Bournemouth second most dangerous place for cyclists outside of London (From Thisisdorset)

UZZY wrote:
Lets wait for the sea front cycle haters to crawl out of the woodwork & start ranting,in the mean time car drivers please look out for cyclists & scooter/motor cycles we dont stand much chance against a few hundred weight of metal hitting us!!

The Warlock wrote:

Bournemouth2014 wrote:
Is this a joke...
'Bournemouth is the third most dangerous place for cyclists in England'

BOURNEMOUTH has emerged as the second most dangerous place for cyclists in England outside London.

Am I missing something or is this for real?

I know! Honestly the Daily Echo couldn't organize a p**s up in a brewery!

Mascalll wrote:
Instead of concentrating on statistics should we not be concentrating on dealing with the numerous cyclists with no lights, think red traffic lights do not apply to them, weave in and out of traffic etc. as usual the few are giving the many a bad name. Car drivers need to take more care but at least they take a test before taking to the road. How come a cyclist can take to the road with no knowledge of traffic rules and regulations? Would it not make sense to at least get cyclists who only use a bicycle and have never taken a driving test to at least pass the theory test before taking to the roads

Bournemouth2014 wrote:
Is this a joke...
'Bournemouth is the third most dangerous place for cyclists in England'

BOURNEMOUTH has emerged as the second most dangerous place for cyclists in England outside London.

Am I missing something or is this for real?

dylexic bobert wrote:
Too many old fudders on the road. As soon as you hit 65 time for a re test and every 5 years after that! Old people driving ten times more annoying than some pesky cyclist jumping a red light or bombing down the prom.

muscliffman wrote:

Bournemouth2014 wrote:
Is this a joke...
'Bournemouth is the third most dangerous place for cyclists in England'

BOURNEMOUTH has emerged as the second most dangerous place for cyclists in England outside London.

Am I missing something or is this for real?

Well frankly, yes, you are missing something here - we all are in fact but, otherwise it makes perfect sense.

It is only the name of the second most dangerous place in England that is not provided by the Echo, E.G. London is 1st, 'Unknown' is 2nd, Bournemouth is 3rd. (or 2nd outside London)

So where is 'Unknown' ?

Peggy Babcock wrote:
I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

dylexic bobert wrote:
Too many old fudders on the road. As soon as you hit 65 time for a re test and every 5 years after that! Old people driving ten times more annoying than some pesky cyclist jumping a red light or bombing down the prom.

Ash_69 wrote:
Safest thing is for BCC is to be BOLD and ban the things from the roads & paths in the areas. There is now a cycle track at slades farm, so all you overgrown children can take your toys there and keep off our roads, and also away from where the pedestrians are. You may have wriggled a way to cycle along the seafront, but it is not right.

Why not work a bit harder and then you can save up and buy a proper car, instead of thinking you are all tree huggers. If you don't want to drive, then learn to walk or catch a bus, but just get out of the way of the motorists who the roads belong to, not you.

Once we get these blimmin cyclists of our roads, we can then start on the next menace, motorcyclists & scooters!

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

junem wrote:
The biggest gripe is, having fought for cycle lanes none of them use them. I do wish there was some way of identifying cyclists and then I'm sure things would improve. Until that happens they will go on thinking they can do just what they want, are outside any laws, and unless they put themselves under a vehicle's wheels no-one will know about them. Then it will be the car drivers fault

Mascalll wrote:
Instead of concentrating on statistics should we not be concentrating on dealing with the numerous cyclists with no lights, think red traffic lights do not apply to them, weave in and out of traffic etc. as usual the few are giving the many a bad name. Car drivers need to take more care but at least they take a test before taking to the road. How come a cyclist can take to the road with no knowledge of traffic rules and regulations? Would it not make sense to at least get cyclists who only use a bicycle and have never taken a driving test to at least pass the theory test before taking to the roads

winton_boy wrote:

Peggy Babcock wrote: I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

Undercutting were we?

junem wrote:
The biggest gripe is, having fought for cycle lanes none of them use them. I do wish there was some way of identifying cyclists and then I'm sure things would improve. Until that happens they will go on thinking they can do just what they want, are outside any laws, and unless they put themselves under a vehicle's wheels no-one will know about them. Then it will be the car drivers fault

suzigirl wrote:

winton_boy wrote:

Peggy Babcock wrote: I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

Undercutting were we?

Exactly. Surely if she seen the car was turning left she should have slowed down let him turn left and then cycled on......... but cyclists rule OK!

Chris the plumber wrote:
Who made up these figures ?? typical of using satistics to make a point
"The Dorset County Council area showed as having 102 people killed or injured in total, with one fatality" so 101 people were injured, and 1 killed. that could be a grazed knee to that poor man who had brain damage and all cycleists who fell of thier bike, hit a pedestrian and didnt report it to the number counters...... so the numbers mean nothing. but makes a good story.

ragj195 wrote:
An idiot will always be an idiot.

The cyclist that jumps lights will probably also tailgate in his car but because we don know them personally we target the mode of transport instead.

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Bob49 wrote:
Most dangerous ? Higher number of reported injuries to be exact - not the same..

Little progress will be made as long as the cycling lobby flatly refuse to accept there are a fair few cyclists who treat pavements and roads the same and refuse to use lights on their bikes.

Likewise the cretins who regard the seafront as some kind of speed trial track.

For my part I cycle, more for leisure than commuting etc. but even then I rrgularly see cyclists behaving like complete idiots.

I would like to see cycling made for 'accesible' and more folk using cycles - but i would also like to see some kind of action taken against those cyclists who are the cause of grief between motorists and cyclists.

Lets concentrate on those, and not have another polarised debate that leads no where.

Boredofthiscountry wrote:

UZZY wrote:
Lets wait for the sea front cycle haters to crawl out of the woodwork & start ranting,in the mean time car drivers please look out for cyclists & scooter/motor cycles we dont stand much chance against a few hundred weight of metal hitting us!!

Cyclists also need to look out for car drivers, driving up Charminster Road waiting to turn into Heron Court Road, the lights ahead at the crossing have turned red, so I start to turn, but no, red lights don't apply to cyclist apparently, I nearly killed him and it would have been his own fault, but I would have had to live with it!

Glashen wrote:

Bob49 wrote: Most dangerous ? Higher number of reported injuries to be exact - not the same.. Little progress will be made as long as the cycling lobby flatly refuse to accept there are a fair few cyclists who treat pavements and roads the same and refuse to use lights on their bikes. Likewise the cretins who regard the seafront as some kind of speed trial track. For my part I cycle, more for leisure than commuting etc. but even then I rrgularly see cyclists behaving like complete idiots. I would like to see cycling made for 'accesible' and more folk using cycles - but i would also like to see some kind of action taken against those cyclists who are the cause of grief between motorists and cyclists. Lets concentrate on those, and not have another polarised debate that leads no where.

You do also see Car Drivers behaving like complete idiots don't you, I certainly do. Given that most serious accidents happen to cyclists in collision with motor cars it is not surprising that some decide to use the pavements, the important thing is that cyclists should act responsibly and safely and never endanger pedestrians, a bit more consideration and courtesy to others would go a long way. The same goes for motorists and even pedestrians could do with using common sense at times.

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

speedy231278 wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Try reading Highway Code rule 163:

"only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so"

Being a scooter rider, I wonder if you have taken a full test? I've ridden bikes for 15 years, and I'll never, EVER try and 'undertake' at a junction, no matter what direction the car is indicating (or not). Oddly enough, I've never been knocked off in the circumstances that you describe. I wonder why?

alasdair1967 wrote:
Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road I have lost count the amount of cyclists disobeying the red light whilst other Road users comply with the traffic regulations sorry having no regard for a red light will ultimately add to these statistics

Frank Spencer wrote:

alasdair1967 wrote:
Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road I have lost count the amount of cyclists disobeying the red light whilst other Road users comply with the traffic regulations sorry having no regard for a red light will ultimately add to these statistics

Yep I see "other road users" complying with not using mobile phones, undertaking, tailgating, having an MOT, keeping to the speed limit, Insuring their vehicles, not operating them whilst inebriated, not parking on the pavement, driving on the pavement, jumping red lights, using indicators, never turning round to talk to children in the back seat, paying attention at all times and never doing stupid things. Yeah Yeah it is only cyclist who have idiots in their group. Must be be most cyclists as well, Yeah.

mysticalshoelace wrote:
Perhaps this will stop B'mth council trying to encourage people to use a bike. Today's roads are not suitable for cyclists and having them on the road is unfair for both cyclists and drivers!

littlelawn wrote:

ragj195 wrote:
An idiot will always be an idiot.

