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Quoted message said:Hi Folks,
As you know the Highway Code review consultation closes on the 10 May
and many of the proposed changes have serious implications for
cyclists.
See http://www.dsa.gov.uk/content.asp?id=13014
More information and a list of suggested changes is available at:
http://www.cyclenetwork.org.uk/latest/latest.html
The CTC have put out a response but this is surprisingly 'thin' in
detail. See:
http://www.ctc.org.uk/resources/Campaigns/0604_AC_Highway-Code-template-response_con.doc
I have prepared a more detailed response of my own which I provide a
link to in case anyone wishes to plagiarise it!
http://www.thebikezone.org.uk/downloads/HWCode2006Review.doc
Lets all put in a response and do something positive to improve the
safety of cyclists in the UK!
Cheers,
Howard.
Posted this to the DSA consultation today:
'The instruction to use cycle routes where practicable should be deleted.'
'There is no definition of practicable. Many cycle routes are inherently
impracticable (many do not meet the standards laid down for their provision
and many are poorly maintained and swept). Very few are designed to allow
the cyclist to make progress as quickly as he/she could on the road, and are
thus unsuitable for utility (getting from A to B for a purpose) cycling.
The proposed rule dilutes the cyclist's right in law to use any road except
where specifically prohibited. In case of accident or injury to a cyclist,
even when the blame lies solely with a motorised vehicle driver, the
insurance companies will argue that the failure to use any cycle 'facility'
nearby constitutes contributory negligence on the part of the cyclist. At
the very least this will involve injured cyclists in unnecessary stress and
difficulty in pursuing legitimate claims.
The significant minority of motorists who already act in an aggressive and
dangerous manner towards cyclists will use this rule to justify their
belligerence.'
Quoted message said:
