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Fascist cyclists
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 11:29:08 +0000, Ian Jelf
wrote: When Oxford's traffic system changed a couple (?) of years ago, I saw a cyclist cycling the wrong way alongside Balliol. A policeman on duty stopped her and gave her a pretty stern warning. The woman was absolutely astounded - and I *mean* **astounded** - at being pulled over for a traffic violation as she was "only on a bike". She simply could not believe that the rules of the road applied to her. We lived in Colchester, an army town. Public roads went through the barracks area. A military policeman was directing traffic. My mother ignored him, as she was not a soldier. He was very nice to her about it :-) |
Fascist cyclists
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006, Laurence Payne wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 11:29:08 +0000, Ian Jelf wrote: When Oxford's traffic system changed a couple (?) of years ago, I saw a cyclist cycling the wrong way alongside Balliol. A policeman on duty stopped her and gave her a pretty stern warning. The woman was absolutely astounded - and I *mean* **astounded** - at being pulled over for a traffic violation as she was "only on a bike". She simply could not believe that the rules of the road applied to her. Ah, but is that her being a demon cyclist, or a stereotypical Oxford student with an overactive sense of entitlement? We lived in Colchester, an army town. Public roads went through the barracks area. A military policeman was directing traffic. My mother ignored him, as she was not a soldier. He was very nice to her about it :-) Ah yes - one of the few times a Colchester teenager on the lash in town is glad to see a policeman while drunk is when they're an MP, since you can be quite sure they're only going to arrest *other* drunks! And before anyone asks, i speak from experience on both counts here! tom -- NOW ALL ASS-KICKING UNTIL THE END |
Fascist cyclists
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:37:58 +0000, Tom Anderson
wrote: Ah, but is that her being a demon cyclist, or a stereotypical Oxford student with an overactive sense of entitlement? We lived in Colchester, an army town. Public roads went through the barracks area. A military policeman was directing traffic. My mother ignored him, as she was not a soldier. He was very nice to her about it :-) Ah yes - one of the few times a Colchester teenager on the lash in town is glad to see a policeman while drunk is when they're an MP, since you can be quite sure they're only going to arrest *other* drunks! And before anyone asks, i speak from experience on both counts here! So if you were a teenager in Colchester and attended Oxford, do I deduce that you also wore the purple blazer? |
Fascist cyclists
In message , Tom
Anderson writes On Fri, 13 Jan 2006, Laurence Payne wrote: On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 11:29:08 +0000, Ian Jelf wrote: When Oxford's traffic system changed a couple (?) of years ago, I saw a cyclist cycling the wrong way alongside Balliol. A policeman on duty stopped her and gave her a pretty stern warning. The woman was absolutely astounded - and I *mean* **astounded** - at being pulled over for a traffic violation as she was "only on a bike". She simply could not believe that the rules of the road applied to her. Ah, but is that her being a demon cyclist, or a stereotypical Oxford student with an overactive sense of entitlement? The two conditions made an interesting conjunction. And often do! -- Ian Jelf, MITG Birmingham, UK Registered Blue Badge Tourist Guide for London and the Heart of England http://www.bluebadge.demon.co.uk |
Fascist cyclists
Martin Underwood wrote:
Adrian wrote in 70: Martin Underwood ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying : Cyclists, on the other hand, often overtake cars which are indicating left. As a car driver, I usually pull close to the kerb as I approach a junction where I'm turning left if I've recently overtaken a cyclist, to physically prevent him from overtaking illegally. I wish it wasn't necessary to resort to this tactic. It isn't necessary. Just don't overtake the cyclist if you know you'll be turning left shortly afterwards. It's not that simple. I may encounter the cyclist (maybe going as slowly as 5 mph when I'm going at 30) when I'm several hundred yards from the junction. To slow down to his speed and drive behind him for ages is absurd and would incur the wrath of other traffic. So I overtake him. Then the lights change just as I'm approaching the lights: maybe I'm first or second car. While I'm stopped, the cyclist catches up with me. The lights turn green. If he's already level with me or in front of me, fine - he goes first. But suppose he's a second or so later and is just behind me. Should I delay setting off to let him overtake me or should he wait until I've turned? I reckon the