Cyclists seriously injured or killed on Surrey's roads has doubled

“Some very fair and constructive comments made there 'oppin pop' and 'Reasonedview' with (at least from where I'm looking) the general shared opinion... 'Clubbie' cyclists should be adequately insured?

On Monday last, I was travelling to Esher and whilst decelerating to approach the A3 (Copsem Lane A244) roundabout this cyclist simply overtook me (right side) and then cut across the front of my car with no signal whatsoever. Now why He did that only to carry on towards Esher I'll never know as when I pulled up alongside to ask Him why He had been so irresponsible, He couldn't hear me due to the headphones blasting away in His ears!

This isn't rocket science, simply be insured to show that you're a responsible peddler and apply some form of electronic gizmo (Come on you inventor's) to your bike to let us drivers and the authorities know that you're being so. Your bike isn't cheap and nor is the car that you impact so apply a little consideration to other road user's and at the same time, protect yourselves.”

“I am pro cycling but this does not mean I will support the cyclist at any price. On the whole, from my pretty rural location, I would say most riders are pretty good but there is a lunatic fringe who appear to have disengaged their brains the moment their rear ends hit the saddle: three abreast, shouted conversation between each other (while their bikes meander all over the road), weaving in and out or traffic at traffic lights. Worst of the lot however are many of those who choose to ride along country lanes - they always seem surprised to see any other form of transport!

I don't support the idea of some for of road tax, I do support some form of compulsory insurance for third party damage, remember the young woman killed by a mountain biker?”

“As someone who belongs to both Epsom cycling club, and who cycles 100+ miles per week commuting between Leatherhead & Weybridge, I of course would come out in favour of the cycling camp.

However, put simply, the following should apply:

1) Bad driving & cycling should be punished, red light jumping isn't acceptable and neither is riding 3/4 abreast on any road. It annoys me when I see this happening, and don't believe it should be tolerated - in this regard I agree with the drivers among you. I'd also like drivers to think, when passing, as to how far they're going to get by passing? Is there any point when there is a queue 100yards down the road? And overtaking before cutting into a junction isn't fun - I'll willingly go after you if you do.

2) The state of the roads isn't acceptable, to any road user. It's more dangerous when you cycle, of course, however I've actually damaged both car and bicycle tyres riding on our roads

3) The standard of driving, touch wood, has overall been pretty good. Some decide to pass far too close during the commute and fail to indicate at junctions/roundabouts - you're an idiot but cause irritation to all.

I don't hold people up generally, averaging about 20mph is acceptable I believe, and I do obey the highway code. I'd therefore ask for a couple of thinks: patience from car owners trying to pass - I don't set the width of the carriageway which is generally not wide enough (cycle lanes please) and secondly, THAT THE COUNCIL SORT OUT THE ROAD SURFACE. I've cycled in Bucharest, and that has better surfaces than here!

(thankfully I don't have too many bulges in the wrong places, so lycra looks OK(ish))”

“keenroaduser, and mvmashtead i totally agree. and i know certain officers ARE making it a priority.”

“Unfortunately I have to take the drivers side on this one, having nearly had several collisions with cyclists undertaking me, over taking me whilst allowing traffic to safely move around me in narrow lanes and so on. It seems that those cyclists that 'clip in' will not stop for anything or anyone (Including traffic signals).
As far as I'm concerned the roads are there for all to use, whilst maintaining a respect for other users - most cyclists seem to think that I have to give way to them regardless of the law/highway code.
Sorry but I really think surrey police should take an interest in prosecuting careless cyclists!”

“Some very fair comments there cnap1 but at the same time, the guy who's car was impacted by the 'lycra clubbie' at Hincley wood received a fair amount of damage from the clubbie's cycle and this would have had to be paid for.

Adequate insurance is perhaps the key?”

“reading a number of the comments i feel a bit of clarification is needed.

firstly, road tax doesn't exist. vehicle excise is paid on vehicles, this does not and has never paid for the roads, that comes from general taxation where budgets are granted to highway maintenance. This is the reason why other road-users - ie cyclists don't pay tax.

HOWEVER - i have also witnessed a large increase in antisocial cycling, from the 5 a breast on country lanes where a one fingered salute has been given to motorists if they dare to overtake at any given moment. Also, the increase in "cycle events" where i have seen marshals on the roadside, and cyclists going at it like they were the only ones on the road, cyclists going through red lights, not giving way on roundabouts - the list is endless.

The main reason i see why the number of serious injuries are so high is because cyclists generally expect everyone else to get out of their way, or that they can go at what ever speed, in any direction etc etc and the complete disregard for their own safety and others by cycling in the middle of the road or even at times on the complete wrong side.

yes Surrey's roads are in a terrible state, but also lets not forget that most of the roads are narrow and barely take two cars. but cyclists, and i mean those mainly who are out on the weekends, do not take their responsibilities seriously, expecting others to do so instead and then jump up and down when someone gets hurt.

Yes it is sad when injuries or fatalities occur, but cyclist need to obey the road laws just as motorists should.
when this happens, the injury rate will drop.”

“Ashamed of myself or my comments is something that I most definitely am not. I agree that possibly my comments are over harsh (as well as being over the top) but my feelings remain the same. The way most "clubbie" cyclists behave on the road, is outrageous - with total disregard for other road users and the problems they cause by cycling in the fashion that they do.

You will always get accidents (ie John Austin) on a highway, just down to the numbers of people that use them, and the manor in which people insist on doing so. However you have to get along with one another and try to create an environment that is as safe and secure as possible.

I for one dont think the middle aged lycra clad cyclists do that. Funnily enough you dont find people cycling to work dangerously, they are aware that car's can damage / kill them. Club cyslists believe that they are one entity and that people will move out of their way. That's the wrong way round and they wont always do that.

I think your first comment says a lot about you by LoveloBicycle”

“I'm not in any way prejudice against cyclists in general, quite the opposite in fact! And I most certainly would not wish to harm any cyclist anywhere but, the legions of - and let's just for clarity call them 'clubbies' are an absolute nightmare when trying to negotiate through / around them.

The unfortunate death of the cyclist mentioned is bad and no mistake! I remember in my early days as a young carpenter cycling to work with my tools strapped on my bike and the uncaring attitude of 'some' drivers often left me and my tools lying all over the road but our friend needs to be made aware that a "Cycle awareness course" is not the way forward for us motorists as we are more than aware of cyclists and the danger they present, particularly those lycra-clad 'clubbies' who spread themselves 3 to 4 deep across the road.

My point here is, they should be in posession of an insurance tag - Hi-Viz of course!”

“John Austin was the cyclist killed last year, just a guy on his way home, hit from behind by a driver who then drove off.

http://tinyurl.com/ck55nod

Some of the respondents to this thread should be ashamed of what they have written. Cyclists are not an alien race, and like anyone else they are just people with friends and families, children and parents who love them. The name callers and those with fantasies of murdering cyclists should take their ideas to a more appropriate arena, or preferably take themselves on a cycle awareness course.”