No penalty for driver overtaking on wrong side of pedestrian island; Mayor against pop-up cycle lanes because of inexperienced cyclists; More cyclists than drivers stopped on Box Hill; Sophie-Ellis Bextor in A+E after bike crash + more on the live blog
SUMMARY
It's World Bicycle Day
Today is #WorldBicycleDay. An affordable, healthy and sustainable means of transportation, the bicycle has been the best solution for #NHS staff and other key workers to move around towns and cities amid #Covid19 pandemic. Here’s to cycles of all shapes and sizes! pic.twitter.com/UfRScDEjVX
— Sustrans (@sustrans) June 3, 2020
Marked by the United Nations annually, World Bicycle Day encourages member states to include cycling in their development strategies, improve road safety, advance the use of the bicycle and organise rides at national and local levels to promote cycling. Will you be marking it with a big old ride?
Today is #WorldBicycleDay 🚲
This is an opportunity to take stock of the benefits of the bicycle both for staying healthy & as a sustainable mode of transport during (and after) the global crisis: https://t.co/eylBmscTUB#ForNature pic.twitter.com/5yIJsE8QMh
— UN Environment Programme (@UNEP) June 3, 2020
"A blocked field of critical view likely to hide and kill a pedestrian or cyclist": lorry driver's shocking dashboard mess
Is this the disciplined and organised office of a top of his game professional lorry driver? No. Its a blocked field of critical view likely to hide and kill a pedestrian or cyclist. #JOUCVU pic.twitter.com/iwpT8Gvf0W
— Hants Roads Policing (@HantsPolRoads) June 2, 2020
It’s pretty scary to think that anyone was sharing the road with the driver of this lorry, let alone vulnerable road users; as Hampshire’s Road Policing Unit caught the driver with a dashboard piled so high with junk that it was clearly obstructing his view of the road. Hants Road Police haven’t yet said where the incident took place or what action they will be taking against the driver.
Broken bike stands made to look intact so they are easy to steal
@SteveAdshead @StretfordJane I’ve just been alerted to this damage at Stretford Mall – bike stands sabotaged to appear intact so thieves can easily steal bikes locked to them. @GMcycling @WalkRideM32 pic.twitter.com/QXSZeDmQEa
— Tom Jeffs (@tom_a_jeffs) June 2, 2020
This is a new one on us and rather worrying, as these Sheffield stands located at Stretford Mall in Manchester have been cut in two by thieves, in the hope that unsuspecting cyclists will use them. Local Stretford councillor Jane Slater replied to the spotter above saying that the issue had been reported to council officers.
Councils can dish out fines for cycle lane parking: further clarification on the new rules
Last week we reported that from 22nd June, council officials will be able to ticket cars parked in cycle lanes from 22nd June using cameras – and now the RAC reports that the fines will be to the tune of £130, and will also be issued for other offences such as stopping in a box junction and driving the wrong way up a one-way street.
Junior Transport Minister Baroness Vere said councils would have enforcement powers under the 2004 Traffic Management Act, with currently only London councils able to issue the £130 penalty notices using cameras.
28 Days Later come to life
Cycled into Bank this morning for my Home Office immigration appt. The heart of the City, this place is normally buzzing as one of the world’s financial sector hubs. This video was at 10:30AM today on Weds. Spooky. pic.twitter.com/2dttCtdzDR
— Shaun Wallis (@shaunbwallis) June 3, 2020
It’s still difficult to get used to just how deserted some city streets have been since the pandemic began in March… and here’s the scenes you would be greeted by today if cycling through London’s usually bustling Bank area. Spooky indeed…
Makeshift cycle lane removed by authorities in the Philippines
WATCH: Some MMDA officials remove makeshift barriers put up by a bikers group as a pop-up bicycle lane for commuting cyclists earlier today — on World Bicycle Day
📹 @CyclingMatters_ pic.twitter.com/RkgZqOG6IH
— CNN Philippines (@cnnphilippines) June 3, 2020
Showing that the battle for safe cycling space is a problem worldwide, footage is circulating of authorities in Manila removing barriers put up to protect cyclists while people are riding. According to Cycling Matters, this was the third attempt to install protective measures by cycling advocacy group Bikers United that was taken away by the Metro Manila Development Authority.
