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Speeding cyclists

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UK and Europe
Published
21 February 2004
Last activity
15 March 2004
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Dirtylitterboxo
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  1. See

    eveningnews24.co.ukstory.asp
    +11%3A28&tbrand=ENOnline&tCategory=NEWS&category=News&brand=ENOnline&itemi
    d=NOED21+Feb+2004+11%3A28%3A48%3A113

    or

    tinyurl.com2mngt

    "Danger warning to speeding cyclists

    February 21, 2004 11:28

    CITY cyclists have been warned not to risk their lives hurtling down Grapes Hill trying to set off
    the speed camera.

    The warning follows reports that people have been reaching breakneck speeds descending the steep
    hill, in the hope that they can cross the 30mph barrier and get a flash from the camera.

    The cameras are designed to catch motorbikes and mopeds as well as cars and so would be triggered by
    pedal bikes travelling at more than 30mph.

    But because the bikes do not have license plates the riders cannot be fined and traced.

    Despite the reports of people trying, Bryan Edwards, Norfolk Casualty Reduction Partnership, said he
    was not aware that the camera had yet flashed any cyclists.

    But he warned them it was still an offence to exceed the speed limit on a bike and that they were
    putting themselves in great danger.

    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act, just like
    you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike.

    "All I would say is that they would be exceptionally stupid to do those speeds down Grapes Hill. You
    would risk life and limb on a pushbike. It sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

    "Cyclists are perhaps one of the most vulnerable of road users and they have no protection
    around them."

    Inspector Jeff Anderson, from Central Area Road Policing, said: "Norfolk Constabulary would
    discourage cyclists from pursuing such a stupid activity which could result in a serious collision
    injuring both the cyclist and other road users. The speed camera has been situated on Grapes Hill in
    order to prevent such collisions."

    The camera was installed in July 2003 in an effort to prevent accidents as traffic approaches the
    busy crossroads at the bottom.

    In the three years before it was put up, there had been 56 accidents on Grapes Hill, eight resulting
    in death or serious injury.

    Mr Edwards said that the road had been made safer by the camera."

    Whilst I think any cyclist deliberately trying to set off the speed camera is a fool, it would be
    "interesting" to see what would happen if they took a cyclist to court for *speeding* as described
    by the RTA as opposed to the furious pedalling or pedalling furiously - or whatever the correct
    offence is...

    Cheers, helen s

    --This is an invalid email address to avoid spam-- to get correct one remove dependency on fame &
    fortune h*$el*$$e**nd***$o$ts***i*$*$m**m$$o*n**s@$*$a$$o**l.c**$*$om$$

  2. dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers posted ...

    Quoted message said:

    Whilst I think any cyclist deliberately trying to set off the speed camera is a fool, it would be
    "interesting" to see what would happen if they took a cyclist to court for *speeding* as described
    by the RTA as opposed to the furious pedalling or pedalling furiously - or whatever the correct
    offence is...

    Now there's a challenge ... 😉

    --
    Paul

  3. [email hidden] (dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers)typed

    Quoted message said:

    Despite the reports of people trying, Bryan Edwards, Norfolk Casualty Reduction Partnership, said
    he was not aware that the camera had yet flashed any cyclists.

    Quoted message said:

    But he warned them it was still an offence to exceed the speed limit on a bike and that they were
    putting themselves in great danger.

    Quoted message said:

    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act, just like
    you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike.

    Oh dear! He really doesn't know, does he?

    Quoted message said:

    "All I would say is that they would be exceptionally stupid to do those speeds down Grapes Hill.
    You would risk life and limb on a pushbike. It sounds like an accident waiting to happen.

    Nah, Grapes Hill is smooth and wide. 30mph could be FUN!...

    Quoted message said:

    "Cyclists are perhaps one of the most vulnerable of road users and they have no protection
    around them."

    Quite. They wouldn't try if there was any other traffic...

    Quoted message said:

    Inspector Jeff Anderson, from Central Area Road Policing, said: "Norfolk Constabulary would
    discourage cyclists from pursuing such a stupid activity which could result in a serious collision
    injuring both the cyclist and other road users. The speed camera has been situated on Grapes Hill
    in order to prevent such collisions."

