Sunday, November 2, 2014

BRISBANE MADNESS !


Finally the New " Safe Pass of Cyclists Law " has been tested in Court !  Once again the member of the Judiciary presiding , has seen fit to take issue with the Legislation . A helmet camera's footage was introduced as evidence , thus causing the conviction to be recorded .

Clearly shown was an overtake by a bus , this with some width for the Cyclist . " Tailgating " was a truck , which due to the lack of view up the road , came TOO CLOSE to the Cyclist . Yes , he did not HIT the Cyclist , BUT , had he stayed back further from theBus , he may well have given more space to the Cyclist ?

The 67yo Truck Driver claims that he has quit driving trucks , BUT , has he quit driving a car in such a dangerous manner , that he will once again come upon a Cyclist when " Tailgating "?

Before the court was ONLY one charge ?  Had the magistrate been required to rule on the " TailGating " would he have " waived " that FINE and loss of Points ?

Having reported this matter , the local rag , which allows comments to it's website , has been inundated with commentary .  I watch Jay Leno & Jimmy Fallon on TV and their humour PALES in comparison to some that i have read . Seems that the average " Anti Cyclist Queenslander " , has some strange views on the Cyclists v Drivers Culture ( WAR ? only as far as those looking for CLICK BAIT are concerned ) , some of the 450+ are shown below .

Cycling all over Europe i have seen the occasional " Rego of Cycles ( Swiss have given up now ) " yet it is quite clear that it does not work .  Question of cost as against benefit ?  How often do you hear of a Cyclist hitting a Pedestrian and fleeing ?  How often do you hear of a Vehicle , hitting a Pedestrian and Fleeing ? It appears that there is so few Cyclists causing harm , that the Authorities realise that there is no great benefit to the Community to create additional expense to the taxpayer ?

Whilst i ride 20/25000km each year , i am coming to0 the conclusion that the average driver , even here in the Tirol of Austria is becoming TOO Complacent in their attitude to Cyclists .

UNTIL the Emergency Services ( Polizei , Ambulance & Fire Services practice the Road Rules they have been trained with )  demonstrate in their normal duties the Road Rules , then " Jo Public " will continue to adopt the complacency that they fall into , once they have obtained their " Driver permit/FuhrerShein ". It is also necessary for them to demonstrate care when in an Emergency Mode , but the requirement is then on other Road Users to move to the side of the road to allow their swift /unimpeded passage .

After nearly being " T Boned " yesterday by a black Hyundai 4x4  , then harrassed by the driver for being in his way , after he pulled out of a minor road , passing in front of an oncoming eastbound white station wagon, that he chose to ignore . I can only conclude that his " Dangerous Driving " was a deliberate attempt at Bodily Injury ! Riding off the road into the grass , is not my favourite way of riding at 30+kph on a sunny morning . When i returned to the ashphalt , he pulled alongside with the window open , mouthing off in the German/Dialect that he is accustomed to use . No point in that as i did not understand him , or whatever purpose he was trying to achieve .  I then had him do a series of kangaroo stops as he proceeded up the road attempting to impede my progress either on the RHS of the Road , or on the centre of the road . I was unwilling to overtake him , for fear of the consequences , but i got a GOOD LOOK at his face . Suffice to say i could pick him out of a line up very easily !

When i returned to the local polizei station , i found a Polizei People Mover , but they chose to drive off rather than hear what i had to relay to them . It will come as no surprise that the Polizei Front Door was locked , since this was a " Holiday of Obligation for the Catholic Church " and ALL the shops were closed as is the case in smaller communities .  Eventually the 3 striper , who at 57yo would not be expected to be fluent in English , came to the door and had to recall the Polizei Vehicle to conduct the interview . At this time the Number Plate i relayed does not match ANY recorded ?  Well that was the end of that .... for today anyway .

Another case of a Cyclist being disbelieved ? We shall see !  No point being told to SELL THE BIKES AND WALK , by a Woman police Officer , who thinks that there are more Cycle Paths , than actually exist! Funny how somethings can be voiced in English and other things are too hard to follow through ?