Walsall Council leader doesn't want pop-up cycle lanes... because of concerns over road safety
It appears Councillor Mike Bird needs to make his mind up, as the Walsall Council Leader was quote in the Express and Star as saying that installing more cycle lanes would present an “insurmountable challenge” due to the “dangers” of mixing cars and bicycles… which is strange, because the idea of cycle lanes is to remove the dangers of mixing cars and bicycles. He also claims to have seen cyclists “taking ownership” of the road and “riding two, three or four abreast”.
A full story on this will follow when we’ve got a comment back from Cycling UK.
Surrey Road Policing Unit stop twice as many cyclists as motorists in Box Hill 'Operation Close Pass'
In Surrey Road Cops’ latest Close Pass Operation on Box Hill, they claim to have stopped and spoken to 44 cyclists and 23 motorists. They said: “As part of the operation a police officer in plain clothes equipped with video capability cycled as a ‘spotter’, identifying any ‘close pass’ incidents or other motoring offences as well as any offences relating to cycling or cyclists contravening the road traffic act. Officers on two marked police motorbikes were then able to locate and stop any road user who had been identified.”
They also say they responded to a collision where a cyclist hurt their arm, and stopped one motorcyclist for a fail to stop offence.
Mainly for words of advice about their cycling. For example passing a vehicle on the left at a junction or failing to check behind them before moving out to pass or turn or wven how to position their self at pinch point. Drivers where more about close passing, distracted driving.
— Roads Policing Unit (RPU) – Surrey Police – UK (@SurreyRoadCops) June 2, 2020
When questioned on social media what the cyclists where stopped for, Surrey’s Road Policing Unit say the misdemeanours ranged from passing a vehicle on the left at a junction, failing to check behind before moving out to pass and incorrect positioning at pinch points. This has led to some criticism, with some saying that they should be focusing on those who have the ability to do most harm on the roads; however Surrey Road Cops replied to one comment saying that “the vast majority” of offenders they deal with are motorists.
Hi Phillip. We deal with any and all offences that we witness. We can’t ignore some and deal with others.
The vast majority of offenders we deal with are motorists due to increased level of harm they can cause.
— Roads Policing Unit (RPU) – Surrey Police – UK (@SurreyRoadCops) June 2, 2020
Halfords reopen a further 100 stores
Using a model they’re calling ‘Retail Lite’, Halfords will open another 100 stores to take the total now physically trading up to 153. Before the reopening most of Halfords’ 446 stores were operating under a ‘Dark Store’ model, with customers placing orders out the front of the shop. The reopened stores will only allow a certain number in at all times, with a marshalled queue outside, and have safety notices inside reminding customers to keep their distance. Cleaning stations are located at the front of stores, staff are wearing visors and customers are asked not to handle products.
This news comes as Halfords have reported am increase in demand for e-mobility, with e-bike sales doubling. CEO Graham Stapleton commented: “With lockdown restrictions lifting many of us are starting to think about returning to work, and what our commutes will begin to look like. We’ve seen a big surge in demand for e-bikes and e-scooters, with members of the public turning to e-bikes to help them commute to work as an affordable alternative to public transport or driving.”
Sophie-Ellis Bexter hospitalised after Thames path bike accident
The popstar ‘took a tumble’ while riding in London last night, and spent the night in A+E recovering form her injuries.
She said: “I am ok, just a bit bruised and sore. I want to thank the ambulance crew and the staff at west mid hospital (where I was born, as it happens) for gluing me back together.”
