Cycle Safety

There are a host of issues surrounding cycling for leisure and or transport in UK towns, cities and rural areas...we all recognise the benefits of cycling to the cyclist and the wider community but there are still significant barriers, not least fear so I'll deal with that first.

FEAR

A whole host of us will never cycle purely through fear, we are risk averse but that's a topic for another post... Cycling in London doesn't need to be nearly as threatening, as dangerous or as terrifying as it proves for many individuals.

The key to all these is, in my view, self-consciousness; by which I mean we do not wish to 'put out' other road users by taking up our rightful space in the road. This has resulted in a belief that segregation of road users; i.e. cycle paths is the solution, it's really not!

CYCLE PATHS KILL

The solution is for road users who are secure in their vehicles to make space, and allow time for slower moving and more vulnerable road users, i.e. pedestrians and cyclists.

SHARE THE SPACE

Now experience, and statistics appear to bear out my analysis, suggests that at present most motorists do not drive in a manner which makes sufficient allowance for vulnerable road users. Generally most motorists are not hardened criminals, and they're not looking to maim or murder those more vulnrable than themselves. What then is the cause?

COMPETENCE ?

How long is it since you took your driving test, how carefully do you check the for other road users before pulling away, if you've failed to see a cyclist who is responsible?

Suitable punishment for dangerous driving. Punish the crime not the result... i.e. punishment same regardless of cyclist killed or not. Confiscate license - add people to public transport...boost public coffers, increase numbers using public transport.

Cyclist responisbility:
Training
Insurance, personal and liability

Security

Facilities: bike storage, showering facilities