Punishment for cyclists?

[Gammawolf]

What punishments are available to be applied to cyclists that break the law? Just asking as today on a relatively short run to the shops I saw 2 cyclists run red lights on junctions that aren't what I'd call low risk by a long shot. Can you get banned from road cycling, fines? What about insurance? I'd expect them to pay for any damages in such a situation, regardless of whether they're crippled or dead. It doesn't seem quite right that they're allowed on the road without at least 3rd party insurance as there is the very real capacity to cause damage to property due to negligent cycling..

Also on a side note, on the same journey there are some road works. Another cyclist entered the contraflow I assume while it was on green or yellow. Now this cyclists didn't look like they were putting much effort into actually cycling at anywhere near a respectable speed. The road had no incline so I'd expect them to be at a decent pace seeing as they hadn't stopped prior to the roadworks. Yet, the cyclist was going so slow that they had used up the entire green time for cars coming in the opposite direction and subsequently no cars were let through.

Surely if you're going to cycle on roads there should be some minimum fitness level before being allowed? It's extremely selfish to be imposing your own unfitness onto other people because you can't keep anywhere near a timely pace.

I occasionally do road cycling too, mostly offroad track cycling but I just can't understand these people. Why are they seemingly breaking the law so often and whats the point in even doing road cycling if you can't even cycle at a reasonable pace.. Seriously I look at them and wonder if they're brain dead..

 

[RogerMesenseless]

I'm pretty sure they can get some hefty fines for things like running red lights.

 

[~Divine~Wind~]

I've seen cyclists on here mention if a car hits them they'd be pushing an insurance claim but if they hit a car they'd shrug it off.

Goes to show the standards some cyclists have, do see a lot of them completely disregarding the highway code.

 

[Biohazard]

Oh no.

 

[the_r_sole]

Seriously I look at them and wonder if they're brain dead..

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Goes to show the standards some cyclists have, do see a lot of them completely disregarding the highway code.

Some don't have any idea about the highway code!
I would say it is lack of awareness than disregard. If you cannot drive then they will be pretty clueless.

 

[eddiemcgarrigle]

£20 fines for running reds I think. As for the contraflow, I've witnessed old dears in cars do exactly the same thing. 'Oh my, it's a traffic cone. Better drive at 5mph then.' Ban them too eh?

 

[Sinny]

Nearly ran across a cyclist yesterday as I was pulling up to a red light, She jolted around me and went straight across me past the red lights. The law really should change.

 

[godinman]

Uh Oh!

 

[lucy_bee]

Put it in motors and let them scrap over it.

 

[Draeger]

Awesome. The monthly 'stupid cyclists' thread has now become a weekly event.

Posts.......runs......../unsubscribes from thread.

 

[Richie]

Nearly ran across a cyclist yesterday as I was pulling up to a red light, She jolted around me and went straight across me past the red lights. The law really should change.

The law doesn't really need changed as it is an offence for cyclist to go through red lights

There is also an offence for dangerous cycling, careless cycling and a couple of others.


Edit: See here - http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1988/52/part/I/crossheading/cycling-offences-and-cycle-racing

 

[Gammawolf]

£20 fines for running reds I think. As for the contraflow, I've witnessed old dears in cars do exactly the same thing. 'Oh my, it's a traffic cone. Better drive at 5mph then.' Ban them too eh?

No one said anything about banning them, but if thats what you want then ok. It's just terribly self centered to be doing such a thing, regardless of the mode of transportation.

 

[McGray]

I run red lights daily on my bike. Sometimes I'll just hop the curb and go around them.

Probably get to work quicker than all the polluters too.

 

[Castiel]

Nuke Them From Orbit....alternatively you could Kill Them With Fire.....

 

[Cosimo]

A suitable punishment for any misdemeanour would be to replace their bike with a red adults tricycle and they would also have to wear red lycra with a red pointy helmet when riding it. The punishment would last for three months.

 

[Energize]

There's no reason for cyclists to have insurance, they aren't going to injure passengers in a car if they hit it and the damage to the car would be minimal. How can you enforce a minimum fitness level when all ages are allowed and encouraged to cycle?

 

[4T5]

I don't understand the hate for cyclists just buy an old car & put up with a dent or two.

 

[:(Rhodri:)]

and whats the point in even doing road cycling if you can't even cycle at a reasonable pace.. Seriously I look at them and wonder if they're brain dead..

Ironically this is much the same reaction I had after reading your post. Cyclists running red lights is a valid complaint, and the police will fine anyone they see doing this, as it is dangerous and illegal.

Having to have a mandatory fitness test in order to ride a bike though is a ridiculous idea, can you imagine the amount of tax-payers money that would be required to enforce something like that, for no real gain what-so-ever. Would you recommend we also have a mandatory fitness test before people are allowed to walk on pavements as well, just in-case they take up some precious seconds of your day?

 

[yer_averagejoe]

These threads seem to come along in threes.. like buses. We don't have one for ages and then three in a week.

Most of your topic has already been covered in every thread made about cyclists ever but I'll address your concept of a minimum fitness level requirement since it's at least slightly original:

LOL