Lessons for Bristol cyclists who jump red lights!

color:black">So there’s another cycle roadshow on The Downs between noon and

6pm on August 13. Safer Bristol says it’s to help cyclists keep their bikes

secure and to cycle safely – and by golly do they need help on that front.

First of all, the majority of cyclists I know have had their bikes

stolen and as a new commuter cyclist I would welcome any suggestions to keep my

rusty old bike from the hands of the selfish thieves. Saying that, I didn’t pay

anything for my bike despite my other half suggesting I splash out on a decent

bike!

But more importantly...teach the idiots to abide by the rules of

the road and STOP at red lights. It annoyed me as a driver when I had to

constantly check all three mirrors a million times to make sure no-one darted

out the wrong way down a one way street or veered out from behind a red light.

And it annoys me even more now I’m a cyclist. While I’m sat their patiently in

the space for bikes in front of the cars (not than ANY car drivers pay

attention to this, particularly Taxi drivers), there are cyclists who look

quite safety conscious (with high vis jackets and helmets) who just bomb

straight past me. Sadly, I’d say only one in ten cyclists in Bristol stop at

red lights.

For Pete’s sake – you’re riding on the road so you have to obey

the rules of the road. Without wanting to wish death or injury on anyone it

would be entirely the cyclists fault if they were hit after jumping a red light

(not that that would be any consolation to the poor unsuspecting driver who hit

them!)

The other thing which I watch with amazement is just how many

cyclists dart in and out of traffic and on and off pavements. If you want to

use the pavement then flaming well walk!

This isn’t your usual motorist versus cyclist rant. I walk, cycle

and drive. That makes me better placed to judge and I have to say the majority

of cyclists should be ashamed of the way they ride. Here’s hoping they all head

up to this cycle roadshow this weekend and wave goodbye to their bad and very

dangerous habits!

“Bristol is one of the top cycling cities in the UK there are

certainly many cyclists in the area around the Downs. We are running the event

to encourage cycle road safety and bike security. It will run throughout the

afternoon and early evening and as well as advice there will be some fun events

for them to take part in ,” said beat officer PC Paul White.

“Bike theft is very common but there is a lot people can do to

keep their bikes safe. This event follows on from a successful event in April

when 70 people had their bikes properly marked with electronic Immobilise Tags.

We are running this road show to reach more cyclists to advise them on security

and to help them to get their bikes tagged and registered so if they are stolen

they can be traced back to the owner", said Cheryl Coles, the local

community safety officer from Safer Bristol.

“There will be lots of useful giveaways including tabards and

backpack covers, water bottles, high visibility leg and arm bands and cycle

route maps, so we hope as many as cyclists will come along” said Cheryl.

Cycling City is sending a mobile cycle mechanic “Dr Bike” to check

over bikes and make basic repairs and Cycling City Project Manager, Martin

Fraser will be giving tips on cycling safely and responsibly: “We can also

advise on safe routes for cyclists, cycling courses that children and adults

can take and tips for people who wish to take up cycling”. "We have

arranged for Soul Events to set up a cycling obstacle course and stage races

for young riders to test their skills."

“In the past residents at the Stoke Bishop Neighbourhood Forum meeting

have raised concerns that a small number of cyclists are cycling without lights

and on the pavement, so we will be using the event to reinforce messages on

cycling safely”, said Ms Coles.