latter. I think the problem stems from the design of the junction which permits/encourages a lane of vehicles (cyclists) to the left of the stream of cars that wants to turn left. A scheme that encouraged cyclists to overtake on the right when there was a stream of cars waiting to turn right would be equally absurd. I don't see the problem. Here in Holland, cyclists are allowed to overtake stationary or slow moving traffic on the 'pavement-side" (which would be on the left if in the UK". Moreover, they have right of way when they are going straight ahead and a car is turning left. Every driver is taught that he has to check thorougly for cyclists between them and the pavement before turning left. If you're used to it, it's no problem at all. In continental Europe, rules have been adapted to give cyclists the same rights as drivers (i.e. if a cyclist comes from the right, he has priority over the driver). IMO, this rule increases the average speed cycling and makes the bike a more attractive mode of transport. Which, of course, is good for the urban environment. The problem in the UK is, I guess, on one hand that motorists aren't used to bicycles and don't know very well how to react and anticipate on cyclists. They don't understand how vuneralbe cyclists are in traffic. On the other hand, cycling infrastructure isn't by far as good as it is in some Continental countries. The UK can learn a lot from what is done for cyclists in the Netherlands, Germany and Belgium. Besides, it always amuses me how much protective clothing cyclists in the UK wear. Here in Holland, a cyclist with a helmet or with reflective clothing is laughing stock... regards, hgrm |
Fascist cyclists
Han Monsees ) gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying : Here in Holland, cyclists are allowed to overtake stationary or slow moving traffic on the 'pavement-side" (which would be on the left if in the UK". Moreover, they have right of way when they are going straight ahead and a car is turning left. Strikes me as bloody dangerous. Every driver is taught that he has to check thorougly for cyclists between them and the pavement before turning left. If you're used to it, it's no problem at all. And lethal if the driver isn't. In continental Europe, rules have been adapted to give cyclists the same rights as drivers (i.e. if a cyclist comes from the right, he has priority over the driver). Yep, same here. IMO, this rule increases the average speed cycling and makes the bike a more attractive mode of transport. I think that's more to do with the, umm, flatness of NL... |
Fascist cyclists
Every driver is taught that he has to check thorougly for cyclists between them and the pavement before turning left. If you're used to it, it's no problem at all. And lethal if the driver isn't. Agree. But it's an chicken-and-egg-story. If there are not too many cyclists, drivers don't get used. And if drivers don't get used to cyclists, cycling is dangerous and people will think twice before they start cycling. In continental Europe, rules have been adapted to give cyclists the same rights as drivers (i.e. if a cyclist comes from the right, he has priority over the driver). Yep, same here. IMO, this rule increases the average speed cycling and makes the bike a more attractive mode of transport. I think that's more to do with the, umm, flatness of NL... Many area's in the UK are equally suited for cycling. And besides, NL isn't as flat as you might think. The eastern part of the country has its hills. They might not be high, but there are plenty of short but steep hills. And cycling is popular in that part, too. Both as a means of transport and for recreational purposes. |
Fascist cyclists
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Fascist cyclists
In message .com of
Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:20:21 in uk.transport.london, Chris! writes [snip] I know... about as bad as the bus I just got back off which sailed through seven sets of red lights (mostly on Piccadilly) What did YOU do about it? I do NOT suggest reporting details to the police who are a waste of space in such situations. A call via POTS://0207221234 or http://www.tfl.gov.uk should result in a written response within the month. Do not expect effective action. OTOH, I assume that a pattern of complaint will result in a P45. (I failed to find a deep URL at tfl at 09.30 on Saturday due to a "503 : Error Server is busy". I do not care enough to bother John Biggs who is my assemblyman.) -- Walter Briscoe |
taking out the hard work (was: Fascist cyclists)
Phil Clark wrote:
Cycling's too efficient, it takes all the hard work out and is therefore not an excellent form of exercise. Walking and running are much better... Maybe you should switch up a gear - the hard work will suddenly be put back in! I'm wondering what can be done to bikes at a reasonable cost with semiconductors these days. ISTM they'd be a lot more pleasant to ride if instead of having to adjust gears to suit the terrain you could control how hard the resistance force is. Does anyone yet make bikes with electric transmission that sophisticated yet? And if so, how much do they charge for it? -- Aidan Stanger http://www.bettercrossrail.co.uk |
