Radio Debate on Cycling Safety

[flecc]

The Radio 4 program "You and Yours", on at 12.04 pm tomorrow, 19th April, will be discussing whether more protection laws are needed for cyclists in relation to cars. Those unable to listen at the time will be able to listen again on the BBC i-player on this web link:

BBC - BBC Radio 4 Programmes - A to Z index, Y

Meanwhile, until the broadcast tomorrow, you can make a contribution to the debate by telephoning this number:

03700 100 400
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[Mussels]

Thanks, that sounds like a double edged sword if it's a yes or no answer.

 

[10mph]

The Radio 4 program "You and Yours", on at 12.04 pm
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... NOW on the air!

 

[lemmy]

..........and nothin' I ain't heard befo'.

 

[flecc]

Yes, the same old ding-dong between the rival parties of interest, I thought the presenter's impartiality was excellent though, always ready to challenge any bias.

The only conclusion as ever is that bikes and motor vehicles just don't belong on the same tectonic plate.
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[HarryB]

I didn't hear it and probably won't bother. The last time they had a feature it was all about how much the cyclist should stick rigidly to every rule of the road while completely ignoring the obligation motor vehicles have for the safety of cyclists. I only wish there was some education out there for drivers as well as enforcement as I think many think cyclist have no rights at all to be on the road, no road tax etc - we have all heard the arguments!

 

[HarryB]

Yes, the same old ding-dong between the rival parties of interest, I thought the presenter's impartiality was excellent though, always ready to challenge any bias.

The only conclusion as ever is that bikes and motor vehicles just don't belong on the same tectonic plate.
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I have never understood why we cannot peacefully co-exist. I drive, ride, walk, get the bus etc but don't have a problem with cyclists. All that is required is a little understanding and room and if you cannot work that out then get the bus. I do have some sympathy with some of the larger lorries that are driven through our cities but then again I am not sure vehicle of that size are compatible with cities full stop.

I have just got back from a weekend driving in the French mountains and if you think that the uk cyclists get in the way then I suggest a French holiday would sort you out. I am full of admiration of the speed they were going UP the mountain though!

 

[flecc]

I fully agree Harry, we can all co-exist with a little tolerance, but that commodity seems to be in short supply with so many people these days. The point I always make is that we shouldn't think of fighting for road space as so many put it, we should think in terms of sharing it.

The same goes for pavements, most at least 95% of the time completely empty and a huge waste of space in our crowded island. They too need to be shared more and the small but vociferous intolerant anti-cyclist pedestrian element needs to be dealt with more firmly.

In fairness, a little tough treatment of the worst elements of the cycling fraternity wouldn't go amiss either.

I don't think we should be too dismissive of the "You and Yours" program though, they seem to be friendly oasis for cycling at the moment. They not only gave up the whole one hour program for this cycling issue, they also brought the bad news later in the week about the proposed increase in truck length that endangers us. Without that, I for one would have been completely unaware of this move.
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[peasjam]

Anyone who cycles and drives will have witnessed extreme stupidity from both groups. I've even been attacked by another cyclist when I was myself cycling home. He failed to observe a give-way sign as he joined the road from a cycle lane and nearly collided with me, shouted abuse then rammed his bike into mine. I will say that the 'never driven/given up driving' cyclists are by far the worst of the lot for sheer arrogance coupled with spectacularly poor road sense.

 

[timidtom]

I've just listened to the programme and I must say that the contributor who impressed me most was the guy who stressed the importance of showing good manners and consideration to all other road users - on the basis that a soft answer turneth away wrath. After all, we ebike riders are the true knights of the road!
Tom