    Hmmm... Idon't think there are speed cameras on East Heath Road in Hampstead. I've done
    38mph there...

    Quoted message said:

    The camera was installed in July 2003 in an effort to prevent accidents as traffic approaches the
    busy crossroads at the bottom.

    Anyone with sense would slow down long before the crossroads.

    Quoted message said:

    In the three years before it was put up, there had been 56 accidents on Grapes Hill, eight
    resulting in death or serious injury.

    How many involved cyclists? EMWTK.

    Quoted message said:

    Mr Edwards said that the road had been made safer by the camera."

    Quoted message said:

    Whilst I think any cyclist deliberately trying to set off the speed camera is a fool, it would be
    "interesting" to see what would happen if they took a cyclist to court for *speeding* as described
    by the RTA as opposed to the furious pedalling or pedalling furiously - or whatever the correct
    offence is...

    Quite!

    Quoted message said:

    --This is an invalid email address to avoid spam-- to get correct one remove dependency on fame &
    fortune h*$el*$$e**nd***$o$ts***i*$*$m**m$$o*n**s@$*$a$$o**l.c**$*$om$$

    --
    Helen D. Vecht: [email hidden] Edgware.

  4. dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers said:

    But he warned them it was still an offence to exceed the speed limit on a bike and that they were
    putting themselves in great danger.

    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act, just like
    you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike.

    Yet more proof that the powers-that-be are often at least as ignorant as the Daily Mail.

    regards, Ian SMith
    --
    |\ /| no .sig
    |o o|
    |/ \|

  5. dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers said:

    CITY cyclists have been warned not to risk their lives hurtling down Grapes Hill trying to set off
    the speed camera.

    Where? Where?

    My record freewheeling naughtiness was 48mph in a 30 zone...sadly no camera. And it isn't illegal,
    although I'm sure there's some 19th century law aimed at horse riders which you can be charged
    under. Didn't some guy get done in Cambridge a few years ago for "riding furiously" at 20mph? That's
    cruising speed for people on racing bikes!

    Going up to the North Pennines in April. I reckon I should be able to join the 100km/h (62.14mph)
    club coming off Killhope Moor :-)

  6. Just spotted this:

    Quoted message said:

    He said: "It is a motoring offence"

    Hehe - anyone see the flaw in his logic?

  7. Ian Smith said:


    Yet more proof that the powers-that-be are often at least as ignorant as the Daily Mail.

    And the powers-that-be in this case is the Norfolk Casualty Reduction Partnership which comprises
    - Norfolk County Council Planning & Transportation Department,
    - Norfolk Constabulary,
    - Norfolk Magistrates Court,
    - The Highways Agency
    - Crown Prosecution Service (Norfolk Branch).

    Oh dear

    Tony.

  8. Zog The Undeniable said:
    dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers said:

    CITY cyclists have been warned not to risk their lives hurtling down Grapes Hill trying to set
    off the speed camera.

    Where? Where?

    My record freewheeling naughtiness was 48mph in a 30 zone...sadly no camera. And it isn't illegal,
    although I'm sure there's some 19th century law aimed at horse riders which you can be charged
    under. Didn't some guy get done in Cambridge a few years ago for "riding furiously" at 20mph?
    That's cruising speed for people on racing bikes!

    Going up to the North Pennines in April. I reckon I should be able to join the 100km/h (62.14mph)
    club coming off Killhope Moor :-)

    Maybe we should have a u.r.c meet early one Sunday morning at the top of Grapes Hill and all of us
    give it a go ! Wheres Killhope Moor ? BTW My all time fastest speed was 56 mph descending the Col du
    Tourmalet during L'Etape du Tour in '94. 49 in the UK on Holme Moss. Maybe by the time I'm 40 I can
    join the 100 Club.

  9. On 21 Feb 2004 16:40:41 GMT someone who may be
    [email hidden] (dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers) wrote
    this:-

    Quoted message said:

    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act, just like
    you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike.

    It would indeed be interesting to see him make a fool of himself with such a prosecution.