Fascist cyclists
Martin Underwood wrote: - compulsory third-party insurance for all cyclists (to cover injury to pedestrians and damage to cars who have to swerve to avoid them when the cyclists go through red lights or whose cars they scrape as they overtake illegally on the left coming up to a junction) - mandatory registration plates at the front and back of all bikes, with the front number plate parallel with the handlebars (rather than parallel with the wheel as for motorbikes at present) so it can be read from in front Brilliant idea. Now what about scooters (not the motorised kind)? And skateboards? What about roller skaters? Perhaps anyone whos running fast should have insurance and wear a license plate too? After all, if some 20 stone bodybuilder is legging it down the street at 15mph and runs into you you'll know about it far more than if you're hit by some 8 stone girl on a bike doing the same speed. And lets not forget the pratical problem of inforcement. Lets assume your dumb idea comes to fruition and license plates are required. Will children require them? Does little 2 year old Tommy have to wait until dad gets him insurance and plates so he can ride his little tricycle out the front? No? Oh , we'll wait until they're 14 or so? So one day they find they can't legally go out on their bike anymore because their parents can't afford the insurance. Think they'll care? Think plod will care given they have their hands full as it it? And how do expect a policeman to catch a cyclist with no plates? Chase him on foot? Well that won't work. Call in the panda car? Great - until the cyclist heads off down an alley or up some stairs away from the road. No wait , we can call in the police chopper, yeah that'll do it. Wake up mate. B2003 |
Fascist cyclists
Boltar ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying : And lets not forget the pratical problem of inforcement. Lets assume your dumb idea comes to fruition and license plates are required. Will children require them? Does little 2 year old Tommy have to wait until dad gets him insurance and plates so he can ride his little tricycle out the front? No? Oh , we'll wait until they're 14 or so? So one day they find they can't legally go out on their bike anymore because their parents can't afford the insurance. Think they'll care? Think plod will care given they have their hands full as it it? And how do expect a policeman to catch a cyclist with no plates? Chase him on foot? Well that won't work. Call in the panda car? Great - until the cyclist heads off down an alley or up some stairs away from the road. No wait , we can call in the police chopper, yeah that'll do it. Mmm. Some good points. Perhaps we just ought to get rid of plates/licences/insurance for all road users, since it's all so unworkable. |
Fascist cyclists
On 12 Jan 2006 02:05:22 -0800, "Neil Williams"
wrote: Phil Clark wrote: Cycling's too efficient, it takes all the hard work out and is therefore not an excellent form of exercise. Walking and running are much better... It is, however, a more useful mode of transport as the range of a runner is rather more limited. Thus exercise can more feasibly be gained as part of the daily routine rather than as a separate activity. I agree it's a better form of transport, although to be honest I've never seen the attraction of dicing with London traffic on a pushbike. I fit a half hour walk from Waterloo to Green Park into my schedule (and back again in the evening). I reckon I get an hour's exercise a day for the net expenditure of around half that - I have to allow 20 minutes on the way home for the tube; walking, 35 minutes gets me there easily. |
Fascist cyclists
Mmm. Some good points. Perhaps we just ought to get rid of
plates/licences/insurance for all road users, since it's all so unworkable. When was the last time you heard of a bicycle having a blowout at 70mph and causing a pileup? When was the last time you heard of a bicycle being tuned badly and causing unnecessasy pollution? When was the last time you heard of a bicycle causing damage to the road surface due to badly set up suspension? When was the last time you heard of a bicycle aquaplaning due to bald tyres and going off into a hedge? When was the last time you heard of a bicycle being responsible for a 6 figure insurance payout in a major accident? When was the last time you saw little kids playing in the back garden in a car or truck? And you think plates for bikes is workable? Ok.... When was the last time you heard of a bicyle being boxed in by police cars so the cyclist couldn't escape? When was the last time you heard of a police car that could go everywhere a bicycle can go? When was the last time you heard of a policeman who could run at 25mph so he could catch a bike? And just a minor point , how do you propose to persuade people to register and pay for insurance and plates for probably 20 million bicycles, half of which are probably sitting at the back of a garage? And where do you think the money will come from to process them all? You plan on having little kids arrested in the street if they don't have registration? Idiot. B2003 |
