A petition calling for cyclists to be banned from cycling on the Isle of Man’s Mountain Road has around 200 signatures, that after the island’s self-styled “feel-good radio station” shared the campaign online.
The petition was set up last week but signatures have spiked, admittedly to a still quite insignificant number, since 3 FM shared news of the campaign this morning.
It concerns the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road, a fast-moving 13-mile-long A-road connecting Ramsey and Douglas, which is also part of the famous Isle of Man TT and ascends to an elevation of 400m above sea level via a sustained climb.
At the time of writing the ‘Ban cyclists from the Mountain Road in Isle of Man’ had around 200 signatures, the creator claiming cycling on the road is “very dangerous” due to the “high-speeds” of other road users and that cyclists should take alternative routes “without interfering with primary traffic”. It states:
Cycling on the Mountain Road in the Isle of Man is very dangerous. Having lived in Douglas for years travelling between Douglas and Ramsey. I’ve witnessed the issues first-hand. This road, known for its scenic but winding path, is a hotbed for accidents due to its high-speeds and rapidly changing weather conditions that impair visibility. When cyclists use this road, the risk factors multiply, leading to serious safety concerns for both the cyclists and motorists alike.
Most users of the Mountain Road are drivers who already have to navigate the frequent bends and unpredictable conditions. The addition of cyclists not only causes a backlog of traffic but also increases the risk of road traffic collisions. With poor visibility, drivers are often unable to see cyclists in time, leading to near misses and, unfortunately, some tragic outcomes.
Data suggests that roads like the Mountain Road, characterised by limited sightlines and heavy vehicular use, are ill-suited for cycling. A study by the Transportation Research Board found that roads with speed limits over 50 mph (the Mountain Road allows unlimited speeds) are not ideal for cyclists, citing increased collision risks due to speed discrepancies between vehicles and bikes.
The scenic allure of the Mountain Road to cyclists is undeniable, yet the reality is that safety must take precedence over aesthetic enjoyment. Alternative routes exist that cater to cycling enthusiasts via the coast road, offering both safety and scenery without interfering with primary traffic.
By signing this petition, you are advocating for a safer Mountian Road (sic.) for everyone. Encourage the local authorities to enforce a ban on cyclists using this perilous route to protect lives and ensure smooth traffic flow on this crucial stretch of roadway. Support this initiative to make the Mountain Road safer for all road users.
The local radio station 3 FM said the petition had just 25 signatures when it shared the campaign online this morning, that number up into the hundreds since.
Somewhat less controversially, cyclists are not allowed to use the route during TT season, other vehicles using the road during the fortnight also limited in that they are only permitted to travel in the direction of the course.
Back in 2023, our most-read story of recent times concerned a cyclist from Yorkshire who was visiting the island on a three-day cycling trip. The rider was climbing the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road between Ramsey and Douglas when he was stopped by officers who were dispatched to check on his welfare, after several drivers reported that they had nearly struck the cyclist due to the apparent poor visibility and adverse conditions on the road.
The cyclist, who was riding in foggy conditions, says he was stopped by police three times and ordered to “put my bike in the van as it was too dangerous”, following the complaints from motorists on the climb.
Chris Glencorse said: “Unbelievably the Isle of Man Police thought it was appropriate to stop me three times while cycling over the mountain, the last time to tell me to put the bike in the van because of complaints by car drivers. That’s not how the Highway Code works. I didn’t get in the van.”
A spokesperson for the Isle of Man Constabulary told road.cc that the officers simply “offered to transport the cyclist and his bicycle to Douglas to ensure he arrived safely” and that the incident was a “timely reminder to all motorists that cyclists frequently use the A18 Mountain Road” and to “ensure that you drive/cycle to the conditions and arrive at your destination safely”.
46 thoughts on “Isle of Man’s “feel-good radio station” shares bizarre petition demanding cyclists are banned from Mountain Road because “they cause a backlog of traffic” and “increase risk of collisions””
IIRC, the Isle of Man doesn’t
IIRC, the Isle of Man doesn’t have speed limits on many of its roads. I presume that the A18 Snaefell Mountain Road is one of these? In which case, there does seem to be an obvious step to make the roads safer (other than by banning cyclists from legally using the highway…).