    Quoted message said:

    "All I would say is that they would be exceptionally stupid to do those >speeds down Grapes Hill.

    Though he presumably thinks it fine to travel at such speeds in a motorised vehicle.

    --
    David Hansen, Edinburgh | PGP email preferred-key number F566DA0E I will always explain revoked
    keys, unless the UK government prevents me using the RIP Act 2000.

  10. <super snip>

    Quoted message said:

    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the


    Road

    Quoted message said:

    Traffic Act, just like you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike.

    A cycling mate of mine who is still in the plod & former traffic officer assures me that the speed
    limit only applies to motorised vehicles & not to cycles.

    And as for drunk in charge it is only in the opinion of the arresting officer, you can't be
    breathalysed or get points on / loose your car license.

    --
    Andrew

    "Look laddie, if you're in the penalty area and aren't quite sure what to do
    with the ball, just stick it in the net and we'll discuss all your options
    afterwards."

  11. "andrew" <[email hidden]> wrote in message
    "]news:[email hidden]...

    Quoted message said:


    And as for drunk in charge it is only in the opinion of the arresting officer, you can't be
    breathalysed or get points on / loose your car license.

    This is interesting. A few years ago when I lived near Andover, I was stopped by the police on my
    bike. I had just come from the pub and had had a few. I was advised to get off the bike and push
    it home. Otherwise he would arrest me for drink driving. The policeman claimed I could lose my
    driving licence.

    I complied - I did not want to push my luck. I am interested that this warning seems not to be
    based on law.

    Gavin

  12. gavin said:


    This is interesting. A few years ago when I lived near Andover, I was stopped by the police on my
    bike. I had just come from the pub and had had a few. I was advised to get off the bike and push
    it home. Otherwise he would arrest me for drink driving. The policeman claimed I could lose my
    driving licence.

    Even if you didn't have one?

    Quoted message said:


    I complied - I did not want to push my luck. I am interested that this warning seems not to be
    based on law.

    It's a threat to get you to comply and not be arsey lest you lose your licence. Better to comply
    than to argue the toss.

  13. In message <[email hidden]>, dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers
    <[email hidden]> writes

    Quoted message said:


    tinyurl.com2mngt

    Whilst I think any cyclist deliberately trying to set off the speed camera is a fool,

    Oh, come on - we've all had a go, haven't we? With our club jersey on? And the phone number of our
    mate who works at the police speed traps office ready on our mobile so we could ask him to grab the
    picture for us?

    Perhaps the location mentioned in the article isn't suitable for this activity, but there are lots
    of speed cameras in places that are.

    BTW I wasn't successful, I think you need a proper road bike.
    --
    Sue ];(🙂

  14. Wheres Killhope Moor ? BTW

    NW Durham near Stanhope. You'll have been pretty close to it on the C2C.

    Vernon

  15. dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers said:


    He said: "It is a motoring offence and you can be prosecuted under the Road Traffic Act, just like
    you can be drunk in charge of a pushbike."

    Ah, an idiot. Perhaps he should examine the the word 'motoring' in its relation to bicycles.

    Quoted message said:

    "All I would say is that they would be exceptionally stupid to do those speeds down Grapes Hill.
    You would risk life and limb on a pushbike. It sounds like an accident waiting to happen."

    In my youth I remember being dead chuffed to have finally broken the 50mph barrier going from Biggin
    Hill down to Bromley Common. On average, it used to take me 45 minutes to get from my house to the
    airport, and 12 to get back. Happy days...

    Quoted message said:

    Whilst I think any cyclist deliberately trying to set off the speed camera is a fool, it would be
    "interesting" to see what would happen if they took a cyclist to court for *speeding* as described
    by the RTA as opposed to the furious pedalling or pedalling furiously - or whatever the correct
    offence is...

    Hmmm, if my MTB didn't have what seems to be a terminal velocity of 35mph, I think I'd quite enjoy
    setting off speed cameras. I think the offence is actually "wanton and furious cycling", or
    something like that.

  16. David Hansen said:

    On 21 Feb 2004 16:40:41 GMT someone who may be [email hidden]
    (dirtylitterboxofferingstospammers) wrote

    Quoted message said:

    "All I would say is that they would be exceptionally stupid to do those >speeds down Grapes Hill.