The cyclist that jumps lights will probably also tailgate in his car but because we don know them personally we target the mode of transport instead.

Agree... I see more drivers on their mobile phones, speeding up, jumping lights or not respecting pedestrian crossings than cyclists jumping lights or not wearing high viz clothing or using lights.

TheGrumpus wrote:
Usual moronic comments from the usual crowd. The biggest difference between bad cyclists and bad drivers is that bad cycling merely irritates drivers, while bad drivers risk the lives everyone on the road. I'm so sick of hearing the old "Yeah but they get what they deserve because they ride on pavements", if a cyclist flouts the rules it is bad, but it should not make them "fair game" for aggressive drivers.

speedy231278 wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote: Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Try reading Highway Code rule 163: "only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so" Being a scooter rider, I wonder if you have taken a full test? I've ridden bikes for 15 years, and I'll never, EVER try and 'undertake' at a junction, no matter what direction the car is indicating (or not). Oddly enough, I've never been knocked off in the circumstances that you describe. I wonder why?

gileto wrote:

speedy231278 wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote: Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Try reading Highway Code rule 163: "only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so" Being a scooter rider, I wonder if you have taken a full test? I've ridden bikes for 15 years, and I'll never, EVER try and 'undertake' at a junction, no matter what direction the car is indicating (or not). Oddly enough, I've never been knocked off in the circumstances that you describe. I wonder why?

Speedy..are you suggesting that (as many clueless posters do on here on a regular basis ) that they are suprised that cyclists 'undertake' cars. As a car driver (and cyclist, incidentally) I've worked out that cyclists are most likely to be cycling next to the pavement - there are reminders all over the place ie cycle lanes - I haven't seen many painted in the middle of the road yet to assist cyclists to overtake....?? I would add that I'm very careful 'undertaking' cars at junctions. Plus, in accordance with the Highway Code and common sense, more importantly, I ALWAYS check my mirrors for other road users when turning left in my car.

Peggy Babcock wrote:
I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

alasdair1967 wrote:

Frank Spencer wrote:

alasdair1967 wrote:
Cyclists need to obey the rules of the road I have lost count the amount of cyclists disobeying the red light whilst other Road users comply with the traffic regulations sorry having no regard for a red light will ultimately add to these statistics

Yep I see "other road users" complying with not using mobile phones, undertaking, tailgating, having an MOT, keeping to the speed limit, Insuring their vehicles, not operating them whilst inebriated, not parking on the pavement, driving on the pavement, jumping red lights, using indicators, never turning round to talk to children in the back seat, paying attention at all times and never doing stupid things. Yeah Yeah it is only cyclist who have idiots in their group. Must be be most cyclists as well, Yeah.

And cyclists don't use mobile phones I pods etc my pet hate with cyclists is failure to use cycle lanes when provided prime example a35 upton road that runs parallel with a350 upton bypass 5o mph speed limit and a perfectly usable cycle lane yet cyclists choose to use the road instead ! It's about time cyclists pay some form of insurance to use there bikes on the public highway

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Ash_69 wrote:
Safest thing is for BCC is to be BOLD and ban the things from the roads & paths in the areas. There is now a cycle track at slades farm, so all you overgrown children can take your toys there and keep off our roads, and also away from where the pedestrians are. You may have wriggled a way to cycle along the seafront, but it is not right.

Why not work a bit harder and then you can save up and buy a proper car, instead of thinking you are all tree huggers. If you don't want to drive, then learn to walk or catch a bus, but just get out of the way of the motorists who the roads belong to, not you.

Once we get these blimmin cyclists of our roads, we can then start on the next menace, motorcyclists & scooters!

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

Ash_69 wrote:
Safest thing is for BCC is to be BOLD and ban the things from the roads & paths in the areas. There is now a cycle track at slades farm, so all you overgrown children can take your toys there and keep off our roads, and also away from where the pedestrians are. You may have wriggled a way to cycle along the seafront, but it is not right.

Why not work a bit harder and then you can save up and buy a proper car, instead of thinking you are all tree huggers. If you don't want to drive, then learn to walk or catch a bus, but just get out of the way of the motorists who the roads belong to, not you.