But that doesn’t remove the
But that doesn’t remove the requirement for all road users to be able to stop within the distance they can see to be clear, and anything beyond that is surely dangerous.
100%
100%
Any driver complaining about cyclists is openly admitting that they themselves should not be driving.
They are but we all know that
They are but we all know that anything short of “yeah, I hit him because I really fucking hate cyclists” is acceptable mitigation when you hit a cyclist. Sun was in my eyes. I couldn’t see if it was clear. I didn’t see them. I had to move to avoid hitting another car. All of these things are an admission that you are an incompetant and dangerous driver and shouldn’t be on the roads. All of these things are entirely reasonable as a defence in the eyes of the law.
Obviously with the usual additions of “I haven’t killed anyone previously” and “all my mates will tell you i’m a good bloke” and finished off with “and my client needs to drive for his job so his convenience obviously takes priority over the safety of others on our roads”.
EK Spinner wrote:
Agreed and I’m.from the Isle
EK Spinner wrote:
When I first saw the headline I assumed the story was going to be motorists in the huff that they were stuck behind slow cyclists on the uphill section. Maybe some do object to that, but for some reason or another think that “I want to be able to drive recklessly” is a more acceptable argument.
If it were the former, then investing in a separated cycle lane for the uphill bits would be the most obvious solution.
Yes and, as a tax haven,
Yes and, as a tax haven, there must be enough money in the coffers to do so.
However it won’t prevent the idiotic boy racer, who lacks the nous to drive rapidly yet safely to the conditions, from driving over any kerb or even flipping the car. And drivers then complaining that such kerbs are dangerous if they happen to hit them in poor weather conditions 🤦♂️
brooksby wrote:
Thanks someone who has done their homework
Are you suggesting that the
Are you suggesting that the hallowed motorist should drive to the conditions or that rules should be put in place to take that decision making away from them. I say, highly irregular!
If they are so concerned for
If they are so concerned for cyclists safety then why not put Give cyclists 1.5m every couple of miles along the route as a reminder?
I wonder how many
I wonder how many motorcyclists have lost their lives in the last 50 or so years on the roads the IoM? Should there be a campaign to remove them from roads where they can ride at 150mph+ endangering themselves and other road users?
Didnt think so.
Smoggysteve wrote:
It’s a sport the TT and the roads are closed to the public at the times of the races.
Please remember we are NOT the UK and how many of you complaining have ever visited?
If you don’t like the laws vote with your wallet. I do concerning London you couldn’t pay me to visit anymore
I’ve visited. It is a lovely
I’ve visited. It is a lovely island. Perfect for a cycling holiday.
It has a proud tradition of cycling, raising the likes of Mark Cavendish and Peter Kennaugh. I wonder if they would have succeeded if they had been banned from the mountain roads.
And I am having a go at crap, inconsiderate, selfish drivers in general, not just those in the IOM. Believe me, there are plenty in the UK.
So you’re saying that when
So you’re saying that when they’re not doing the TT racing which I am very aware but as I’ve been to watch it many times, there is never ever any motorcyclists flying around at breakneck speeds ?
And there are parts in the program where non competitive riders can use the course. Over 200 people have died who were not doing the official TT racing.
The point is, there are far far more dangerous activities on the roads around the IoM and pedal cyclists are yet again seen as the problem over everything else.
So you’re saying that when
.
On a different note, your
On a different note, your username contains the Cornish word for Cornwall. Have you always lived on the IoM, or immigrated more recently?
NB not picking a fight, just that I am a proud Cornishman!
IIRC fro his posts he does
IIRC from his posts he does live in Cornwall so not quite sure why he thanks God that he is a citizen of the Isle of Man, a status that doesn’t actually exist…
Quite sensible to ban all
Quite sensible to ban all cyclists from the mountain road. Not just because of the high speed of cars, but some of the drivers could be drunk , have bad eyesight, be texting, or masturbating to a photo of Margaret Thatcher / Liz Truss / Nigel Farage (presumably visitors from the UK indulging in the latter activity).
