Cyclists Could Face Tougher Sentences

[tiggerblue10]

As someone who has nearly been knocked down a few times at pedestrian crossings I am glad of this. Most cyclists would stop at red lights or zebra crossing but there are a few out there who don't.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-62444889

[Hopkirk]

A current 2 year jail sentence doesn't seem to stop the idiots.
A stick poked into their wheel as they race over a red light on a crossing might teach them a lesson.

[tiggerblue10]

Don't tempt me!

[Gromit]

There are 3 deaths by cycle a year. So the new sentencing guides lines mean maybe one or two people will get a stiffer sentence. That has to be welcomed.
Glad the Government are prioritising the serious most serious crimes. We’ll soon have those crime figures at record lows instead of record highs.

[Hopkirk]

If you were a partially sighted or deaf person walking in London (and probably other cities) you would consider it serious Gromit. 3 deaths suggests to me an awful lot of serious injuries. I drive in London and it appears to me that those cyclists who follow the rules are in a small minority.
Some completely ignore zebra and pelican crossings, not even making any effort to slow down.
I have no problem sharing the road with cyclists, and making significant allowance for them, but they too must make allowance for others.

[barry1010]

Over 100 people are seriously injured every year on UK roads by cyclists.

[Gromit]

Nearly 500 cyclists and pedestrians are killed by cars each year.
Let’s double the sentences for killer car drivers and see if we can reduce those fatalities by 2 or 3.

[douglas9401]

Is the Cycling Proficiency scheme still a thing?

That, along with in-depth psychiatric evaluation should be mandatory for these silent attack loons before they're unleashed on the street.

[MargoTester]

I believe cyclists should be made to take out insurance and pay road tax, although I'm not sure how this could be achieved. We have hundreds of cycle paths around here which exit into roads and cyclists shoot out into the road without looking or slowing down. Hopefully they are not going to be harmed but if they hit a car there would be no way of getting recompense for any damage caused

[barry1010]

Gromit, how many of those are the fault of the car driver? The penalty for motorists is 14 years; two years for cyclists who choose to cycle dangerously (pedal furiously) is not comparable.

[barry1010]

They do pay road tax - roads aren't paid for out of your Vehicle Excise Duty, they are paid for out of council tax, whether you drive or not.

[Gromit]

barry1010
Don’t confuse them with the facts.

[Hopkirk]

Are you a cyclist Gromit?

[douglas9401]

By 'facts' you actually mean 'repetitive pedantry' doncha?

[Gromit]

Hopkirk
I am a pedestrian, a motorist and a cyclist.
Looking at all the statistics, it is very clear whom I am in the most danger from when I venture outdoors.

[burlyshirley]

^ And I know who I am in most danger from when venturing outdoors - ruddy cyclists speeding along the pavements all gussied up in their lycra and crash helmets without a thought for the pedestrians who are the ones who have the RIGHT to be there, not them !! It is still illegal to ride on the pavements, but sadly it is no longer policed and the self-entitled morons take full advantage of this. Sometimes they even ride three or four abreast and glare at the pedestrians if they dare not move out of their way !! I loathe them and any laws brought in to make life more difficult for them, I wholeheartedly endorse ...

[youngmafbog]

You really are a strange one sometimes Gromit. Been on the sauce or has this hot day got to you?

I agree Burley - 100%.

[Blubster]

Hear, Hear, Burly. Transgressors should have their bikes removed and have them crushed like untaxed vehicles.

[William51]

I agree, the law needs tightening up. I have seen many cyclists rushing and not caring about how they are cycling.

[237SJ]

@16:03 In my experience, it is not the lycra clad, cycle helmet type who cycle along pavements. They tend to stick to roads (they want to go fast after all) It's the woman doing her shopping, kid on a bike, father with said kid.

[Deskdiary]

16.03 - are you saying the Mamil’s speed along the pavement?

I’ve never seen that, and there’s loads of mamils where I live.

The only cyclists I see on pavements are small kids, which is where they should be.