Once we get these blimmin cyclists of our roads, we can then start on the next menace, motorcyclists & scooters!

bobsworthforever wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Undercutting may or may not be legal but safe definetly not motorists first cyclists second

Bournemouth2014 wrote:

Mascalll wrote:
Instead of concentrating on statistics should we not be concentrating on dealing with the numerous cyclists with no lights, think red traffic lights do not apply to them, weave in and out of traffic etc. as usual the few are giving the many a bad name. Car drivers need to take more care but at least they take a test before taking to the road. How come a cyclist can take to the road with no knowledge of traffic rules and regulations? Would it not make sense to at least get cyclists who only use a bicycle and have never taken a driving test to at least pass the theory test before taking to the roads

No it would be impossible to police. A test wont change anything Most car drivers have taken a test at some point but it doesnt change the way people still drive

Bournemouth2014 wrote:

Mascalll wrote:
Instead of concentrating on statistics should we not be concentrating on dealing with the numerous cyclists with no lights, think red traffic lights do not apply to them, weave in and out of traffic etc. as usual the few are giving the many a bad name. Car drivers need to take more care but at least they take a test before taking to the road. How come a cyclist can take to the road with no knowledge of traffic rules and regulations? Would it not make sense to at least get cyclists who only use a bicycle and have never taken a driving test to at least pass the theory test before taking to the roads

No it would be impossible to police. A test wont change anything Most car drivers have taken a test at some point but it doesnt change the way people still drive

Baysider wrote:
Just for starters in addition to the usual non light using, red light jumping, pavement riding and going the wrong way up one way street malarkey I've seen cyclists:

Reading a book
Using a phone
Listening to music
Holding an umbrella
Walking their dog
Riding with both hands in their pockets
Rolling a fag
...and giving their adults mates a crossbar ride.

Those stats are bad of course but meanless without knowing how many were contributed to by poor or dangerous cycling? I wonder if we aren't approaching the subject from the wrong way and should we not be trying to raise the level of cycling behaviour so that they do not put themselves in a position where they are vulnerable to careless drivers?

Peggy Babcock wrote:
I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

sarahinpoole wrote:

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

My personal favourite is them overtaking you just to turn left, forcing you to slow down/stop. Dangerous and unnecessary. In busy traffic it is virtually impossible to make a right turn from a cycle lane without the need to adopt an aggressive 'arm-out and go for it' approach. I am a good, well-lit, flourescent-jacketed helmeted and considerate cyclist - I just wish we all and all drivers were too.

alasdair1967 wrote:

sarahinpoole wrote:

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

My personal favourite is them overtaking you just to turn left, forcing you to slow down/stop. Dangerous and unnecessary. In busy traffic it is virtually impossible to make a right turn from a cycle lane without the need to adopt an aggressive 'arm-out and go for it' approach. I am a good, well-lit, flourescent-jacketed helmeted and considerate cyclist - I just wish we all and all drivers were too.

I had a near miss last sat I was in the correct lane to travel straight into Poole at the queen Mary set of lights cyclist to my left who cut straight In front of me to turn right he got verbal abuse for his stupidity and looked at me as if it was my fault sadly cyclists there are plenty of idiots like this that give you a bad name

ragj195 wrote:

alasdair1967 wrote:

sarahinpoole wrote:

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

My personal favourite is them overtaking you just to turn left, forcing you to slow down/stop. Dangerous and unnecessary. In busy traffic it is virtually impossible to make a right turn from a cycle lane without the need to adopt an aggressive 'arm-out and go for it' approach. I am a good, well-lit, flourescent-jacketed helmeted and considerate cyclist - I just wish we all and all drivers were too.

I had a near miss last sat I was in the correct lane to travel straight into Poole at the queen Mary set of lights cyclist to my left who cut straight In front of me to turn right he got verbal abuse for his stupidity and looked at me as if it was my fault sadly cyclists there are plenty of idiots like this that give you a bad name

For **** sake. An elderly person jumped in front of me in a queue at the Tesco in Pokesdown. They had one of those little trolleys. Does that mean I should rant about all old people with trolleys because my brain is incapable of understanding that it's the person that I should have an issue with and not the trolley/bicycle they are using.

Grow up.

dylexic bobert wrote:
Too many old fudders on the road. As soon as you hit 65 time for a re test and every 5 years after that! Old people driving ten times more annoying than some pesky cyclist jumping a red light or bombing down the prom.