Cyclists should start a petition requesting that all self-important motorists fuck off.
Mr Blackbird wrote:
Islanders aren’t that bad
You are part of the UK 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
You are part of the UK 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣
Geordiepeddeler wrote:
I thought the Isle of Man was a Crown Dependency and NOT part of the UK? (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crown_Dependencies)
Yes, but I am a cyclist and a
I assume that you mean that I am from the uk. Yes, but I am a cyclist and a safe, considerate driver. I don’t find any of those politicians attractive (surprising I know).
“feel-good radio station”
“feel-good radio station” Are you sure? They seem to be a bunch of miserable f-wits to be honest. Are they so desperate for clicks that they featured this despicable petition without making fun of it and laughing out loud?
The petition itself is misinformed to the point of wilful misunderstanding “Cycling on the Mountain Road in the Isle of Man is very dangerous.” No, cycling is incredibly safe, driving a car is dangerous.
“This road, known for its scenic but winding path, is a hotbed for accidents due to its high-speeds and rapidly changing weather conditions that impair visibility.” A hotbed of collisions and incidents solely because drivers are incompetent, the answer being to make the drivers slow down, not to ban perfectly safe cyclists.
“With poor visibility, drivers are often unable to see cyclists in time…….” Then they’re driving too fast.
“Data suggests that roads like the Mountain Road, characterised by limited sightlines and heavy vehicular use, are ill-suited for cycling.” No, it’s fine for cycling, it is ill-suited to fast, incompetent drivers.
This has to be peak motonormativity: ban the victims of incompetent drivers, not the incompetent drivers.
eburtthebike wrote:
I was born on the Isle of Man and hold Manx citizenship thank God. Please try and control your language, The Isle of Man is not British and we have our own laws and the problem is cyclists who visit on holidays.
I wonder have you ever visited our Isle? Do you know how the island works?
If you don’t like our laws simply do come it’s that simple! Use your wallet and don’t spend there.
I find the people of the UK live to be critical of our strict laws and our tax system., Whereas people on the Isle don’t bother about the UK as we are different countries
Stephankernow wrote:
The Isle of Man is not British and we have our own laws and the problem is cyclists who visit on holidays.— Stephankernow
Strict laws? The laws that don’t control dangerous behaviour from drivers don’t seem all that strict to me, so which ones were you refering to, and why don’t your “strict laws” control the dangerous behaviour of drivers?
As I’ve pointed out, it isn’t the cyclists causing the problem, it’s incompetent drivers, who you seem to want to defend: why?
You are still part of the
You are still part of the United Kingdom so stop with the “We’re not part of you”rhetoric.
Not correct. We are not part
Not correct. We are not part of the UK, but part of the British Isles.
Stephankernow wrote:
There’s such a thing as Manx citizenship?
Thinking of applying? Sure
Thinking of applying? Sure your tail is short enough?
chrisonabike wrote:
Seems like they don’t like the length of red squirrel tails either: https://www.manxforums.com/topic/78988-red-squirrels/
chrisonabike wrote:
Judging from Stephankernow, it isn’t tails they’re short of, it’s brains.
mark1a wrote:
Nope – they are entitled to British citizenship and can obtain a full UK British passport or British Isle of Man passport
Stephankernow wrote:
There is no such thing as Manx citizenship. Although the Isle of Man is not part of the United Kingdom its citizens are British citizens.
A bunch of weird inbred
A bunch of weird inbred miserable f-wits*
Would that be Man, the other
Would that be the inhabitants of Man, the other British Isles, cyclists in general or the commentors on this forum?
So tell me, why, if you claim
So tell me, why, if you claim to have been born on the IoM, do you have Cornwall as part of your username?
Kernow vo Kernowek!
I believe they reside there.