Fascist cyclists
Boltar ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying : When was the last time you heard of a police car that could go everywhere a bicycle can go? When was the last time you heard of a policeman who could run at 25mph so he could catch a bike? Umm, the police use bicycles too... |
Fascist cyclists
On 14 Jan 2006 11:34:08 -0800, "Boltar"
wrote: And lets not forget the pratical problem of inforcement. Lets assume your dumb idea comes to fruition and license plates are required. Will children require them? Does little 2 year old Tommy have to wait until dad gets him insurance and plates so he can ride his little tricycle out the front? No? Oh , we'll wait until they're 14 or so? So one day they find they can't legally go out on their bike anymore because their parents can't afford the insurance. Think they'll care? Think plod will care given they have their hands full as it it? And how do expect a policeman to catch a cyclist with no plates? Chase him on foot? Well that won't work. Call in the panda car? Great - until the cyclist heads off down an alley or up some stairs away from the road. No wait , we can call in the police chopper, yeah that'll do it. "Enforcement", that should be. Why do all those reasons not apply equally to cars and motorcycles? |
Fascist cyclists
Walter Briscoe wrote: In message .com of Fri, 13 Jan 2006 20:20:21 in uk.transport.london, Chris! writes [snip] I know... about as bad as the bus I just got back off which sailed through seven sets of red lights (mostly on Piccadilly) What did YOU do about it? I did nothing at all. The bus red light jumping combined with less traffic reduced my journey time from 2 hours to 30mins. My post was just trying to show that it isn't only cyclists who jump red lights. |
Fascist cyclists
Adrian wrote:
Mmm. Some good points. Perhaps we just ought to get rid of plates/licences/insurance for all road users, since it's all so unworkable. Having a discussion in work on Friday a country was mentioned where the basic third-party mandatory insurance for road vehicles was provided by the state. We then went on to suggest the idea of having this here, with the charge for insurance being on the price of petrol, thus making it impossible to drive without insurance. It wouldn't do anything about cyclists, of course[1], but it would make *that* system much more workable. [1] Or would it? A tax could be placed on the sale of bicycles to pay for it, perhaps? Neil |
Fascist cyclists
Neil Williams ) gurgled happily, sounding much like
they were saying : Having a discussion in work on Friday a country was mentioned where the basic third-party mandatory insurance for road vehicles was provided by the state. We then went on to suggest the idea of having this here, with the charge for insurance being on the price of petrol, thus making it impossible to drive without insurance. I think Aus and NZ do that - amongst others. It's a part of the annual registration charge - akin to our tax disk, but the plates themselves are issued by the authorities, and replaced every year, closer to the model of the States. |
Fascist cyclists
On 15 Jan 2006 01:54:05 -0800, "Neil Williams"
wrote: Having a discussion in work on Friday a country was mentioned where the basic third-party mandatory insurance for road vehicles was provided by the state. We then went on to suggest the idea of having this here, with the charge for insurance being on the price of petrol, thus making it impossible to drive without insurance. It wouldn't do anything about cyclists, of course[1], but it would make *that* system much more workable. Doesn't Australia do this? The insurance companies would fight it tooth-and-nail of course. And the chattering classes would object to subsidising high-risk drivers. Though I suspect the economies from the simplicity of the system would more than compensate. |
Fascist cyclists
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006, Laurence Payne wrote:
On Fri, 13 Jan 2006 17:37:58 +0000, Tom Anderson wrote: Ah, but is that her being a demon cyclist, or a stereotypical Oxford student with an overactive sense of entitlement? We lived in Colchester, an army town. Public roads went through the barracks area. A military policeman was directing traffic. My mother ignored him, as she was not a soldier. He was very nice to her about it :-) Ah yes - one of the few times a Colchester teenager on the lash in town is glad to see a policeman while drunk is when they're an MP, since you can be quite sure they're only going to arrest *other* drunks! And before anyone asks, i speak from experience on both counts here! So if you were a teenager in Colchester and attended Oxford, do I deduce that you also wore the purple blazer? You do indeed infer the wearing of the accursed violet jacket - does that 'also' mean you're a survivor of that place yourself? tom -- The future will accost us with boob-slapping ferocity. -- H. G. Wells |
