the article that Griffin is prepared to deliberately infest his whole company with anti-cyclist sentiment, putting the lives of Londoners at greater risk.'
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