“I certainly wish the cyclist well, and hope that the whole experience was not too traumatic for the motorist.I'm both a cyclist and a motorist, and I must say that the majority of motorists on the Surrey roads show good consideration to vulnerable road users such as horseriders or cyclist. Strictly speaking according to the Highway code a cyclist should be given as much space on the road as a car when considering overtaking. In addition it is not illegal to ride to abreast. however I always try to waive motorists clear whenever possible and if necessary I will stop to let them past. I've also made the mistake of Riding on black ice, not all road conditions are suitable for cycling. One common failing of motorists is to fail to appreciate the speed of some cyclists and cut them up at junctions. This is not deliberate in most cases. A frequent occurrence is for motorists to overtake cyclists on blind corners which if you haven't been cycling in the opposite direction can be somewhat unnerving to say the least. cyclists are often affected by adrenaline, which can cause overreaction. Little bit of patience by both motorists and cyclists, and deference to the road conditions can save problems. If cyclists show motorists care and consideration, you tend to get it back, and I have frequently had a friendly wave from the motorists who appreciated that I was aware of their presence.”

“cars on the road are a pain. They drive as if no one else is there even when the road widens out and they overtake, they swing in to make you swerve as happened to a vehicle that overtook the other week. They then had the cheek to rap on the car window when we got stuck in traffic further up the road and yell abuse at us, whilst on their mobile.

If you don't agree with this, then you haven't had a near miss with one of these groups.
We all have a right to use the roads and to use it sensibly without endangering anyones life.
A lot is required for motorists to change the image perceived by others.
I wish all the best to the injured person and hope he recovers quickly.”

“cyclists in a group are a pain. They ride 2 or 3 abreast and don't let you past and then when the road widens out and you manage to overtake, they swing out to make you swerve as happened to a vehicle I was in the other week. They then had the cheek to rap on the car window when we got stuck in traffic further up the road and yell abuse at us.

If you don't agree with this, then you haven't been stuck behind one of these groups.
We all have a right to use the roads and to use it sensibly without endangering anyones life.
A lot is required for cyclists to change the image perceived by others.
I wish all the best to the injured person and hope he recovers quickly.”

“I also cycle on the roads and usually have my 11 year old kids with me. They are drilled into not riding 2 or 3 abreast and also to stick behind each other or leave a big enough gap for a car to pull into, so they can overtake. Club cyclists cycle 4 abreast and take NO NOTICE of the cars.
When I am driving, even if I give them space and wait behind them until safe I get shouted abuse and rude gestures which my kids should not have to endure. I usually go past fairly fast as overtaking slowly increases the risk. use my horn ? Blimey - that would cause untold grief !”

“Again i hope the rider recovers.

FAO anna, newdigate + Mathew, Reigate

As it was icy and had it been been a race, the commissaires and race officials would have called it off. As a duty of care, race officials have to not only notify the public with signs around the course several weeks in advance but also the police with approval gained from them. The courses are always checked and signed on the morning of a race so that the public are clearly aware that a race is taking place, if there are any safety doubts at all, then the race simply will not go ahead. In larger Professional races like the Tour of Britain which are run on rolling closed roads with the cooperation of the police, I understand that there sometimes is the possibilty of re-routing the race around particular problems.

The Chief commissaire is the person in charge of the race and has the power to shut down the event if protocols are breached (BC commissaires are highly trained and will have gained a qualification similar to but slightly more complex than for example a F.A. referee). Their main aim is to ensure the racing is both fair and safe and so they also check the safety of the course and check for appropriate safety gear. This is not just for the competitors benefit but also the general public's safety.”