Be like Mads and #GoByBike
Be like Mads this #WorldBicycleDay pic.twitter.com/Ywi6fzNq9t
— CORSO (@CORSOsports) June 3, 2020
The Dane shows us that he also uses his bike to shop for vegetables as well as winning word titles in this ad campaign from Trek to support World Bicycle Day.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands arrives for museum opening by bike
As America burns and Britain stumbles out of lockdown, Queen Maxima went to open a museum in the Hague yesterday. You can probably guess how she got there. pic.twitter.com/EK6ql0em2G
— Ben Coates (@bencoates1) June 3, 2020
While the spotter admits there is likely plenty of security out of shot, it beats that huge motorcade we’ve become used to seeing across the Atlantic…
There’s a video too – undoubtedly some security guys out of shot, but a stark contrast to the stormtroopers and motorcades elsewhere. Again, not a bad way to run a country.
pic.twitter.com/1ERGj09ULS— Ben Coates (@bencoates1) June 3, 2020
Cyclist dies in collision with van who was 'travelling in the opposite direction'
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Lancashire Police are appealing for witnesses after a male cyclist in his 50’s died in a collision with a Ford Transit Tipper van in Altcar, West Lancashire.
Police were called at around 8.10pm on 2nd June, and after being taken to Aintree Hospital by emergency services, the man was pronounced dead a short time later. Police say the cyclist was travelling in the opposite direction to the van when they collided. The road was closed until 1.30am this morning while investigators attended the scene.
Sergeant Steve Hardman of the Lancashire Police Tac Ops team commented: “First and foremost we send our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the man who died.
“We are now working extremely hard to piece together exactly what occurred and we would ask anybody who saw the collision, and has not yet been spoken to by police, to make contact with us as soon as possible. Similarly if you have dashcam footage showing the collision, or if you saw either of the vehicles involved in the moments before it happened, please get in touch.”
Anyone with information can call 101, quoting log number 1405 of June 2nd.
Chichester Mayor against pop-up cycle lanes because "there are many cyclists who are now inexperienced", and cites rise in cyclist fatalities
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A road.cc reader has made us aware of an open letter to Chichester residents from the Mayor, Councillor Richard Plowman, who appears to associate inexperienced cyclists with a rise in cyclist incidents and fatalities.
In the letter Councillor Plowman said: “The Government’s promotion of cycling is welcome, but there are consequences. Bicycle sales have risen a massive 40% and even with the drop to 1950s levels of traffic on the roads during lockdown, cyclists’ accidents, particularly fatalities, have doubled. Road traffic is returning to pre-pandemic levels and construction traffic on St Paul’s Road, Orchard Road and Lavant Road has increased as building at White House Farm is under way again. I heard recently of a gentleman who had not ridden a bicycle for many decades. He bought a brand-new one, set off down his drive, wobbled, crashed into the gate, fell off and broke his shoulder. Hardly a help to the NHS!
“There are initiatives for so called ‘pop-up cycle ways’, but the overriding issue is one of safety. There are now many cyclists who are inexperienced. Children are often seen on two-wheelers that are too big for them. How many riders will stop cycling to work when the weather is cold, wet and miserable, especially when social distancing will mean few spaces at work for changing? The City Council is heavily involved in this matter, and advice and training will be available soon to keep road users and pedestrians safe.”
The road.cc reader who shared the letter told us: “This is after starting with concerns that people aren’t abiding by the ‘no cycling’ rules in the parks or through the city centre, (where there are no safe alternatives), and in the same breath talking about increasing general traffic, and highlighting HGV’s etc for local building works.
“This is after the death of a much loved local lady, Gina McWilliam, who was killed by a HGV driver in Bosham in 2019, resulting in a ground roots campaign for a safe cycling route so people could cycle in safety into Chichester.
“I’m absolutely disgusted by it.”
Since the lockdown, there has been numerous examples of council and government figures making controversial comments about cycling infrastructure – Geoff Driver, who heads Lancashire County County Council, dismissed Cycling UK’s petition for cycling space as ‘childish antics’, while Walsall’s council leader Mike Bird somewhat paradoxically said he was against the installation of more cycle lanes because he belives bikes and cars can’t mix safely, and because of “cyclists riding two, three or four abreast”.