RuthM1 wrote:
Roads in Bournemouth are dangerous to cycle on. However, every day I see cyclists REFUSING to use cycle lanes, endangering themselves and causing additional problems on the already busy roads. The cycle lanes are there for a reason, cost money to build so why not use them??

Ash_69 wrote:
Safest thing is for BCC is to be BOLD and ban the things from the roads & paths in the areas. There is now a cycle track at slades farm, so all you overgrown children can take your toys there and keep off our roads, and also away from where the pedestrians are. You may have wriggled a way to cycle along the seafront, but it is not right.

Why not work a bit harder and then you can save up and buy a proper car, instead of thinking you are all tree huggers. If you don't want to drive, then learn to walk or catch a bus, but just get out of the way of the motorists who the roads belong to, not you.

Once we get these blimmin cyclists of our roads, we can then start on the next menace, motorcyclists & scooters!

alasdair1967 wrote:

ragj195 wrote:

alasdair1967 wrote:

sarahinpoole wrote:

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

My personal favourite is them overtaking you just to turn left, forcing you to slow down/stop. Dangerous and unnecessary. In busy traffic it is virtually impossible to make a right turn from a cycle lane without the need to adopt an aggressive 'arm-out and go for it' approach. I am a good, well-lit, flourescent-jacketed helmeted and considerate cyclist - I just wish we all and all drivers were too.

I had a near miss last sat I was in the correct lane to travel straight into Poole at the queen Mary set of lights cyclist to my left who cut straight In front of me to turn right he got verbal abuse for his stupidity and looked at me as if it was my fault sadly cyclists there are plenty of idiots like this that give you a bad name

For **** sake. An elderly person jumped in front of me in a queue at the Tesco in Pokesdown. They had one of those little trolleys. Does that mean I should rant about all old people with trolleys because my brain is incapable of understanding that it's the person that I should have an issue with and not the trolley/bicycle they are using.

Grow up.

What if I had hit him ,would he had insurance to pay for damage to my car I doubt it very much as I said its not all cyclists but plenty give the cycling community a bad name , I drive for a living the amount of cyclists riding at night with no lights and in dark clothing astounded me , I'm very much of the opinion that all road users over the age of 16 should be required by law to hold insurance for whatever form of transport they are using

MikeGB wrote:
I have been driving for over 40 years and yet to hit a cyclist, I do give them room, I do look out for them. However there are some of them who cycle too fast for the conditions, weave in and out at roundabouts, filter in busy traffic at junctions and often no reflective clothing, helmets or lights either. They are the ones that deserve what happens, but the law is always on their side. Why? They simply let the conscientious cyclists down. I do know there are a lot of car drivers who do not know the first thing about being cycle aware, by the way. I'd love to follow the local government guidelines and save money and carbon by cycling, but I value my life.

Repo wrote:

RuthM1 wrote:
Roads in Bournemouth are dangerous to cycle on. However, every day I see cyclists REFUSING to use cycle lanes, endangering themselves and causing additional problems on the already busy roads. The cycle lanes are there for a reason, cost money to build so why not use them??

Most commuting cyclists look for the quickest, most energy saving, safest route possible. Most cycle lanes are bumpy, filled with rubbish, parked cars, or pedestrians. They Direct the cyclist back into the road at dangerous points, and force cyclists to give way to traffic coming from behind them. The roads are the most effient route and, until cycle lanes are better designed, a lot of cyclists will continue to ride on the roads as is within their rights.

eaststandman wrote:
Cyclists.

No test, no licence, no tax, no insurance, no lights, no signals, no MOT, no helmets, no reflective gear, no stopping at lights, no laws of the road, headphones, blah de blah.

Drivers.

Lessons, test, licence, tax, insurance, mot, etc,etc.

nuff said.

Loyal2AFCB wrote:
I am afraid the Echos militantly anti cyclist stance has contributed to a climate where motorists think they own the roads.

ashleycross wrote:
I can't understand why so many cyclists wear dark clothing. There is a court case current at present over a girl left very disabled by being knocked over walking in a lane with no hi-viz on. The fact she wasn't wearing it basically meant it wasn't the dirver's fault for hitting her, according to the first hearing. It may well mean drivers hitting cyclists in dark clothing are also not liable or less likely to be.
Even the scooter tribute recently seemed dominated by very dark clothing.

winton_boy wrote:

Peggy Babcock wrote:
I had some tw@t knock me off tonight. He was turning left off Ashley road into Cranbrook Road and did not check his near side mirror. He then drove off when an off duty police woman stopped to check I was ok. I'll find him trust me.

Undercutting were we?

mysticalshoelace wrote:
Perhaps this will stop B'mth council trying to encourage people to use a bike. Today's roads are not suitable for cyclists and having them on the road is unfair for both cyclists and drivers!

Ash_69 wrote:
Safest thing is for BCC is to be BOLD and ban the things from the roads & paths in the areas. There is now a cycle track at slades farm, so all you overgrown children can take your toys there and keep off our roads, and also away from where the pedestrians are. You may have wriggled a way to cycle along the seafront, but it is not right.

Why not work a bit harder and then you can save up and buy a proper car, instead of thinking you are all tree huggers. If you don't want to drive, then learn to walk or catch a bus, but just get out of the way of the motorists who the roads belong to, not you.

Once we get these blimmin cyclists of our roads, we can then start on the next menace, motorcyclists & scooters!

Repo wrote:

eaststandman wrote:
Cyclists.

No test, no licence, no tax, no insurance, no lights, no signals, no MOT, no helmets, no reflective gear, no stopping at lights, no laws of the road, headphones, blah de blah.

Drivers.

Lessons, test, licence, tax, insurance, mot, etc,etc.

nuff said.

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles in uk 2005-2009 = 2118

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists in uk 2005 -2009 = 11

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles on footpaths was 226

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists on footpaths was 3

Number of cyclists killed by motor vehicles in uk last year =122

Number of motorists killed by cyclists last year = 0


'Nuff said !

junem wrote:
The biggest gripe is, having fought for cycle lanes none of them use them. I do wish there was some way of identifying cyclists and then I'm sure things would improve. Until that happens they will go on thinking they can do just what they want, are outside any laws, and unless they put themselves under a vehicle's wheels no-one will know about them. Then it will be the car drivers fault

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Dont drop litter wrote:

ashleycross wrote:
I can't understand why so many cyclists wear dark clothing. There is a court case current at present over a girl left very disabled by being knocked over walking in a lane with no hi-viz on. The fact she wasn't wearing it basically meant it wasn't the dirver's fault for hitting her, according to the first hearing. It may well mean drivers hitting cyclists in dark clothing are also not liable or less likely to be.
Even the scooter tribute recently seemed dominated by very dark clothing.

There has been a recent study that suggests that the current overuse of hi-viz and fluorescent road signs is leading to a desensitising - people pay less attention to bright yellow objects.
It's not law that cyclists or motorcyclists wear hi-viz, nor dog walkers and pedestrians but there are times when it may be sensible.
There no substitute for people paying attention, using there headlights and not wandering about in the road.

speedy231278 wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote:
Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Try reading Highway Code rule 163:

"only overtake on the left if the vehicle in front is signalling to turn right, and there is room to do so"

Being a scooter rider, I wonder if you have taken a full test? I've ridden bikes for 15 years, and I'll never, EVER try and 'undertake' at a junction, no matter what direction the car is indicating (or not). Oddly enough, I've never been knocked off in the circumstances that you describe. I wonder why?

nodder1 wrote:

Repo wrote:

eaststandman wrote:
Cyclists.

No test, no licence, no tax, no insurance, no lights, no signals, no MOT, no helmets, no reflective gear, no stopping at lights, no laws of the road, headphones, blah de blah.

Drivers.

Lessons, test, licence, tax, insurance, mot, etc,etc.

nuff said.

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles in uk 2005-2009 = 2118

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists in uk 2005 -2009 = 11

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles on footpaths was 226

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists on footpaths was 3

Number of cyclists killed by motor vehicles in uk last year =122

Number of motorists killed by cyclists last year = 0


'Nuff said !

well observed, and ignored by carnodders in the queue

Baysider wrote:
Just for starters in addition to the usual non light using, red light jumping, pavement riding and going the wrong way up one way street malarkey I've seen cyclists:

Reading a book
Using a phone
Listening to music
Holding an umbrella
Walking their dog
Riding with both hands in their pockets
Rolling a fag
...and giving their adults mates a crossbar ride.

Those stats are bad of course but meanless without knowing how many were contributed to by poor or dangerous cycling? I wonder if we aren't approaching the subject from the wrong way and should we not be trying to raise the level of cycling behaviour so that they do not put themselves in a position where they are vulnerable to careless drivers?