Fascist cyclists
Laurence Payne wrote:
Doesn't Australia do this? I think that was the country, yes. Might have been NZ, as another poster suggested. The insurance companies would fight it tooth-and-nail of course. And the chattering classes would object to subsidising high-risk drivers. Though I suspect the economies from the simplicity of the system would more than compensate. Indeed. No complexity, no uninsured drivers, no issues. The only thing that'd need to be actively tracked, were it on the price of petrol, would be the MOT. The insurance companies could, of course, still compete over the provision of fully comprehensive insurance over and above the basic, which I suspect most people would still choose to take to protect their investment. I certainly would. Neil |
Fascist cyclists
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 13:01:16 +0000, Tom Anderson
wrote: So if you were a teenager in Colchester and attended Oxford, do I deduce that you also wore the purple blazer? You do indeed infer the wearing of the accursed violet jacket - does that 'also' mean you're a survivor of that place yourself? Yup. A long time ago. Left in 1969. |
Fascist cyclists
Why do all those reasons not apply equally to cars and motorcycles?
In case you hadn't noticed a bicycle isn't a motor vehicle. And as I pointed out in a previous post (a point which was ignored), if you start having to license non motor vehicles where do you draw the line? Scooters? Skateboards? Roller skates? Anything with wheels? Perhaps wheelchairs will have to have license plates too. Its as stupid idea. Which is why its never been done. Problem is like most things a few idiots spoil it for everyone else. Having registration just to stop a some maniacs (who wouldn't bother to register anyway just like lots of people don't register their cars) would just make life difficult for law abiding people and do nothing to prevent the problem it was designed to solve. B2003 |
Fascist cyclists
Boltar ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they
were saying : Umm, the police use bicycles too... In some places, not many these days. In an increasing number of places. And you'd end up with some sort of keystone cops scenario with knackered coppers Fit people who ride a bike all day every day. trying to chase someone on a bike because they don't have a registration plate. Whats the point. They have more important things to do. Again, the same could be applied to cars. What's the point in chasing a car with no plates? |
Fascist cyclists
Phil Clark wrote:
I fit a half hour walk from Waterloo to Green Park into my schedule (and back again in the evening). I reckon I get an hour's exercise a day for the net expenditure of around half that - I have to allow 20 minutes on the way home for the tube; walking, 35 minutes gets me there easily. Fair enough - looks like that works for you. I used to walk to work when I lived about 2.5 miles from it; now I work further away (about 5.5 miles) I cycle or drive instead, as to walk would take something like an hour and a half each way, which is a little excessive. Central London traffic isn't *that* bad on a bike, as you can usually go faster than the rest of it, so speed isn't as much of a threat as it is elsewhere. However, I can see why walking would be preferable, as you do still need your wits about you! Neil |
Fascist cyclists
In message .com,
Boltar writes Umm, the police use bicycles too... In some places, not many these days. Currently more than 400 bicycle-equipped police in the Met, and the number is rising fast. -- Paul Terry |
Fascist cyclists
On 15 Jan 2006 08:17:42 -0800, "Boltar"
wrote: Why do all those reasons not apply equally to cars and motorcycles? In case you hadn't noticed a bicycle isn't a motor vehicle. And as I pointed out in a previous post (a point which was ignored), if you start having to license non motor vehicles where do you draw the line? Scooters? Skateboards? Roller skates? Anything with wheels? Perhaps wheelchairs will have to have license plates too. Its as stupid idea. Which is why its never been done. Problem is like most things a few idiots spoil it for everyone else. Having registration just to stop a some maniacs (who wouldn't bother to register anyway just like lots of people don't register their cars) would just make life difficult for law abiding people and do nothing to prevent the problem it was designed to solve. So why is the criterion "powered vehicles" rather than "vehicles which use the highway"? |
