Safe Speed Forums

The campaign for genuine road safety
It is currently Sun Jan 25, 2026 01:01

View unanswered posts | View active topics


Board index » Specific road user groups » Cycling

All times are UTC [ DST ]



Post new topic Reply to topic  Page 1 of 1
  [ 6 posts ] 
  Previous topic | Next topic 
Author Message
malcolmw
 Post subject: Cyclist Killed in Race
PostPosted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 16:14 
Offline
Gold Member
Gold Member
User avatar

Joined: Wed Dec 08, 2004 14:26
Posts: 4364
Location: Hampshire/Wiltshire Border
This is a report of an unfortunate incident where a cyclist was killed.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-21658277

Previously on here, I have questioned why cyclists are allowed to carry on racing on the public highway as it is clearly hazardous. I was informed that these events are not "races" but are "time trials". The BBC does not seem to make this distinction.

_________________
Malcolm W.
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not represent the views of Safespeed.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
ed_m
PostPosted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 17:54 
Offline
User
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2005 13:55
Posts: 2247
Location: middlish
I haven't followed this in detail but the term used by the bbc "road race" is a different thing from a time trial, being a group race more along the lines of what you'd see on tv from the big tours (and the description of a longer distance lapped course is consistent with this).

Almsot certainly with closed roads or rolling road closure with lead & tail vehicles, marshalled junctions & motorbike escort riders.... and of course all relevant permissions from highways, police, local authorities & governing body.

That he (tragically) died from an apparent head on implies either only one direction rolling road closure meaning they shouldn't be crossing the centre line (strictly enforced by the marshalls) or a vehicle has strayed onto the course.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
theboxers
PostPosted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 18:09 
Offline
User

Joined: Thu Jan 11, 2007 02:25
Posts: 331
I am sad that this has happened.

It appears that this was a road race (group) not a time trial (individual) from what it says on the web site for this event. I found a video of last years event http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kaLegsDoCPw&feature=youtu.be. The roads do not appear to be closed.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
ed_m
PostPosted: Mon Mar 04, 2013 20:50 
Offline
User
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2005 13:55
Posts: 2247
Location: middlish
From the race prog:

Quote:
NEG Motorcycle Marshals will be present on the race to assist in the safe passage of the race. The NEG will when safe to do
so alert other road users to the presence of the race. Riders are reminded that they have an obligation to look after their own
safety and obey the Highway Code. The presence of NEG Marshals does not imply that the road is closed and riders should
be aware of oncoming and passing traf?c and stay to the left lane of the carriageway unless otherwise instructed.
NEG Marshals will make use of whistles, horns and ?ags to warn of danger or their presence. Riders should be particularly
observant at these times. Riders should allow passage of NEG Motorcycles wherever possible and obey instructions and
directions of both Static and Motorcycle Marshals.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
Big Tone
PostPosted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:36 
Offline
Gold Member
Gold Member
User avatar

Joined: Mon Mar 26, 2007 16:34
Posts: 4923
Location: Somewhere between a rock and a hard place
My heart sinks whenever I hear of these things. As I have said before, I've stopped cycling to work because the roads by me are now so busy with motorists acting like blithering, selfish and distracted idiots.

We don't know who was at fault yet of course, so we must be careful not to automatically jump on the motorist. That said, and at the risk of sounding like Weepej, when you're in command of a half ton 'tank' you should always be aware of your surroundings and very cautious. I hope this driver was and that his conscience is clear.

Such a tragic loss of a young life :(

_________________
The views expressed in this post are personal opinions and do not necessarily represent the views of Safe Speed.
You will be branded a threat to society by going over a speed limit where it is safe to do so, and suffer the consequences of your actions in a way criminals do not, more so than someone who is a real threat to our society.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
ed_m
PostPosted: Tue Mar 05, 2013 10:56 
Offline
User
User avatar

Joined: Wed Mar 30, 2005 13:55
Posts: 2247
Location: middlish
It doesn't sound like the driver was at fault from the little I've read.

That video seems to match up with the race programme...... a whole load of marshalls & motorbike escorts... lead & tail cars... road partially closed or in one direction.

Seems a risk assesment nightmare to me, and even common sense has my risk sensor getting fidgety.

Also seen the statement from British Cycling that they are conducting their own investigation alongside the police.
There was a report a while ago of police forcing a similar event to be cancelled part way through as riders were not sticking to their side of the road despite repeated warning from the commissaire (sp?).
Seems they may need to tighten things up a little.
Top
 Profile Send private message  
 
Display posts from previous:  Sort by  
Post new topic Reply to topic  Page 1 of 1
  [ 6 posts ] 

Board index » Specific road user groups » Cycling

All times are UTC [ DST ]

Who is online

Users browsing this forum: No registered users and 33 guests

You cannot post new topics in this forum
You cannot reply to topics in this forum
You cannot edit your posts in this forum
You cannot delete your posts in this forum
You can post attachments in this forum

Search for:
Jump to:  
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group
[ Time : 0.019s | 10 Queries | GZIP : Off ]