Environment

Motorists should be responsible for accidents involving cyclists

by Beaulieu | September 21, 2009 at 12:52 am

254 views | 1 Recommendation | 2 comments

Now here is some interesting news that may protect vulnerable people on the road such as cyclists.

I understand that in other parts of Europe they have this system. It ought to encourage many motorists to drive responsibly round cyclists who aren't protected with metal.

Of course there will be an outcry from motorists and ones that want to drive cyclists off the country and urban roads but, statistically, far too many vulnerable cyclists, including charity cyclists, are dying or being injured due to many motorists being inconsiderate.

Cyclists users have to put up with motorists driving at over 60mph and many do not bother to drive slowly even in wet conditions. Vulnerable users have more to lose, such as their life than a motorist in a 4x4.

As many don't follow the Highway Code, the laws need to be made tougher.

Motorists should be made legally responsible for all accidents involving cyclists, even if they are not at fault, say Government advisers. Cycling England, an agency funded by the Transport Department, wants the civil law to be changed so drivers or their insurers would automatically be liable for compensation claims. The proposal will infuriate drivers, many of whom are angered by the antics of 'Lycra louts' - cyclists who sail through red lights, go the wrong way up one-way streets and intimidate pedestrians on pavements and zebra crossings.

0 See all footage | View Slideshow

Share: email story | add to any | | facebook | stumbleupon

recommend Sign In or Join to post comments

JackGreen Dublin (not verified)

at 06:04 on September 21st, 2009

Yes I agree with that Wholeheartedly,they should not be able to Blame the Cyclist Automatically as it is in Britain at moment,with Antagonistic judges who are Pro Motorists. Cyclists should be able to go up One Way Streets although on a Dedicated Cycle Lane with Priority for Cyclists at Intersections naturally. Cars must give the Right of way to Cyclists,There must be a Green Wave like in Copenhagen,if a Cyclist maintains a Speed of 30kph or 19mph then the Green Traffic Light stays on. A few Road Humps on these Country Roads should slow them down as they can be Lethal with indiscriminate Speeding. It has always been the Case over here in Ireland with Lethal narrow Country Roads and Speeding Motorists ever since the 1970ties. That is why very few People actually Cycle down the Country anymore ,instead they go around in 4+4's or Mercedes and no Police to stop them from Speeding. Also they are all getting Fat from Sitting in their Mercedes or 4+4's. Change of Attitude is needed Get out on Yer Bikes everybody,on with the Revolution.

Beaulieu

at 12:08 on September 21st, 2009

I think cyclists should be able to on one way streets, particularly if it is wide enough. Where I live, there are hardly any but in London it is more progressive.