Fascist cyclists
In article ,
Laurence Payne wrote: So why is the criterion "powered vehicles" rather than "vehicles which use the highway"? Because powered vehicles have the potential to do more damage to others. With the increased potential damage, comes the justification for increased regulation. -- RIP Morph (1977-2005) |
Fascist cyclists
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006, Laurence Payne wrote:
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 13:01:16 +0000, Tom Anderson wrote: So if you were a teenager in Colchester and attended Oxford, do I deduce that you also wore the purple blazer? You do indeed infer the wearing of the accursed violet jacket - does that 'also' mean you're a survivor of that place yourself? Yup. A long time ago. Left in 1969. Yikes! Must have been 1998 in my case. I imagine things were pretty much the same, though - it's hardly a hotbed of up-to-the-minute dynamism. tom -- I think it would be a good idea -- Mohandas Gandhi, on Western civilisation |
Fascist cyclists
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 19:01:09 +0000, Tom Anderson
wrote: You do indeed infer the wearing of the accursed violet jacket - does that 'also' mean you're a survivor of that place yourself? Yup. A long time ago. Left in 1969. Yikes! Must have been 1998 in my case. I imagine things were pretty much the same, though - it's hardly a hotbed of up-to-the-minute dynamism. Still consistently right up the top of the league tables though. They must be doing SOMETHING right. |
Fascist cyclists
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006, Laurence Payne wrote:
On Sun, 15 Jan 2006 19:01:09 +0000, Tom Anderson wrote: You do indeed infer the wearing of the accursed violet jacket - does that 'also' mean you're a survivor of that place yourself? Yup. A long time ago. Left in 1969. Yikes! Must have been 1998 in my case. I imagine things were pretty much the same, though - it's hardly a hotbed of up-to-the-minute dynamism. Still consistently right up the top of the league tables though. They must be doing SOMETHING right. Selecting pupils on the basis of exam ability, for a start! tom -- It's the 21st century, man - we rue _minutes_. -- Benjamin Rosenbaum |
Fascist cyclists
"Han Monsees" wrote in message
.. . Every driver is taught that he has to check thorougly for cyclists between them and the pavement before turning left. If you're used to it, it's no problem at all. And lethal if the driver isn't. Agree. But it's an chicken-and-egg-story. If there are not too many cyclists, drivers don't get used. And if drivers don't get used to cyclists, cycling is dangerous and people will think twice before they start cycling. In continental Europe, rules have been adapted to give cyclists the same rights as drivers (i.e. if a cyclist comes from the right, he has priority over the driver). Yep, same here. IMO, this rule increases the average speed cycling and makes the bike a more attractive mode of transport. I think that's more to do with the, umm, flatness of NL... Many area's in the UK are equally suited for cycling. And besides, NL isn't as flat as you might think. The eastern part of the country has its hills. They might not be high, but there are plenty of short but steep hills. And cycling is popular in that part, too. Both as a means of transport and for recreational purposes. But London is far, far hillier than any part of the Netherlands :) |
Fascist cyclists
On Mon, 16 Jan 2006 00:23:49 +0000, Tom Anderson
wrote: Still consistently right up the top of the league tables though. They must be doing SOMETHING right. Selecting pupils on the basis of exam ability, for a start! Absolutely. Retarded kids get one-to-one support. Bright kids get left to motivate themselves, if the parents can't afford private. Hardly productive. |
Fascist cyclists
Adrian wrote:
Neil Williams ) gurgled happily, sounding much like they were saying : Having a discussion in work on Friday a country was mentioned where the basic third-party mandatory insurance for road vehicles was provided by the state. We then went on to suggest the idea of having this here, with the charge for insurance being on the price of petrol, thus making it impossible to drive without insurance. I think Aus and NZ do that - amongst others. In Australia it's a state issue. South Australia has third party injury insurance provided that way, but last time I checked, property insurance was not part of the deal. However, there have been campaigns for it in the past, so it may have changes since I last checked. It's a part of the annual registration charge - akin to our tax disk, but the plates themselves are issued by the authorities, and replaced every year, closer to the model of the States. No they aren't. Normal number plates (as opposed to custom number plates which are more popular in Australia than in the UK) do not need replacing regularly. -- Aidan Stanger http://www.bettercrossrail.co.uk |
