Forum Topic

Cyclists could get points on car licence for jumping lights

Interesting report on page 11 of yesterday's Sunday Times about a debate in the House of Lords on Thursday about cycling. Lord Hogan-Howe, former commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, called for an overhaul of regulations for cyclists having himself suffered a "near-death experience" with a cyclist in Victoria Street. Lord Hendy of Richmond Hill, transport minister, said the government will "certainly look at" the proposal to make "cycling offences endorsable on driving licences for motor vehicles". However, sources in the Department for Transport said no policy work was taking place. Of course, this would not impact on cyclists without a driving licence, and as always it might be difficult to catch and identify the offending cyclist. Nevertheless, the report says that 26,890 fixed penalty notices were issued in London in the six years to 2022, mostly for jumping a red light. Over six years, 20 pedestrians were killed in collisions involving cyclists, and 2,941 pedestrians were injured, of whom 546 were seriously injured.

Richard Greenhough ● 102d11 Comments

A provisional licence lasts for ten years apparently!

peter king ● 87d

A provisional licence lasts for ten years apparently!

peter king ● 87d

Yes it’s astounding that cyclists don’t seem to realise that it’s illegal to cycle over a zebra crossing. Or are they just too arrogant to care?

Steve Taylor ● 87d

It was interesting yesterday to watch a ‘family’ cargo bike travelling eastbound along the CHR cycle lane making a left turn into Windmill Road. On the face of it, this isn’t an unreasonable wish, but, with the cycle lanes both being on the south side of CHR, it now looks impossible. But such was the ingenuity of the cyclist - 1) from the cycle lane turn left onto the zebra crossing and cycle across it2) cycle onto the pavement in front of The Hound and turn left3) cycle along the pavement to join Windmill Road4) turn right onto Windmill Road and continue Of course the pavement was busy with pedestrians but the cargo bike made its way through them. Normally a cyclist in this situation should dismount but I guess this isn’t practical with a cargo bike, so they were obliged to commit several technical illegalities which would not have been necessary with separate cycle tracks or none at all.

Peter Evans ● 87d

And indeed, motor vehicle drivers do have to take and pass a test - except, it seems, delivery riders on mopeds, who in increasing numbers, continue to ride with L plates while at the same time carrying out a commercial activity. I’m surprised this is allowed. And don’t get me started on the monster e-bikes that by any sensible measure should be regarded as mopeds and regulated as such.

Peter Evans ● 87d

In the good old days we proudly took the cycling proficiency test which rammed home the resposibilities and dangers of being a cyclist.No cyclist should imho be on the road (or park!) without passing this test because you soon realize the major responsibilities of being a competent rider.Yes car drivers of course are not perfect but most do not go through red lights or have faulty brakes and lights.Please don’t shoot the messenger.

Tony Antares ● 87d

https://www.ealing.gov.uk/info/201176/cyclinghttps://www.hounslow.gov.uk/site_search/results/?q=cyclingThe Councils have all sorts of information and help with cycling INCLUDING FREE CYCLE TRAINING.If there is anybody you know who would benefit from this then please tell them about it.  You can also read the Highway Code online. Here is a bit of it for cyclists:https://www.gov.uk/guidance/the-highway-code/rules-for-cyclists-59-to-82But there is info in the Highway Code for ALL of us - not just road users!https://www.gov.uk/browse/driving/highway-code-road-safety

Philippa Bond ● 97d

Totally agree

Steve Taylor ● 97d

The number of injuries to pedestrians is likely to be much higher.  Many do not report because they will get any redress or insurance and are often too traumatised to remember exactly what happened. The police often do not follow up reports where there is no prospect of identifying the culprit, or taking any effective action even if they do. The only answer is to ramp up the penalties so that those who are caught  so they really fear the consequences. How about a  requirement to do cycling awareness courses as well?  Bring in some revenue for the Councils and improve the quality of cycling.

Jackie Elton ● 97d

So what do you prefer? Just zero legislation to prosecute the irresponsible bastards?

Steve Taylor ● 97d

But there’s no enforcement of traffic rules on cyclists, and it would take a huge police presence to flag down every red light runner or pavement weaver or over-powered e-bike on Chiswick High Road alone. Maybe it needs an organised group of local citizens to do the job for them. ‘Excuse me, young man, but can I point out that… f*** off!’

Peter Evans ● 101d

About time!

Elle Jones ● 101d

It’s a start. Long overdue. They also touched on registration for cyclists.

Steve Taylor ● 102d