Some excerpts from the Brisbane Courier Mail :
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Some commonsense remarks

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"  loyd 3 days ago
Most of the comments on here are totally irrational.

1 Police cannot charge anyone purely on number plates. That is why the law was changed to make speed cameras legal but it still doesn't apply to live coppers. They MUST identify the driver at the time. (Unless they con you into admitting it)

2 Any cyclist who rides on the road takes the same risk as any other road user. If you are unfortunate you get hit. It is no different to wearing a bikini in a dark alley. IT IS RISKY regardless of what the law says.. Anyone , cyclist or other wise is responsible for assessing their own risks. Why should there be 'special' laws which are totally unenforceable.

3 The law is an ass. If this photo is the evidence it should have been thrown out.....it doesn't prove anything.



In this country roads are primarily for motorised transport. Diffferential speeds are the cause of accidents..

           ..........................................

Glenn
Glenn 2 days ago
@loyd "If you are unfortunate you get hit. It is no different to wearing a bikini in a dark alley" Probably the best reasoning for a murder charge to apply when you kill another road user. Every time we drive a motor vehicle we should know the risks and look after our fellow humans.
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Riddley 3 days ago
@Delivery Cyclists often suggest we should have a "Drive-to-Work" day. It will never happen, of course, but it would be fun to see the gridlock caused when all the regular cyclists add to the already congested roads.

We do have a "Ride-to-Work" day, and it is a very successful event, with lots of new riders trying out an alternative mode of transport. Some go back to their usual, but there are always some who implement cycling as their normal commute. Less traffic, more carparks, what's not to love.

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Julianne
Julianne 3 days ago
@Riddley @Delivery It's not fun to be stuck in gridlock when a group of cyclists line up sideways along the road and take up the whole lane. They should be riding single file!
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mark 3 days ago
@Julianne @Riddley @Delivery if you say it enough it still doesn't make it the truth - it is actually legal to ride 2 abreast
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Julianne 3 days ago
@mark @Julianne @Riddley @Delivery Yes, TWO abreast. Not 5 cyclists in a group taking the whole lane. I am a cyclist AND a motorist and I still think that most cyclists are using this to jump on the bandwagon and winge for favoritism. I see far more angst and law-breaking from other cyclists than I do from other motorists.
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mark 3 days ago
@Julianne @mark @Riddley @Delivery so you ride a bike but at the same time say "they" don't pay rego so "they" should not be allowed on the road? Which is it?
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Julianne 3 days ago
@mark @Julianne @Riddley @Delivery  Yes, we don't have to pay registration for our bikes, while we DO have to pay for our motor vehicles. As a cylist, I personally believe that WE (cyclists) should pay registration so that we can be identified and not be harrassed by THEM (motorists). I also believe that cyclists (THEY) should pay registration so that WE (motorists) can blah blah blah etc... have you ever heard of perspective?
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Riddley 3 days ago
The reality is that cycling as a normal mode of transport is growing quite rapidly in every Australian Capital city. And it can be Labor or Liberal, they both see the benefits of increasing cycling. (This may change in Adelaide depending on the outcome of elections there soon)
Government policy at all levels, especially local and State explicitly promote cycling for commuting and for recreation, and laws are being changed to improve safety outcomes.

What is really lacking is the infrastructure to support this growth. As a driver I want to see a lot more cyclists on the roads as this significantly reduces congestion and therefore improves my trip times.

As a cyclist one of the major elements to safer cycling is more cyclists on the roads (the others being proper facilities and proper laws). So I benefit from that.
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Glenn 2 days ago
@Julianne @Donnie @Mick Roads are funded through consolidated revenue such as tax. Car rego comprises almost entirely of insurance (to cover the personal injuries caused by motor vehicles) and a smaller rego fee to cover the costs of registering vehicles. NOTHING goes to building or maintaining roads required by the selfish single occupant motorists commuting in peak hour rush. Therefore, a cyclist which cause practically no damage to the roads but still pays taxes is SUBSIDING MOTORISTS.
#################################

Now for other  offerings :
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Bettina 3 days ago
The point being, the cyclist 1) placed his own life in danger by impeding traffic 2) was morally in the wrong for inconveniencing not just the truck driver, but more than likely a whole row of following vehicles and 3) potentially caused a dangerous situation by causing vehicles following the truck and unaware of the cyclist causing the hold up, trying to overtake under dangerous circumstances. All this could have been avoided if the cyclist had the slightest consideration for other road users and dismounted on the slow uphill stretch and walked the bike on the footpath.

However, the cyclist has the RIGHT to use the road and he was damn well going to use it!!!
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Edward 3 days ago
Regardless of what you think you know, the facts are that the Stay Wider of the Rider campaign is here, and you need to obey the law as does all road users. No one is exempt.

Search for 'Stay Wider Than the Rider' on the TMR, Queensland Road Authority, website.  It has all the information you should be adhering to in order to be safe and keep others safe also.
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Peter 3 days ago
“I hate the thought of him (the complainant) sitting there sipping his latte and laughing at me.”

Gold!!!!
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Jimbo 3 days ago
@Peter Or conversely, the cyclist could retort with – "I hate the thought of him (the defendant) sitting there watching Today Tonight, sipping his XXXX Gold and laughing at me."
Either way, I think it's clear that making generalisations doesn't add anything to this rather serious issue.
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Cedar 3 days ago
Cyclists should be allowed to cycle on any road without the fear of being hit by a motor vehicle. Also, they should not pay registration but rather be compensated on there motor vehicle rego for using a bike to get around. After all they not wearing out the roads anywhere near as much as a motor vehicle does.
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Jerry 3 days ago
@Cedar It's very dangerous though so they should at least have insurance to cover their medical expenses
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James 3 days ago
@Jerry @Cedar and display registered identification.
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Chris 3 days ago
@Jerry @Cedar The vast majority of those road bike riders would have insurance by virtue of club and Bike Queensland membership.
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Glenn 2 days ago
@Jerry @Cedar Cyclists are covered by the TAC premium of the offending motorists CTP. Cyclists don't need CTP because they don't cause such personal harm on others. (That is fact, not opinion)
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Julianne 3 days ago
@Cedar motor vehicles should be allowed to drive on the road without risk of being hit by oncoming traffic who were trying to avoid a cyclist! I pay registration on my vehicle, you don't. You have the opportunity to ride up onto the verge or footpath if a vehicle gets too close, WE don't have anywhere else to go.
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Bill 3 days ago
Why is it that vehicles have the 1.5m rule but cyclists don't.  The number of times my poor bus drivers have to carefully fight traffic to pass a cyclist only to have the cyclist fly up beside the bus again when the bus is stopped at lights.  The driver then has to fight his way past the cyclist again and again and again.  Fine cyclist who speed up the inside or middle of traffic for not giving the 1.5m rule.  They should stay behind the vehicle they are at when they come to lights or stop signs, just like a car has too.
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Chris 3 days ago
@Bill Here's a hint. Motor vehicles are bigger and faster. Ever sat there at lights and had a car go past at 60+kph and noticed your car gets buffeted by the wind? That effect when you're on a bike can actually suck you towards the wheels of the vehicle and result in you falling under it, or the car following. At 1m under 60kph, that force is small enough to not be a significant risk. Over 60kph, 1.5m. Over 100kph it really needs to be 2m+ but the government decided to leave it at 1.5m because few cyclists ride on roads at 100kph (again forgetting regional Queensland).

As for having the ability to "filter" through traffic, well if cyclists didn't have the right to do that they wouldn't bother. They'd just hop in their car and join the queue and make it even longer. 

The real issue that you're describing is lack of space on the road. This can be solved with more bike lanes through city and urban areas, particularly bus routes, and reduction of on street parking on those same routes.
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Julianne 3 days ago
@Chris @Bill Yes, I have felt the wind from a vehicle going past... at the legal speed. You are on a bike, a smaller, lighter "vehicle" which can easily get sucked into the wind stream, just like a pedestrian would. That's a great argument for NOT letting bikes onto the roads, but rather giving them their own dedicated bike lanes!