GAHmusic wrote:

nodder1 wrote:

Repo wrote:

eaststandman wrote:
Cyclists.

No test, no licence, no tax, no insurance, no lights, no signals, no MOT, no helmets, no reflective gear, no stopping at lights, no laws of the road, headphones, blah de blah.

Drivers.

Lessons, test, licence, tax, insurance, mot, etc,etc.

nuff said.

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles in uk 2005-2009 = 2118

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists in uk 2005 -2009 = 11

Number of pedestrians killed by motor vehicles on footpaths was 226

Number of pedestrians killed by cyclists on footpaths was 3

Number of cyclists killed by motor vehicles in uk last year =122

Number of motorists killed by cyclists last year = 0


'Nuff said !

well observed, and ignored by carnodders in the queue

Surely those statistics are relative to the number of cars versus the number of bicycles on the road, cars of course being a far larger number. If someone could obtain the car v bicycle daily usage stats we could recalculate those figures to acurately reflect the true difference. Not saying bikes will come out looking like the problem but those stats are one sided like that

GAHmusic wrote:

Dont drop litter wrote:

ashleycross wrote:
I can't understand why so many cyclists wear dark clothing. There is a court case current at present over a girl left very disabled by being knocked over walking in a lane with no hi-viz on. The fact she wasn't wearing it basically meant it wasn't the dirver's fault for hitting her, according to the first hearing. It may well mean drivers hitting cyclists in dark clothing are also not liable or less likely to be.
Even the scooter tribute recently seemed dominated by very dark clothing.

There has been a recent study that suggests that the current overuse of hi-viz and fluorescent road signs is leading to a desensitising - people pay less attention to bright yellow objects.
It's not law that cyclists or motorcyclists wear hi-viz, nor dog walkers and pedestrians but there are times when it may be sensible.
There no substitute for people paying attention, using there headlights and not wandering about in the road.

Personally I have no wish to hit any bright yellow objects that glow in the dark. How can you be desensitised and surely wouldn't headlight be worse owing to there being a higher number of bright lights in the world than hi viz clothing were this observation true?

Dont drop litter wrote:

GAHmusic wrote:

Dont drop litter wrote:

ashleycross wrote:
I can't understand why so many cyclists wear dark clothing. There is a court case current at present over a girl left very disabled by being knocked over walking in a lane with no hi-viz on. The fact she wasn't wearing it basically meant it wasn't the dirver's fault for hitting her, according to the first hearing. It may well mean drivers hitting cyclists in dark clothing are also not liable or less likely to be.
Even the scooter tribute recently seemed dominated by very dark clothing.

There has been a recent study that suggests that the current overuse of hi-viz and fluorescent road signs is leading to a desensitising - people pay less attention to bright yellow objects.
It's not law that cyclists or motorcyclists wear hi-viz, nor dog walkers and pedestrians but there are times when it may be sensible.
There no substitute for people paying attention, using there headlights and not wandering about in the road.

Personally I have no wish to hit any bright yellow objects that glow in the dark. How can you be desensitised and surely wouldn't headlight be worse owing to there being a higher number of bright lights in the world than hi viz clothing were this observation true?

Headlights are for seeing where you are going. Hi-viz is for people who are looking where they are going. Here's a link to the HSE article. http://www.hse.gov.u

k/news/judith-risk-a

ssessment/high-invis

ibility060313.htm?eb

ul=hsegen&cr=1%2
F11-
mar-13

Hugo808 wrote:
I'm a law abiding careful cyclist and I'm not even remotely surprised that Bournemouth is one of the most dangerous places in the country to try and get around by bicycle.

Many times I have been indicating right, checking the road behind me and, once I have started my manouvre, some maniac has overtaken me on the OUTSIDE causing me to swerve back into the lane I was leaving.

This is attempted murder - unless the highway code has been rewritten since I passed my test.

GAHmusic wrote:

x_Rosie_x wrote: Undertaking is perfectly legal and the crux of the problem is people do not look for bikes. The amount of times I have nearly been knocked off my scooter due to people not looking properly is insane, however, it is important to bike users to be responsible road users too.

