Howard said:Quoted message said:I have been following the reported change in the
highway code with interest and have written to
a few MPs and other representatives.
Quoted message said:The trouble is - I can not actually find an official
document that contains the reported words.
Quoted message said:I for example refer to the petitionhttp://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
which states:
"The new highway code requries cyclsits to use
cycle facilities 'wherever possible'."
Quoted message said:Thing is - it doesn't, at least I cannot find where it says it does.
Quoted message said:e.g.http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Documents/consult/Highway_Code/Rules_1-97_%20Hi...
Quoted message said:says:
Rule 58 "Use cycle routes when practicable"
Quoted message said:No possibility of any possible being possibly in sight!
Quoted message said:Can anyone point me to an appropriate document?
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Documents/consult/Responses/Highway_Code_Draft.pdf
Para 61 is the most contentious one- Hide quoted text -
- Show quoted text -
Thanks a lot. I had soend a few hours googling.
Anyone any idea how to find out which version is the
one "Laid before Parliamant?
I'll have another google too.
This version is _even worse_ than I have apparently imagined.
http://www.dsa.gov.uk/Documents/consult/Responses/Highway_Code_Draft.pdf
Rule 61:
"Use cycle routes and cycle facilities such as advanced
stop lines, cycle boxes and toucan crossings whenever possible,
as they can make your journey safer."
As I read it it instructs me to head for the nearest
such device as soon as I get on my bike and, if complying,
I cannot see any way of subsequently leaving
without dismounting. This is due to it being "possible"
to use the device forever.
What the consequences are of not knowing where the
nearest may be is another worry.
# # # # # # #
Just in case anyone fancies any of it here is what I wrote:-
Dear Mister Cameron,
I am writing to you in your position as Leader of the Opposition and
prominent cyclist.
I was wondering if you had begun identifying the necessary route
changes that you may be required to make to your cycle-route to and
from work once the new Highway Code has come into force?
The existing document reads:-
Rule 47 - "Use cycle routes where practicable."
And that the new version will replace "practicable" with "possible".
In order to comply with this requirement to "Use cycle routes where
possible." any cyclist on the road will require to be either on a
cycle route, or taking the shortest path between two cycle routes, or
the shortest path between the start or finish of a journey and the
nearest cycle route.
This seems to me to effectively make the use of cycle routes
compulsory and to remove the right of cyclists to use other spaces
except in the special circumstance of heading directly to or from a
cycle route.
My understanding is that while the Highway Code is not in and of
itself The Law, courts often take a dim view of individuals who do not
follow the Code and that those violating the Code may for example
expect reduced compensation awards.
Do you think that perhaps some motorists may take the enforcement of
this new 'law' into their own hands and that one consequence of this
new wording will be that cyclists will face increased danger from
aggressive motorists?
Perhaps also you can let me know how much longer you would expect your
journey to take and whether this change will stop you from cycling to
work or if perhaps like many others you will violate the code and
accept the risks of that action (e.g. the risk of being maimed by a
self-righteous bus driver)?
There is a petition on the issue, will you please sign it and ask all
of your cyclist friends to sign it?
http://petitions.pm.gov.uk/roads4bikes/
Deadline to sign up by: 18 June 2007 - Signatures: 4,975 as of 8th
May 2007.
# # #
I have received NO reply.
Similar sent to:-
Boris Johnston - automated reply
and more fruitfully (well a reply from a person)
[email hidden]
Her representitive said that they had been responsible for
persuading the Eve. Standard to publish the article
on the highway code this week.
I see the petition is doing rather well.
Good luck.