Have you ever crawled along in a car at 5klm per hour, in a huge stream of traffic, being late for work, school or what have you, simply because a cyclist was on the road and no one could get past due to these new laws?

I have been in traffic holdups far more in my car than I've been "terrorised" by a car going past when I've been on my bike. I cant collect my 2yr old grand-daughter from daycare or my daughter from school on my bike so I opt to drive when required. 

I think it's a fair statement that if WE have to keep a particular distance and have to be constantly held up in traffic due to riders, then riders should NOT be allowed to weave through traffic.
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Bettina 3 days ago
I agree more bike lanes...at bike riders expense via bike registration costs.
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Mick 3 days ago
If you cause an accident and cycle off, someone reports your number and police come calling. If your bike was stolen or you can show you have sold it (you would remove the plate anyways and re-register your new bike).  Minimal cost to a cycling family one year.

And as an ex-Transport & Main Roads employee, yes Car rego has nothing to do with building roads. That funding comes out of general revenues. So anti-cyclists please quit yammering that cyclists need to pay to be on the roads because you're not helping the discussion. They do need to be identifiable.
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NO DOUBT there will be Other Prosecutions in the Queensland Courts where , a similar case will include ALL the visible offences !

Hopefully the driver when convicted will put his hands up and admit that it was HIS DOING , not a Cyclist with the NEED to protect HIS LIFE ! 









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Posted by skippy at 10:12 AM 0 comments

Friday, October 10, 2014

CHRIS BOARDMAN speaks OUT !

Chris Boardman tells it how it should be , as copied from the Guardian :

http://www.theguardian.com/cities/2014/oct/10/lobbyist-canary-wharf-london-segregated-cycle-lane-crossrail-bikes?CMP=twt_gu

We can't let lobbyists destroy London's segregated cycle lane plans
The main political parties and 60 big employers support ‘Crossrail for bikes’ – yet behind the scenes there are intense efforts to poison the project, says Chris Boardman

Cyclists v lobbyists: the gloves are off
Reality check: will ‘Crossrail for bikes’ bring gridlock?



Blackfriars junction
How Blackfriars junction could look under the mayor’s segregated cycle lane plan
There is a battle going on in central London right now which will decide its future, and perhaps the future of every other city centre in Britain. Officially, it’s about cycling – in particular, Boris Johnson’s plan for a new segregated cycle superhighway from Tower Hill to Hyde Park Corner. In reality, it is a battle about health, about noise, about pollution, about the kind of cities we want to live in – and the kind of politics we want to have.

All the political parties support the superhighway scheme. So do more than 60 big London employers, including RBS, Deloitte, Orange and Unilever. Two years ago, more than a million Londoners elected Johnson on a promise to “implement three Dutch-style cycle schemes [with] segregated bike tracks” and “complete the superhighways to Dutch standards”.

What the mayor proposes is big by cycling standards, but not that big by most other standards. It involves converting one of the four traffic lanes into a cycle track on Upper Thames Street and the Victoria Embankment, a stretch of road all of two and a half miles long. Some motorists’ journeys will take longer, but most of the delays are small and some journeys will actually be quicker. The average delay along the route at the busiest two peak hours is 1 minute 26 seconds.

Yet behind the scenes there is an intense lobbying operation to destroy the plans, led by just one company, Canary Wharf Group, and by the City of London Corporation. These opponents will not speak against the scheme in public. They know that the majority even of business opinion is not with them and they stand little chance of winning any debate held in the open. They know that they will be seen as old men in limos. They know that most Londoners, who do not drive in the centre, sympathise with making central London less car-dominated. So instead, they are trying to poison the project in secret without leaving any fingerprints.

Canary Wharf, a major donor to the Conservative Party, has heavily lobbied the mayor and his staff. A PR company employed by the group has distributed a briefing which the scheme’s supporters say contains numerous misrepresentations and errors of fact. Another business lobbyist funded by Canary Wharf has toured the party conferences claiming, wrongly, that the superhighways will delay traffic in London by 6%. As Michael Liebreich, a member of the Transport for London board, has said, this is not the way that a decision like this should be made.

