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Institute of Advanced Motorists say 'Give Cyclists More Room'
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by Beaulieu | January 24, 2010 at 10:08 am
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The Institute of Advanced Motorists (IAM) has called on motorists to pay extra attention to cyclists looking to avoid potholes as the nation emerges from the recent snow and ice.
In a press release issued by the IAM, Neil Greig, the organisation’s Director of Policy and Research, said that “as well as worrying about your vehicle, with potholes being a major cause of suspension failure, drivers should be particularly conscious of cyclists and motorcyclists trying to get past a pothole and give them a wide berth.”
Mr Greig added: “They are entitled to a wobble and would appreciate not having a motorist attempting to overtake just as they avoid a hole in the road.”
He advised that cyclists and motorcyclists alike should “look well ahead and change direction early so they have time to deal with the holes, and so that their movements don’t cause surprise to other road users.”
Potholes become particularly prevalent after spells of icy weather when water penetrates cracks in the road and expands as it freezes, causing cracks in the tarmac.
In the UK, motorists are actually expected to drive slowly by cyclists and leave plenty of room between them and the cyclist, according to the Highway Code. This is also plain 'courtesy on the road'.
There are numerous things on the road that can obstruct cyclists, not just potholes but glass, from previous crashes or wine bottles thrown on the road, dead animals and bit of car wreck, road signs and other bits of rubbish that accumulate on the road side.
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Jack Green Dublin. (not verified)
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Jack Green Dublin. (not verified)at 11:17 on January 24th, 2010
We are the same in Dublin since the very bad Snow and Icy Weather. The Holes in the Road are starting to Emerge. Cars are relatively cushioned from some of the smaller Potholes but the Cyclists are not. You have to keep an Eye on the ground ahead while at the same time watching what is around you particularly if Traffic is flying past at a fast speed. Normally you have to watch out for Faults in Drains and Manhole covers and Lumps of Tarmac sticking up and also the presence of Glass and Rocks and Screws and Bolts. This is at a normal time throughout the Year but now it is just gone worse and nobody is rushing to fix things because the Councils have very little Money now to repair the Roads. Lately there is a Proposal to make it Mandatory to have a 1.5 Metre Passing Distance when Cars are overtaking Cyclists because of the Dangers of being forced off your Bike by backdraft from Buses and Cars as it is the Norm in a lot of other Countries. This has to go before the Transport Minister and also the Dublin City Council before it becomes Law throught Dublin and Ireland.Some of the worst Offenders for coming within an inch of Cyclists are the Taxi Drivers. Overtures were sent out to CIE our Bus Company and the Taxi Federation to be more careful and to keep their distance when overtaking Cyclists. The Bus Company was friendly disposed to the motion but it was not well received by the Taxi Federation. Signs are to be placed on the Rear of Buses warning Drivers to keep their distance when overtaking Cyclists. I would like to see a speed Limit of 30kph 19mph on all Urban Roads far safer for everybody plus more Traffic free areas and Dedicated Cycle Lanes.