21-12-11, 08:42 PM
I think cyclists should have insurance, it isn't much ( I paid £100 p/a) and that gave me personal injury cover and third party and theft insurance. It also made me look good when people expressed their hatred of everything two wheeled.
It would be hard to make it compulsory. However, more could be done to EDUCATE people, for example, why don't ALL schools make children learn cycling proficiency as a sports lesson? It would be more useful than football or rugby, and would ingrain good habits early.
Now in the case of our friend Rehab, the cyclist essentially did pull out, without looking, on him. If we do that in a car or motorbike, we are liable, and therefore, morally, it is the cyclists fault. As rehab has a broken wrist, and probably can't work for while, then there is no reason that he should have to pay for anything else, and should be able to claim from the cyclist.
Now because us bikers and drivers are licensed it is easier to enforce responsibility on us, cos we have been taught (whether we remember or not) to always look out for filtering motorbikes, and cyclists during heavy traffic, and to expect pedestrians to step out from in front of buses, and other such hazards. As cyclists aren't licensed, and therefore are deemed as clueless, the law will often rule in favour with the cyclists.
This, actually helps keep cyclists ignorant of the rules OR those who know, become complacent and know that a judge will always rule in their favour.
I am fully supportive of people taking to two wheels, as I love it myself. However, I get furious when I see people letting the side down, and behaving irresponsibly. Education is the way forward, and cyclists who get caught in accidents, regardless of fault, should be MADE to do a CBT equivalent training day type thing, so they can make an informed choice as to their behaviour. As they have been trained, any further accidents involving the cyclist when they are at fault, should allow people to PERSONALLY claim from them.
Sorry for the essay (but I am very, VERY passionate about this)
I hope things rule in your favour man.
It would be hard to make it compulsory. However, more could be done to EDUCATE people, for example, why don't ALL schools make children learn cycling proficiency as a sports lesson? It would be more useful than football or rugby, and would ingrain good habits early.
Now in the case of our friend Rehab, the cyclist essentially did pull out, without looking, on him. If we do that in a car or motorbike, we are liable, and therefore, morally, it is the cyclists fault. As rehab has a broken wrist, and probably can't work for while, then there is no reason that he should have to pay for anything else, and should be able to claim from the cyclist.
Now because us bikers and drivers are licensed it is easier to enforce responsibility on us, cos we have been taught (whether we remember or not) to always look out for filtering motorbikes, and cyclists during heavy traffic, and to expect pedestrians to step out from in front of buses, and other such hazards. As cyclists aren't licensed, and therefore are deemed as clueless, the law will often rule in favour with the cyclists.
This, actually helps keep cyclists ignorant of the rules OR those who know, become complacent and know that a judge will always rule in their favour.
I am fully supportive of people taking to two wheels, as I love it myself. However, I get furious when I see people letting the side down, and behaving irresponsibly. Education is the way forward, and cyclists who get caught in accidents, regardless of fault, should be MADE to do a CBT equivalent training day type thing, so they can make an informed choice as to their behaviour. As they have been trained, any further accidents involving the cyclist when they are at fault, should allow people to PERSONALLY claim from them.
Sorry for the essay (but I am very, VERY passionate about this)
I hope things rule in your favour man.