Legal it may be but when I was a motorcyclist I was never stupid enough to think the law would keep me safe, what you going to do, lay in your grave and think I may be dead but at least I was right. Every cyclist, motorcyclist or any vulnerable road user has a duty above the law, to themselves to be extra vigilant just like larger road users have to the vulnerable but unfortunately I see at least ten times as many stupid moves by cyclists than I ever see from motorbikes or cars even and you can argue all you like but it is true and I pay extra attention for cyclists because I have absolutely no wish to injure or kill someone but some cyclists scare the hell out of me

steveviv wrote:
Why dont the police stop and tell all cycleists that it is against the law to ride on pavements. I nearly knock someone off there bike coming out of my drive. POLICE wake up stop them.

Seabeam wrote:
Statistics, great are they not.
No statistics for the number of cyclists killed on pavements by cars.
Perhaps no cyclists are injured this way so, pavement cycling must surely be the best option.
I will try n cycle on the pavements more now, cheers echo.

Bourne1979 wrote:
I don't own a car or bike (through choice). Having been a driver and a cyclist in recent years, I can see frustrations with both. However, as a pedestrian, I've had two 'near misses' with cyclists this evening alone. The first (with earphones in) smacked me in the back at Cooper Dean roundabout. Yes I had inadvertently walked into a cycling lane, but the cyclist was going at speed. I apologised for my error, he looked at me in disgust and off he rode. Cycling towards me, he would have seen me, and had time to sow down, but the fact a cycle lane exists appeared to 'excuse' him of all responsibility. Yes, cyclists frequently come across poor drivers, but also pedestrians too frequently come across irresponsible cyclists too. I'm sick of hearing the 'poor me' attitude of cyclist versus drivers. As a cyclist, you are still in charge of a speeding piece of metal and have a responsibility on the road and pavement!

Bourne1979 wrote:
I don't own a car or bike (through choice). Having been a driver and a cyclist in recent years, I can see frustrations with both. However, as a pedestrian, I've had two 'near misses' with cyclists this evening alone. The first (with earphones in) smacked me in the back at Cooper Dean roundabout. Yes I had inadvertently walked into a cycling lane, but the cyclist was going at speed. I apologised for my error, he looked at me in disgust and off he rode. Cycling towards me, he would have seen me, and had time to sow down, but the fact a cycle lane exists appeared to 'excuse' him of all responsibility. Yes, cyclists frequently come across poor drivers, but also pedestrians too frequently come across irresponsible cyclists too. I'm sick of hearing the 'poor me' attitude of cyclist versus drivers. As a cyclist, you are still in charge of a speeding piece of metal and have a responsibility on the road and pavement!

grazzer wrote:
lf Bournemouth is such a dangerous place to cycle then the obvious solution would be for all cyclists to move to another area

Seabeam wrote:
Living perp or dead lawbider. The law doesn't protect me from mentals in cars, just maybe, might get some bdlated half justice.
Survival is key.
When I am out walking ALL THE CAR DRIVERS ARE BREAKING ALL THE LAWS ALL OF THE TIME.
They are in huge cars and very scary so why should anybody else concerned with non-functioning, unpoliced road laws.
CAR DRIVERS DO NOT GIVE A FIG FOR ANYBODY ELSE. Have you got blinkers on or are you a car driver.
DUH!

GAHmusic wrote:
Ok, ok I think the whole car v cyclists, he did this he did that theme to this discusion is getting a bit silly. I think what is needed is better standards of driver/riders across the board to deal with both the car drivers and cyclist who are a danger are cut as well as fair an equal enforcement in law for rule breakers be they cars or cyclists but I feel strongly it needs to be adressed as a whole and stop this car v cyclist arguing and make it good road user v bad

ledge374 wrote:
Why is is that half not all these cyclists keep moaning about this issue and yet when there are dedicated cycle paths in Gravel Hill and the Broadstone relief road down to Holes Bay there are still cyclists who wont use them and cycle on the roads and feel they need to take up half the road making it difficult for cars to pass them and then have to cheek to moan about the cars. Use your brain the cycle paths are there for you and are safe, I use them daily and avoid the roads for my own safety.

ledge374 wrote:
Why is is that half not all these cyclists keep moaning about this issue and yet when there are dedicated cycle paths in Gravel Hill and the Broadstone relief road down to Holes Bay there are still cyclists who wont use them and cycle on the roads and feel they need to take up half the road making it difficult for cars to pass them and then have to cheek to moan about the cars. Use your brain the cycle paths are there for you and are safe, I use them daily and avoid the roads for my own safety.