The City Corporation has taken a slightly subtler approach, claiming to support the superhighways “in principle” but demanding delays to their implementation which might well, in practice, stymie them. The Corporation attacks the scheme as “heavily biased towards cycling”.

That feels a little like opposing Crossrail on the grounds that it is heavily biased towards trains – but it’s wrong anyway. It is not just cyclists who will benefit from the new routes.

The superhighway will be able to carry 3,000 people an hour. That is the equivalent of putting 10 extra trains an hour on the District and Circle Tube lines running beneath the route, at a fraction of the cost in capital works and disruption. It is the equivalent of running 41 extra buses an hour, at a fraction of the cost in roadspace and emissions.

Every extra person who cycles is freeing up space for another person on the Tube, the buses, or the roads. Every extra person who cycles is improving not just their own health, but other people’s
health, because bikes do not cause pollution. Everywhere else this has been tried – London is way behind many other world cities – it has made the streets more pleasant for everyone, and more profitable places to do business. Cycling is a catalyst to change our country for the better.

Cyclists are already a quarter of the rush-hour traffic in central London. Their numbers have trebled in the last decade, while motor traffic has dropped by a fifth. We know that far more people than this want to cycle, but are put off by the lack of provision and the perception of danger. In the 19 months since Johnson announced his plans, 23 cyclists have been killed on London’s roads. Ten of those people, nearly half, died at places where the mayor is proposing to instal segregated cycle lanes or junctions.

In the end, the limo-users’ view of how London is governed, like their view of how London travels around, feels out of date. Deals behind the scenes were how it was done when the city was run by Whitehall. But under an elected mayor, the public should decide and the debates should be held in public.

Boris Johnson has shown real leadership on cycling. He is the only British politician to have matched bold words with bold actions. I do not believe he will back down in the face of such crude pressure.

Olympic champion and former world hour record holder Chris Boardman is a policy adviser for British Cycling

Reality check: will ‘Crossrail for bikes’ bring gridlock to London?
Cyclists v lobbyists: the gloves are off
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Tuesday, July 22, 2014

Open Letter to Greg LeMond

Greg ,
When you speak with Stephano B. on Eurosport TV at the finish line of  " Le Tour " , most of what you impart is drowned out by the "EuroSport Translator "! They report their version of your words , but it does not carry the essence and Passion of your thoughts !  Both you and Stefano are trying to help the audience enjoy " Le Tour " , yet you come across as background noise to the Germaqn/ Italian / French translators .  Even the Racers that you Guest interview are reduced to this background noise . Most in Europe that have access to EuroSport TV are Bi Lingual , thus YOUR Voice should be dominant rather than
that of the stand in ?

Early in this Edition of Le Tour , i sent these " Placards " via Twitter , hoping that EuroSport would choose to remind the WorldWide audiences that Cyclists DESERVE Safety as vehicles pass them on the road . It matters little to me whether you choose to use Mine , or adapt them , to remind ALL that Cyclists are Vulnerable when being passed on the road .

When presenting the " Placard " adapted to the " Tirreno-Adriatico Event " , to Chris Horner at the start area in Mid March , he was jovial /amused at my efforts , yet weeks later he was the Victim of just this type of Traffic Violence . Tyler Farrer has a Father , a respected Surgeon , now in a Wheelchair due to Traffic Violence . Peter Stetina retired from a Grand Tour due to a relative being the Victim of Traffic Violence . You will have knowledge of so many ,Former Colleagues , Family & Friends , that have suffered in many ways from Traffic Violence .

Greg YOU are described as " EuroSport Cycling Ambassador " yet has there been ANY Occasion , where you have mentioned " Safe Cycling Pass " or the 3ft Rule that many US States have recently passed into their Traffic Laws ?

