london buses

[Big RICHARD]

Originally posted by DaBeeeenster
I agree with this. I've cycled a lot in the center of London (mainly City, West End and around Farringdon) and I have to say most people dont stop at lights. Well, most couriers dont, and that's most of the cyclists in the center of London during the day.

I used to go through read lights (in quiet roads) until I saw the mortality rates for cyclists in London. I stopped after that

Anyone parked in a bus or cycle lane when they are in effect should get 3 points, no argument. I used to get the bus a lot as well when I was living in the UK and the number of W****R drivers (normally in beemers) parked in bus or cycle lanes was absurd...3 points would stop them pretty smartish I would have thought.

It certainly would after they'd done it 4 times!

[spikegifted]

However, this is London we're talking about here... Does anyone know how many people drive around without insurance and the number who drive without license? They're all estimates! No one can tell you a number that can be backed up because they just don't know.

I'm just curious what is considered jay-walk if pedestrians have the right of way?

[Big RICHARD]

Originally posted by spikegifted
However, this is London we're talking about here... Does anyone know how many people drive around without insurance and the number who drive without license? They're all estimates! No one can tell you a number that can be backed up because they just don't know.

I'm just curious what is considered jay-walk if pedestrians have the right of way?

Jay walking is not an offence in the UK. The only exception to this is motorways. Some other roads have a no pedestrian rule, like the bridge over the Tees at Middlesbrough, but that's because the railings are RIGHT next to the road and there is no footpath.

[shiato storm]

hmmm...I might take to carrying a metal bar or similar heavy blunt object with which to strike out at potential cars as a warning (and leaving a nice dent ) to stop them coming close

[Big RICHARD]

Originally posted by shiato storm
hmmm...I might take to carrying a metal bar or similar heavy blunt object with which to strike out at potential cars as a warning (and leaving a nice dent ) to stop them coming close

However, criminal damage is an offence!

[spikegifted]

Originally posted by shiato storm
hmmm...I might take to carrying a metal bar or similar heavy blunt object with which to strike out at potential cars as a warning (and leaving a nice dent ) to stop them coming close

I have thought of using my pump to do just that, but my pumps have always either been plastic or too small to make any serious impact. On the other hand, bright colors seem to do the trick, most of the time.

[TeePee]

Use a foot, rather than a weapon, because then you can say the car hit you, and your foot was the first point of impact.

[spikegifted]

Originally posted by TeePee
Use a foot, rather than a weapon, because then you can say the car hit you, and your foot was the first point of impact.

When I first riding in London (all of 17 years ago), I thought I could do that. Have you ever try pulling a foot out of the click-on pedal and then kick out at a moving vehicle? It's not the easiest thing to do. Two things can happen:

1) You don't connect (the more likely case) - Depending on how hard you kicked out, one way or another, you're ended up swirving on the road... Not the safest thing to do on a busy road!

2) You manage to connect (which is probably worse) - If the vehicle is stationary, you just hope that your foot doesn't get trapped/jammed/stuck in/on something on the side; if you hit the vehicle at the back, you will break something, but most likely some of your own body parts. If the vehicle is moving and you're moving along side, I just hope that you know what you're kicking into!

[Anders]

Originally posted by spikegifted
That's depends on your definition of 'danger'... Over the years, two of people who've cause me a lot of grieve have received hospital treatment after they 'accidentally' stepped in front of my bike - one had bruised ribs and the other had a fractured finger. I, on the other hand, had the pleasure of receiving nasty gashes on my knees, my elbows and some rather juicy road marking on my lower leg and my bum. Guess what, one didn't look before she jumped off the back of bus ('RouteMaster') and the other didn't look before he jay-walked in front of me...

I think it depends on the definition of “a fatality and serious injury”. I was using 'danger' as a synonym for 'chance'. If those pedestrians that hit you had instead been a car travelling at 30 mph I think your chances of having worse injuries would have been a lot greater. Also if you had been on the pavement, they would not have been stepping out in front of you when they crossed the road . You have to wonder about those people, they either looked and still decided to cross, or didn’t look at all, how dumb are they?

[spikegifted]

Originally posted by Anders
Also if you had been on the pavement, they would not have been stepping out in front of you when they crossed the road .

That's interesting... I'm just curious whether you actually spend anytime cycling seriously?

Since cycling on the pavement will mean instead of achieving an average cycling speed of 23.5mph, I'd be stuck at whatever speed the person in front of me is doing - whether that person is walking, running or cycling. To add to the problem with cycling on the pavement, you have to cross streets... What are going to do? Plunge across like most pedestrians? (You'd get yourself killed quicker than on the road!) Or stop, check out the traffic and then get back on your pedals and cross? (You'd waste significant time and much effort accelerating from each junction.)

[shiato storm]

a cycle at average speed of 30mph-ish...
have hit 60 on moderate slope (no, not a serious down hill just a long one on which speed was gathered - if anyone is in london its the one that goes from notting hill down to shephard's bush...)
I am also aware that I cannot maintain high speed therefore I'm careful.

p.s. I rather prefer striking out with fist than foot; less off-balancing.

[Anders]

"Also if you had been on the pavement, they would not have been stepping out in front of you when they crossed the road" I meant that as a laugh. i.e. if you were somewhere else then she could not have walked into you, obviously.

As I said previously "spikegifted", I do not ride anywhere anymore because it is not worth the risk.

As I have also said before I do not live in London; therefore most of the pavements round me are fairly quiet. I think that in my town being allowed to ride on the pavement could result in less fatalities and serious injuries, because a collision between a cyclist and pedestrian is less likely to result in a fatality or serious injury than a collision between a cyclist and a car. I would not get stuck behind many people, but I understand that it will be different in different areas. I am not saying that all cyclists would have to ride on the pavement. Just that it would be good for cyclists to have the option. I totally agree with your point about junctions and crossing them. Yes indeed you would have to stop, and that would be slower than not stopping. I am talking about safety and I believe I would be safer on the pavement. Riding on the pavement would still be a lot quicker than walking.

For smacking cars you really need an iron bar or chain a la the game "Road Rash" . Hope I’ve got the name right there.

[shiato storm]

went out last night all lit up with anything I could get my hands on - short of the needles I was a christmas tree!!

[pikacu]

london bus drivers suck, driving recklessly and rude.

[shiato storm]

I can vouch for that.