30mph cyclists "more alarming" than 50mph motorists says Dartmoor Speedwatch Group

Cyclists riding within the speed limit are “more alarming” than motorists exceeding it according to Dartmoor Speedwatch Group.

The Tavistock Times Gazette reports that volunteers monitoring excessive speed from the Postrbridge bus stop caught five out of 53 vehicles speeding in a 40mph zone, with one person driving at 50mph.

“What was perhaps more alarming were the cyclists who on average came past the bus stop at between 30 to 35mph,” said the group’s manager, Gregg Manning.

“With a rider weighing perhaps 12 stone travelling at 35mph, with the bike as well, the combined impact that would have on a pedestrian would cause serious injuries or even death.

“I really think it’s about time something was done about this group of people who seem to be invisible to the authorities but pose a very real danger on the road.”

Manning conceded that the cyclists were not doing anything illegal, “but when you watch them come through the village and over the narrow crossing point going as fast as they possibly can it is very dangerous if a pedestrian crosses.”

He added: “What is even worse is that unlike bikers who wear protective clothing, these riders wear the thinnest of material with lots of bare flesh. Bare flesh and tarmac do not mix.

“I am sure this will generate some reaction from the biking world but I really am only stating facts — I want to know how long it takes to stop a bike at that speed.”

Over to you, road.cc readers.