Wiltshire Police say they won't charge driver who overtook on the wrong side of a refuge island because they gave 'enough room'
While plenty of room was indeed given, it was all for the wrong reasons as you’ll see above, with the driver overtaking on the wrong side of a pedestrian refuge island to overtake two tandem cyclists.
The road.cc reader who captured the footage shared the correspondence he received from Wiltshire Police after submitting it to them, with the first response saying:
“After looking at your video I (sic) shows that the land rover (sic) crossed a solid white line to make this overtake (sic) if there wasn’t any bollard or white lines this would be ok as they have given enough room for you, this has been sent to the contact centre to look into.”
The second response stated: “Thank you for your enquiry. I have conferred with our Justice Traffic department. Unfortunately at this time they are unable to accept footage for driving offences. Footage is only accepted as additional evidence following a collision. We hope in the future that will change.”
After receiving the disappointing responses, the cyclist told road.cc: “The issue here is not about close passing etc, its about dangerous driving, I am sure a preventative tap on the shoulder is more cost affective than dealing with a later crash. Whilst people feel they can do things with impunity, the standards will continue to fall.”
3 June 2020, 08:39
3 June 2020, 08:39
And they're not tubeless-compatible... so much for needing to go tubeless and all that jazz...
Specialized launch Roval Rapide CLX with "fastest all-around road wheels in the world” claim
The disc brake-only wheels from Specialized's sub-brand forgo a tubeless rim to save weight
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Latest Comments
Another reason to avoid Terry's, which is a pretty crappy overpriced place anyway and dreadfully hipster (there's a sign on the wall that says something like "when you eat at Terry's you're not just a customer, you're a member of a very exclusive club" - thanks but I just wanted coffee and beans on toast). I'd advise anyone in that locale to try the splendidly named Giggling Sausage cafe directly opposite, better food and coffee, cheaper, better service and fewer hipsters, you can enjoy watching them queueing like sheep to get into Terry's as you dine.
I wondered if parking in a cycle hire bay was against the law, so I googled it: it isn't unless there are road markings prohibiting parking. But, this little gem came up 'Obstruction: Even where a specific bay type might lack a dedicated motor-traffic prohibition, parking a vehicle in a way that blocks access to cycle hire docks, footways, or causes an obstruction is an offense.' Report it to the authorities and demand action. Don't patronise the place, obviously. And leaving rubbish reviews is definitely out. Absolutely, definitely out. Very absolutely definitely. Out.
".....dark clothing “has been deemed a contributing factor in many fatal or serious injury collisions involving pedestrians and cyclists” No. The dark clothing is not a contributory factor, the only cause of the deaths and injuries is drivers failing to observe. The list of police organisations above shows that motornormativity in the police is institutionalised, and just as rife as it is in the rest of society. The question is, how do we get them to change? Make all police ride bikes? Show them films of collisions where perfectly visible cyclists are mown down by drivers who weren't looking? Show them pictures of cyclists literally dressed up like christmas trees by are still hit by dumb drivers? The clincher might be the picture of the police car, festooned with hi-viz, after it had been hit by a driver.
@mdavidford the standard practise is to ignore the consultation, start a petition, complain that the council doesn't listen to the public, and get your picture in the Bournemouth Echo with a headline 'Drivers fury at new cycle lane', or 'shopkeepers anger at lost parking space'.
"Serious cyclist injuries down 50% and overall road casualties continue to fall..." This is clearly fake news, invented by the bearded, sandle-wearing, bike-riding hippies who don't even live in Wales. Everyone who lives there knows that the frustration and cost to drivers of having to drive at the ludicrously slow speed of 20mph is worth so much more than a few dead cyclists. I live in the Forest of Dean, near Wales, and we've been trying for quite some time to get the national speed limit roads in the statutory forest reduced to 40mph, and 20mph in towns and villages. In fact, I mentioned it in the pub tonight, and the reaction from locals was, to say the least, not enthusiastic. It is a human right to be able to drive as fast as you want, and anyone saying different is an idiot. With Local Government Reorganisation, I was hoping that the Forest of Dean District would merge with Monmouthshire and then we could adopt the Welsh speed limits, but it ain't gonna happen, so sadly, we have to remain in England.