Fascist cyclists
On 15 Jan 2006 08:46:24 -0800, "Neil Williams"
wrote: Phil Clark wrote: I fit a half hour walk from Waterloo to Green Park into my schedule (and back again in the evening). I reckon I get an hour's exercise a day for the net expenditure of around half that - I have to allow 20 minutes on the way home for the tube; walking, 35 minutes gets me there easily. Fair enough - looks like that works for you. I used to walk to work when I lived about 2.5 miles from it; now I work further away (about 5.5 miles) I cycle or drive instead, as to walk would take something like an hour and a half each way, which is a little excessive. You're right - it works for me, your journey works by bike. I now get a perverse pleasure every time I find I haven't used my Oyster all week (this week I'll slip as I'll probably catch a bus back from Fleet Street to Waterloo. It is walkable, but I'd rather be able to stay in the pub for longer!) Central London traffic isn't *that* bad on a bike, as you can usually go faster than the rest of it, so speed isn't as much of a threat as it is elsewhere. However, I can see why walking would be preferable, as you do still need your wits about you! There are plenty of places where the facilities for pedestrians are poor, for example around Centrepoint. There's also two points on my walking route that are not ideal - one is the front entrance to Waterloo where you have to cross four roads and six lanes of traffic to get to the Jubilee Bridge, and the central reservation on York Way is far too narrow. The other is Trafalgar Square where the traffic light phasing can mean it takes an age to get from one side to the other, and this encourages pedestrians to nip across against a green traffic light. |
Fascist cyclists
- compulsory third-party insurance for all cyclists (to cover injury to
pedestrians and damage to cars who have to swerve to avoid them when the cyclists go through red lights or whose cars they scrape as they overtake illegally on the left coming up to a junction) - mandatory registration plates at the front and back of all bikes, with the front number plate parallel with the handlebars (rather than parallel with the wheel as for motorbikes at present) so it can be read from in front As an occasional cyclist, I'd willingly pay a small surcharge for insurance. Being responsible and considerate, I have never overtaken a queue of cars on the left (I wait my turn, just like a car, or else I dismount and walk on the pavement till I get past the obstruction) and I have never gone through a red traffic light or across a pedestrian crossing that has people on it. But I think I'm very much in the minority :-( This only would make sense if all people had to have 3rd party insurance - peds cause accidents too, especially small children. Why should the lorry driver's insurance have to pay out just because some stupid mum lets her toddler run out and make him damage his truck? |
Fascist cyclists
"Tim" wrote in message ...
- compulsory third-party insurance for all cyclists (to cover injury to pedestrians and damage to cars who have to swerve to avoid them when the cyclists go through red lights or whose cars they scrape as they overtake illegally on the left coming up to a junction) - mandatory registration plates at the front and back of all bikes, with the front number plate parallel with the handlebars (rather than parallel with the wheel as for motorbikes at present) so it can be read from in front As an occasional cyclist, I'd willingly pay a small surcharge for insurance. Being responsible and considerate, I have never overtaken a queue of cars on the left (I wait my turn, just like a car, or else I dismount and walk on the pavement till I get past the obstruction) and I have never gone through a red traffic light or across a pedestrian crossing that has people on it. But I think I'm very much in the minority :-( This only would make sense if all people had to have 3rd party insurance - peds cause accidents too, especially small children. Why should the lorry driver's insurance have to pay out just because some stupid mum lets her toddler run out and make him damage his truck? Shouldn't the driver be looking out for such hazards? There are rules for drivers, but not for pedestrians? Isn't that the case? (being serious here - I don't know :)) |
Fascist cyclists
Tim wrote:
This only would make sense if all people had to have 3rd party insurance - peds cause accidents too, especially small children. Why should the lorry driver's insurance have to pay out just because some stupid mum lets her toddler run out and make him damage his truck? Most people do in the form of their household insurance which tends to cover such things. Indeed, I believe it *is* mandatory in its own right in some countries. Household 3rd pary liability insurance also isn't unknown to cover cycling accidents. Neil |
Fascist cyclists
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