    Though he presumably thinks it fine to travel at such speeds in a motorised vehicle.

    Of course because we all know that motorised vehicles are inherently safer and controllable at those
    speeds... Ring, ring, hello, no im driving down the hill., what, yes, no terrible hangover, how are
    you feeling ...

  17. gavin said:

    "andrew" <[email hidden]> wrote in message

    Quoted message said:

    And as for drunk in charge it is only in the opinion of the arresting officer, you can't be
    breathalysed or get points on / loose your car license.

    This is interesting. A few years ago when I lived near Andover, I was stopped by the police on my
    bike. I had just come from the pub and had had a few. I was advised to get off the bike and push
    it home. Otherwise he would arrest me for drink driving. The policeman claimed I could lose my
    driving licence.

    I complied - I did not want to push my luck. I am interested that this warning seems not to be
    based on law.

    It's one of those urban legend things - you can't lose your driving licence for being drunk in
    charge of a bicycle, tho you can be fined quite a large number of notes for it - 2500, iirc.

  18. vernon levy said:

    Wheres Killhope Moor ? BTW

    NW Durham near Stanhope. You'll have been pretty close to it on the C2C.

    Vernon

    Is it the one out of Stanhope to the moor, where the Rookhope wagonway meets the road. I missed the
    turn in Rookhope, some other cyclists were stood in front of the sign, and ended up riding up that
    very steep hill out of Stanhope.

  19. Vincent Wilcox said:
    gavin said:


    This is interesting. A few years ago when I lived near Andover, I was stopped by the police on my
    bike. I had just come from the pub and had had a few. I was advised to get off the bike and push
    it home. Otherwise he would arrest me for drink driving. The policeman claimed I could lose my
    driving licence.

    Even if you didn't have one?

    Quoted message said:


    I complied - I did not want to push my luck. I am interested that this warning seems not to be
    based on law.

    It's a threat to get you to comply and not be arsey lest you lose your licence. Better to comply
    than to argue the toss.

    I have been prosecuted twice (and found innocent twice) of being drunk in charge of a bicycle.

    There was much hilarity in court during the first case where the police officer described driving at
    speeds of up to 25mph through the back streets of Greenwich to catch me. The magistrate (a fantastic
    old buffer with a spotted bow tie) asked the prosecutor if she expected him to believe that Mr
    *Gonzalez* could cycle like the *Yellow Jersey* in the Tour de France and still be drunk.

    The prosecutor replied that "Some people cycle better when they've had a few drinks."

    The magistrate turned to me and said, "What do you have to say to that, Mr *Gonzalez*"

    I replied that the prosector has seen to many Carling Black Label adverts and believed that beer
    refreshed the cyclists other beers couldn't reach.

    The magistrate puffed himself up and said, "NO! No! no! Mr *Gonzalez*. That is quite wrong! It
    wasn't Carling Black Label. It was Heineken.

  20. Gonzalez said:

    On Sat, 21 Feb 2004 22:25:58 +0000, Vincent Wilcox <[email hidden]> wrote:

    I have been prosecuted twice (and found innocent twice) of being drunk in charge of a bicycle.

    There was much hilarity in court during the first case where the police officer described driving
    at speeds of up to 25mph through the back streets of Greenwich to catch me. The magistrate (a
    fantastic old buffer with a spotted bow tie) asked the prosecutor if she expected him to believe
    that Mr *Gonzalez* could cycle like the *Yellow Jersey* in the Tour de France and still be drunk.

    The prosecutor replied that "Some people cycle better when they've had a few drinks."

    The magistrate turned to me and said, "What do you have to say to that, Mr *Gonzalez*"

    I replied that the prosector has seen to many Carling Black Label adverts and believed that beer
    refreshed the cyclists other beers couldn't reach.

    The magistrate puffed himself up and said, "NO! No! no! Mr *Gonzalez*. That is quite wrong! It
    wasn't Carling Black Label. It was Heineken.

    Stunner. Ive oft wondered whether I would TT faster if I mounted a can of guiness on the end of the
    aero bars.

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