@andystow That's pretty much how new roads are justified. If ten million motorists save ten seconds a day over the next twenty years, and motorists time is worth a lot, then you can justify spending £372m on the new roundabout in Gloucestershire. You know, the place where the locals think that a cycle lane will destroy their life.
@rbrtribble as the driver was out of his vehicle, thereby not making it a driving offence, and the cyclists was stationary with their feet on the ground, there was no more need for a helmet than if the encounter had been between two drivers who had got out of their cars, or two blokes in a pub. Maybe all of those people who fall down the stairs and hit their head should wear a helmet? I'll give you the benefit of the doubt, and accept that you were being sarcastic, but leave my comment for the benefit of those who think you were being serious.
@chrisonabike if flash-mobbing by female cyclists dressed in french maid attire is what it takes to help the roads be safer for everyone, then i think it's something we should consider lending support to.
Personally, if I have to light myself up in Hi Viz, and add bells, trinkets and lights, just to help the poor motorists see me, the question needs to be asked, if their eyesight is so bad, should they be driving?
@slc so it saves fuel and brake pads? Now we have to also weigh the lost profits of oil companies and car parts suppliers. Jobs or bonuses could be at stake.
39 thoughts on “No penalty for driver overtaking on wrong side of pedestrian island; Mayor against pop-up cycle lanes because of inexperienced cyclists; More cyclists than drivers stopped on Box Hill; Sophie-Ellis Bextor in A+E after bike crash + more on the live blog”
The bike stands at the S
The bike stands at the S London station I used to use (before the pandemic meant I was working from home) for my winter commute have been targeted in a similar fashion a number of times. I always check now and see if they’re ok before locking up my bike.
Hope they crush that lorry.
Hope they crush that lorry.
With its driver still in it
With its driver still in it 😉
hey, Rod Liddle, I see you
hey, Rod Liddle, I see you
David9694 wrote:
If I was RL, I suspect I would have blamed all that cr@p on cyclists passing by, Somehow… 😉
hirsute wrote:
With the driver in it?
Beat me to it?
Beat me to it?
The bike stand trick, sawing
The bike stand trick, sawing through it, has been used before, usually with tape around the joint so that it isn’t visible. So if you see tape wrapped around a stand, peel it off and check, and leave it off so that the next cyclist can see the cut too.
“Hants Road Police haven’t
“Hants Road Police haven’t yet said where the incident took place or what action they will be taking against the driver”
…which probably means they gave him a slight finger wagging ticking off, a black bin bag to clear up the mess, and sent him on his way…
“Hants Road Police haven’t
oops, double post
It might be new to Road.cc
It might be new to Road.cc but it’s an old trick
https://www.camcycle.org.uk/newsletters/125/article15.html
Is this bike lane fine law
Is this bike lane fine law change UK wide or just England?
Councillor Bird said he was
Councillor Bird said he was concerned about “road safety” after seeing cyclists “taking ownership” of the road and “riding two, three or four abreast”.
“It makes it extra dangerous for cars to pass,” he added.
Cars eh? Not drivers.
How on earth do these ‘cars’ cope with trying to overtake other cars, let’s say parked cars? Do they crash each time or fail to apply the brakes or fail to use any basic manoeuvre ?
Somehow I doubt ‘incorrect
Somehow I doubt ‘incorrect positioning at pinch points’ involves discussing prime as an approved method, also who checks behind them in such a way 3rd party observer is satisfied you’ve done such a check,note that’s not about being situationally aware or not checking at all
Awavey wrote:
Quite, and what if the cyclist has a mirror?
I’d love to have had a discussion with one of those officers if they’d stopped me for words of advice.
World Bike Day, eh?
World Bike Day, eh?
Anyone seen this story:
https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2020/jun/03/air-pollution-in-china-back-to-pre-covid-levels-and-europe-may-follow
Somehow I doubt ‘incorrect
This ajax thing…
Quote:
Happened to me this morning. Happens about once or twice a week. Yes, it’s cr&p driving, but at least they are a safe distance away from me…
One reason it’s dangerous is
One reason it’s dangerous is that people on foot crossing to the refuge may not look for vehicles approaching from the wrong direction.
