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Lord Nikon · 16-12-2003, 08:58

I think there should be a law brought into place regarding cyclists.

Currently they are the ONLY road user not required to pass a test before using the road, not required to have their vehicle inspected annually and therefore not responsible for problems they cause.

Cyclists should have to take a Cycling Proficiency test to ride on the roads, to show they have SOME road sense, Their cycles should be inspected annually and some form of MOT issued, also they should carry license plates.
Age shouldn't be a limitation on whether they use the cycle on the road, but a basic road knowlege would not go amiss.

Why should every other road user be bound by the laws of the road and them be free to do as they please?

They are THE most vulnerable road user, and yet they are in some (not all) cases the ones responsible for the accidents they are involved in. Ignoring road signs, riding at night with no form of lighting, bald tyres which only get changed when the cloth wears through, swerving without notice or just generally unstable on a bike.

To ride a motorcycle a test is compulsory, as is an annual check to ensure the vehicle is safe (at least at the time of the test) Same for a car. Why not for a cycle?

Example - a cyclist rides out of a sidestreet without warning, you hit your brakes, a car runs up the back of you...

The car that hit you is at fault, The cyclist gets away from the scene and you have no way of establishing who it was, no number plate, generic cycle and no eyewitnesses can identify them.

The cyclist caused the accident, yet cannot be found.

This needs to be redressed.

16-12-2003, 08:58	#5
Lord Nikon Inactive Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: NW UK Posts: 3,546	Re: Militant cyclists I think there should be a law brought into place regarding cyclists. Currently they are the ONLY road user not required to pass a test before using the road, not required to have their vehicle inspected annually and therefore not responsible for problems they cause. Cyclists should have to take a Cycling Proficiency test to ride on the roads, to show they have SOME road sense, Their cycles should be inspected annually and some form of MOT issued, also they should carry license plates. Age shouldn't be a limitation on whether they use the cycle on the road, but a basic road knowlege would not go amiss. Why should every other road user be bound by the laws of the road and them be free to do as they please? They are THE most vulnerable road user, and yet they are in some (not all) cases the ones responsible for the accidents they are involved in. Ignoring road signs, riding at night with no form of lighting, bald tyres which only get changed when the cloth wears through, swerving without notice or just generally unstable on a bike. To ride a motorcycle a test is compulsory, as is an annual check to ensure the vehicle is safe (at least at the time of the test) Same for a car. Why not for a cycle? Example - a cyclist rides out of a sidestreet without warning, you hit your brakes, a car runs up the back of you... The car that hit you is at fault, The cyclist gets away from the scene and you have no way of establishing who it was, no number plate, generic cycle and no eyewitnesses can identify them. The cyclist caused the accident, yet cannot be found. This needs to be redressed.