YES , Cycling Manufacturers do not want the " Downside of Cycling " to be highlighted , look at how much controversy was created when Contador hit a " Pothole / Road Surface defect . Now it is clearer that Racers are also subject to this common problem on the Roads . Most Motorists fail to understand that Cyclists need to avoid Road defects , so much easier to spot on the Bike , than from behind the wheel of a Vehicle . May i also remind you that the Founder of the " Willier Bike Co. " was the Victim , on a Sunday Ride , of Traffic Violence !

Vehicle Drivers these days , tend to think that they are allowed to drive above " Posted Speed Limits " , as close as metres to the Vehicle in  front of them and pass Cyclists within Millimetres , then plead " It's NOT My fault " when they send the Cyclist to Hospital , if not to the Morgue !

Should you wish to ASSIST " Cycling Safety " take a look at the following Websites :

 USA  https://www.facebook.com/LookSaveALifeArizona?ref=stream

 Aus    https://www.facebook.com/amygillettfoundation

 GB     https://www.facebook.com/groups/stopkillingcyclists/1464580850459489/?notif_t=group_comment_reply

So many others that could be included !



They All DESERVE recognition , since they are trying to remind ALL , that Cycling / Cyclists deserve better than Vehicle Driver IGNORANCE of Traffic Laws when they are trying to ride from point A to B , whether as Personal Transport , Sport or leisure !

YOU can do as some of the Personalities in the Photos , download the " Placard " and display it for the Media !

Sincerely

Skippy







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Monday, March 24, 2014

Pro Racers attitude to SAFE CYCLING !

Days after returning to Sunny & Summery Austria , i find myself looking out the window for the second day, as sleet falls on the local roads . Since this is after all , the Austrian Mountains that is on the cusp of Spring , thus the current weather should come as no surprise . This winter i have lost a few days to wet roads and with the lack of snow only managed 2 days of Ski Touring in december and a day in January . Having spent the past 2 weeks on the bike covering several thousand kilometres in summery conditions , even in the mountainous Italian regions of the Tirreno-Adriatico ProWorld Cycle Race , i guess a break off the bike will be welcome ? Sunday was continous sleet , but today looks like an afternoon ride will be possible after a light lunch . The temperature will be nothing like the Saturday summery ride in short sleeves and bib shorts where several groups of Race Bike Riders ventured out dressed for Winter .

During the time i spent at the Tirreno-Adriatico ProWorld Cycle Race , we were treated to 20C+ sunny conditions throughout the week . Even my trip , starting out on the Monday morning from Kufstein area , was warm throughout , as i passed through Tirol & St Anton to Felkirch for the night , then onto Torino and the Hospitality of Riccardo and his Family for Tuesday Night . Wednesday was down to the Coast to pass through Genoa and onto Livorno so as to join the T-A route as it arrived in Cechina . With meeting the Major ( Mayor of Commune ) i was able to utilise the Commune Resources to print many copies of the placards that you see here .

With these " placards " i was able to give the Teams , either the Italian or french Version , if not both ! It was also possible to speak to individual Racers , some of whom should know better than to turn down a simple request , right Cadel ? Even though Cycling within metres of the Major and thus demonstrating that he supported " SAFE CYCLING " , it appears a step TOO HARD !

With many Pro Racers lost in Road Training Incidents in recent months , the lack of  EMPATHY for Cyclists in general is demonstrated by the lack of mention in the Facebook Wall of those Racers attending the Tirreno-Adriatico Race . That their Support Staff told me , that their Teams had been shown the Placards is not in doubt , even coming face to face with Mark Cavendish , Alex Dowsett , Alberto Contador and many other Racers , seems to have produced NO RESULTS ?

Did not get to speak with Brad Wiggins , but there is a Guy who has personal experience of BAD DRIVING !  As a reward for winning the " Le Tour " in 2012 and the Olympic Time trial at London 2012 , a neighbour skittled him , thus sending him to an overnight stay in Hospital . Guess it was not him that hollered at me with an English accent , as i stood in L'Aquila , showing the Italian Language Placard , " What a F##ing Idiot "?

