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From the CTC web site...
"Highway Code ignorance is cause of motorists' agression, says councillor February 11 2003
A West Yorkshire councillor says cycling and motoring bodies should work together to educate
motorists on Highway Code guidance on cyclists.
Cllr Martyn Bolt, a memberes and former Chairman of Environment and Transportation on Kirklees
Metropolitan Borough Council, fears that aggressive behaviour towards cyclists could lead to
injuries or deaths if not addressed.
He said: "I have even seen a car driver attempt to reverse into a group of cyclists. Such actions
should be severely punished"
Cllr Bolt believes most problems stem from drivers' ignorance of the Highway Code.
"Drivers see cyclists on quiet roads, some riding two abreast and immediately believe the cyclist is
at fault. This is not the case"
Section 51 of the Highway Code gives the following advice:
Cyclists should:
keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
not ride more than two abreast
ride in single file on narrow or busy roads
not ride close behind another vehicle
not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your
wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
Let them know you are there when necessary.
This clearly allows cyclists to ride in pairs on many roads, particularly over the weekend when many
cycling clubs have their rides.
The reasons why cyclists ride in pairs are not understood by motorists, Cllr Bolt believes.
They include sheltering a young or inexperienced rider from traffic, cyclists are more visible
when two-abreast and riding in pairs gives a 25 per cent reduction in effort from being
shielded from the wind.
Looking to the future, and the targets government has set for increasing cycle journeys, Cllr
Bolt said,
" We stand little chance of achieving these ambitious targets when experienced cyclists feel
intimidated."
ENDS
Contact: Cllr Martyn Bolt 0797 342 9904"
~~~~~~~~~~
Flush out that intestinal parasite and/or the waste product before sending a reply!
Any speeliong mistake$ aR the resiult of my cats sitting on the keyboaRRRDdd
~~~~~~~~~~
"Highway Code ignorance is cause of motorists' agression, says councillor February 11 2003
A West Yorkshire councillor says cycling and motoring bodies should work together to educate
motorists on Highway Code guidance on cyclists.
Cllr Martyn Bolt, a memberes and former Chairman of Environment and Transportation on Kirklees
Metropolitan Borough Council, fears that aggressive behaviour towards cyclists could lead to
injuries or deaths if not addressed.
He said: "I have even seen a car driver attempt to reverse into a group of cyclists. Such actions
should be severely punished"
Cllr Bolt believes most problems stem from drivers' ignorance of the Highway Code.
"Drivers see cyclists on quiet roads, some riding two abreast and immediately believe the cyclist is
at fault. This is not the case"
Section 51 of the Highway Code gives the following advice:
Cyclists should:
keep both hands on the handlebars except when signalling or changing gear
keep both feet on the pedals
not ride more than two abreast
ride in single file on narrow or busy roads
not ride close behind another vehicle
not carry anything which will affect your balance or may get tangled up with your
wheels or chain
be considerate of other road users, particularly blind and partially sighted pedestrians.
Let them know you are there when necessary.
This clearly allows cyclists to ride in pairs on many roads, particularly over the weekend when many
cycling clubs have their rides.
The reasons why cyclists ride in pairs are not understood by motorists, Cllr Bolt believes.
They include sheltering a young or inexperienced rider from traffic, cyclists are more visible
when two-abreast and riding in pairs gives a 25 per cent reduction in effort from being
shielded from the wind.
Looking to the future, and the targets government has set for increasing cycle journeys, Cllr
Bolt said,
" We stand little chance of achieving these ambitious targets when experienced cyclists feel
intimidated."
ENDS
Contact: Cllr Martyn Bolt 0797 342 9904"
~~~~~~~~~~
Flush out that intestinal parasite and/or the waste product before sending a reply!
Any speeliong mistake$ aR the resiult of my cats sitting on the keyboaRRRDdd
~~~~~~~~~~