I believe they reside there. Presumably they’re able to drive under their celtic nations driving licence…
Ban cars in Douglas because
Ban cars in Douglas because they get in the way of cyclists, also they are a danger to cyclists and pedestrians.
This happened to my wife and
This happened to my wife and I a few years ago….cycling up the mountain road out of Douglas we were stopped by the police who strongly recommended we turn back. They were friendly enough but it still left a bad taste in the mouth. I’ve had a couple of cycling holidays there and apart from that experience it’s been great. Lots of fantastic roads with quieter mountain roads in the south and centre too.
Ironically, I was considering
Ironically, I was considering the Isle of Man for a driving tour soon. I was told to avoid it by a friend who’d visited due to the utter nutjobs that live and drive there, he said it was dangerous.
This has confirmed that my decision to take his advice was correct.
As a cyclist, pedestrian,
As a cyclist, pedestrian, motorcyclist and car/van driver on the Island for over 40 years, I have witnessed a gradual increase in the lack of tolerance shown by vehicle users towards other, perfectly legitimate, road users. Like the rest of Britain, there seems to be a growing minority of loud, angry motorists that swallow all the anti-cycling propaganda they see on social media and use it as an excuse to legitimise their desire to use the roads as their own personal racetrack. The mountain road is a great piece of tarmac for a driver, fast open bends etc. and, with there being no upper speed limit, it is one of the few places left in the world where the limit of a vehicles performance can be explored. BUT, it is still a public highway and available for use by any legitimate road user, be that pedestrians, cyclists or vehicle drivers. This also means that it’s use is governed by the Highway Code which is designed to make highways safe for all those that use it. I suspect that Mr Lee Smith, the person that started the petition, has no real interest in the safety of other road users, and is just another boy racer that wants to live out his playstation fantasies on the roads. If he, or any of the others that have signed the petition were genuinely concerned with road safety, then perhaps they would support one that called for a 60mph speed limit on the Islands roads? Surely that would be a far more reasonable way to ensure peoples safety?
I have to say that I am also hugely disappointed at the lack of any sort of response or proper guidance from the Islands Police force or highways authority with regards to correct use of the highway. Over the last 30 or 40 years there has been a marked decline in the policing of the Islands roads and driving standards, and this seems to have a direct correlation to the amount of intolerant and entitled vehicle users that are trying to change the way the roads are used by everyone so that it suits their own immature way of using them.
The real solution, as it is to many problems, is tolerance. When the guidelines and laws are followed by everyone (in this case the Highway Code) there is rarely a problem. But as soon as people decide to ignore those guidelines, that is where the trouble and conflict begins and that is where the need to enforce the laws becomes necessary.
Hmm…. I wonder if idiot
Hmm…. I wonder if idiot drivers simply drove at 20mph or 30mph in foggy/misty conditions, the problem might go away.
I’ve noticed over the years that there are always some utter arseholes who storm through the fog as if it doesn’t affect them. Until it does, of course, often lethally.
It’s one way of curing stupid.
I agree.It seems there are
I agree.It seems there are more drivers which always drive at the same speed whether it is foggy, icy or warm and sunny. They also fail to allow for unexpected events such as horses around a blind bend, pheasants etc etc. They probably grew up with their mum and dad looking out for them all the time.
Daclu Trelub wrote:
If they kill only themselves. Far too often they will kill someone else but they survive.
I have not been to the Isle
I have not been to the Isle of Man but from looking at a map I would ask why drivers would choose to use the A18 rather than the A2 if they want to get from the Douglas area to the Ramsey area.
The A18 presumably is more scenic so leisure drivers may use it to appreciate the landscapes but I would guess that many drivers use it to fulfill their racing fantasies?
If that is the case then why should they think they should take precedence over other users and that their desire for speed and thrills should trump the safety of others.
Maybe somebody should start a petition calling for speed limits to be implemented on this road. Maybe these could be adaptive so they would lower according to weather conditions.
Also maybe the local government could consider closing the road a few times a year and charging boy racers to indulge their fantasies.
Stop talking sense. It never
Stop talking sense. It never got anyone anywhere.