Wednesday 16 January 2013

Petition To Improve New Drver Awareness If Cyclists

Whilst the driving theory test has some optional cycling awareness questions, not everyone is tested with these and the practical driving test does not have any particular focus on cyclists. If drivers are not trained to be aware of cyclists and how to drive around them they will retain the lack of awareness after they pass their test. British Cycling supports the motoring organisations which are calling for harder tests and the inclusion of cycle awareness in the test.

British Cycling's manifesto says: changes to the driving test to make cycle awareness a core part of driver training and testing with emphasis on how much space to give cyclists and how to safely overtake cyclists.

We need to make this happen and stop people being needlessly killed on the roads.

http://epetitions.direct.gov.uk/petitions/44059

7 comments:

howard thomas said...

It would help if cyclists used cycle paths where they are provided and also to wear hi viz clothing and have lights when they are on the road.

Ailbhe said...

I'd love to have cycle paths that were adequate. Most of the ones I've seen in Reading are either shared use or actually dangerous.

howard thomas said...

The best route that springs to my mind is the one that goes all the way from Tilehurst station to Caversham bridge. OK, that includes the Cow Lane bridge , but that will be sorted in the next couple of years. But I regulary come acrosss cyclists on the road, quite often without lights and hi viz! Are they mad?

Adrian Windisch said...

Good point Ailbhe.

The only good ones I know are along the thames, kennet or A4 heading east from thames valley park. And that one you have to stop at roundabouts. Hence why many cyclists prefer the road.

Howard you cant force cyclists to wear the safety clothes you want, though i agree it safer to be seen. Would you tell pedestrians to wear high viz, they are in similar danger. Normally your the one saying let people choose what they want to do.

Adrian Windisch said...

Good point Ailbhe.

The only good ones I know are along the thames, kennet or A4 heading east from thames valley park. And that one you have to stop at roundabouts. Hence why many cyclists prefer the road.

Howard you cant force cyclists to wear the safety clothes you want, though i agree it safer to be seen. Would you tell pedestrians to wear high viz, they are in similar danger. Normally your the one saying let people choose what they want to do.

Ailbhe said...

That is one of the best in Reading, and it means you keep having to stop to cross roads like a pedestrian (at every junction, in both directions, where drivers can carry on along the road without pause in most cases), and almost all of it is a shared-use path where, naturally, pedestrians take priority.

howard thomas said...

Adrian.....I didn't say anything about compulsory use, but surely its better to be seen and be safer.

The best cycle ways I've ever seen are in Stavanga in Norway. They clearly have a policy that is meant to avoid the conflict of pedestrians/cyclists with motorised traffic. They have an abundance of little bridges and underpasses. The most impressive bit is a roundabout for pedestrians/cyclists which is actually above a roundabout where 2 dual carriageways intersect. You can walk/ride up a slope from any direction, go around and then down in the direction you wish.....absolutely fascinating! and obviously very very safe