HarrogateSpa wrote:
Exactly. By not taking action now, the police have normalised this behaviour. There will be deaths and injuries resulting from this failure as it seems to be happening more and more. Someone who gets away with this once will do it again, and the people who see it will do it and it’ll spread like a……virus.
They are not obeying the
They are not obeying the “keep left” circular blue sign on the retroreflective bollard.
I think that is an offence, as I remember it, both CycleGaz and CycleMikey have filmed, submitted and gained prosecutions from the Met for similar offences.
ktache wrote:
The account also says they crossed a solid white line to overtake, which is also an offence.
ktache wrote:
The account also says they crossed a solid white line to overtake, which is also an offence.
ktache wrote:
The account also says they crossed a solid white line to overtake, which is also an offence.
HarrogateSpa wrote:
I hadn’t considered that, sorry (the refuges where it happens to me most often, I don’t recall ever seeing a pedestrian actually using). Mea culpa.
I remember a few years ago my
I remember a few years ago my sister telling me it happened as she was walking her young son to school. No physical harm done on that occasion but quite a shock.
HarrogateSpa wrote:
I had a driver cut to his right when oncoming in front of me at a junction today. His passenger gave me a double bird. I am not worried about this behaviour for myself, I can see what they are doing, but they always cut across the corner sharply to do it instead of waiting. One day I am going to witness some poor sod or their child getting run over.
Is it me or has Covid reduced
Is it me or has Covid reduced police to only putting effort into trivialities?
This has what to do with
This has what to do with Covid??
So Sophie E-B had an incident
So Sophie E-B had an incident that was less Murder on the Dancefloor and more Suicide on the Thames Path?
If you look again at the vid
If you look again at the vid of the Queen cycling to the museum it’s obvious that her security detail is the middle aged dude in the beige jacket behind her on the batfiets. (Knowing the Netherlands as I do)
anyway, – in other news – i didn’t know positioning oneself ‘incorrectly’ at a pinch point was a traffic ‘misdemeanor’.
I would very much like to
I would very much like to know what the police’s “advice” is where to position oneself when riding through a “pinch point” and if this falls under the definition of “any offences relating to cycling or cyclists contravening the road traffic act”
“Cyclist dies in collision
“Cyclist dies in collision with van who was ‘travelling in the opposite direction'”
Driverless van? Or was the driver called Van? The pronoun ‘who’ relates to a person or people, not inanimate vehicles. Road.cc should be setting an example with correct use of language. Either a bike and van collide, or cyclist and driver collide.
“Cyclist dies in collision
“Cyclist dies in collision with van who was ‘travelling in the opposite direction'”
Driverless van? Or was the driver called Van? The pronoun ‘who’ relates to a person or people, not inanimate vehicles. Road.cc should be setting an example with correct use of language. Either a bike and van collide, or cyclist and driver collide.
“Cyclist dies in collision
“Cyclist dies in collision with van who was ‘travelling in the opposite direction'”
Driverless van? Or was the driver called Van? The pronoun ‘who’ relates to a person or people, not inanimate vehicles. Road.cc should be setting an example with correct use of language. Either a bike and van collide, or cyclist and driver collide.
“Cyclist dies in collision
“Cyclist dies in collision with van who was ‘travelling in the opposite direction'”
Driverless van? Or was the driver called Van? The pronoun ‘who’ relates to a person or people, not inanimate vehicles. Road.cc should be setting an example with correct use of language. Either a bike and van collide, or cyclist and driver collide.
dmgtree wrote:
Why, exactly? It’s a website about cycling, not the Oxford English Dictionary.
Oops!
Oops!
Apologies for the repeat posts. Error messages made it look like it wasn’t posting. Now can’t delete them ?
Oops!
Oops!
Apologies for the repeat posts. Error messages made it look like it wasn’t posting. Now can’t delete them ?