Francesco Moser & Mario Cippolini are two of the former racers that took a copy that they put in their pocket , others such as RAI TV Sport broadcast on TV or added photos into their websites , so i guess that there was a result ?  WHAT is it about PRO RACERS that makes it too hard for them to remind their "Fans" , that they care for their well being ?

" UCI " are the controlling Body for Pro Cycle Racing , thus SHOULD be the body that works to coordinate the Cycling Safety Org.s that have sprung up in so many Cities and Countries throughout the World ! These Tweets demonstrate my efforts to encourage their efforts :

  "  UCI UMBRELLA ORG. 4 Safe Cycling UP then POWER OUTPUT! M/while ProRacers DIE due BAD Driving!

This was in response to a tweet on his personal Cycling efforts .

More Tweets were sent to involve " Amy Gillett Fdn " , which i have for years been encouraging to ACT in the International Arena  , which would not be too difficult since so many Oz Cyclists have European Roots ?

 Mar 21
CYCLING has a W/wide PROBLEM! Needs a W/WIDE SOLUTION! UCI GET OFF YOUR BUTT! ACT & SAVE LIVES NOW!


 Expand

 25h
NOT ALLOWED THOSE of US out of Oz NOT ALLOWED! CAN CHANGE THIS!


  
This last Tweet was in response to that of Anna Meares trying to encourage MORE people to sign onto the  " Amy Gillett Fdn/ Tasmanian Petition " , created after the Death in late December of a Tasmanian Rower out on his Bike , cross training .

Here is what i sent out as a comment on my thoughts of Involving UCI in an UMBRELLA Org. :

  "  Here is my comment elsewhere , about what actions i think can help to change aggresive driver attitudes towards Cyclists :

  "  Whilst the Authorities offer " Info Ads " to the General Public , there are Several WAYS Cyclists can help themselves !

1/  Acknowledging GOOD Driving Behaviours . ( More follows )

2/  Active advice to Employers of Eratic Driving Behaviours (see below )

3/  Umbrella Org Activities ( Notes )

Explanatory notes :

1/  Since the UCI Presidential Election and before September 2013 , i have been asking for an International UMBRELLA Cycling Safety Organisation ! In past years i had asked " Amy Gillett Fdn " to step up their activities and work with the " London Times , Cities fit for Cycling Campaign " , but to NO AVAIL ! Seems everybody likes to play in their own backyard ?  Fact is there are TOO MANY Egos out there , some will acknowledge the ideas of others and will add them to their Campaign , others will indulge in " Personality spats " , but whilst this goes on , the SAFETY of CYCLISTS remains at risk !

    I as a Cyclist , do not care WHO is TOP DOG , I DO CARE about the MESSAGE being UNIVERSAL ! When World Politicians see that there is COLLECTIVE Action , where THEIR Shortcomings will be seen as NOT A LOCAL ISSUE , but part of the REAL WORLD , they will stop thinking of " Militant Cyclists " as a cross to bear whilst they get on with their REAL WORK . As a lone English Speaking Cyclist in Tirol , Austria , i get far more attention than the local Cyclists ! When you realise they accept whatever , but i voice my complaints when they occur, you can see that there are those who groan whever i address them . Whether other Cyclists appreciate my efforts , matters not . What counts is that i can ride my bike without having to worry about " Punishment passes " , because that will mean a repeat visit to the offender or their employer .

2/  Over the past years i have come to know where the Trucking Depots are located . Many Bike Rides have been interupted by a case of " Bad Driving " , due to me following the offender , either to their Depot or their lient Premises . There i seek the Manager/CEO and explain what has taken place . I offer the choice of either call the Vehicle Owner or call the Polizei . Of course i prefer the client to understand that the Vehicle Owner is prefered since it reminds them that their Drivers could be in the same situation on another occasion ! Todate i have ONLY once been asked to leave the premises , only twice have the Polizei been asked to attend , once at the insistance of the Truck Operator . Generally the Manager listens to my explanation , agrees that there is Grievance and in many cases not only calls the Employer but states to the driver that they will not be welcome on the premises , if they choose to repeat this behaviour . Many not only remind the driver that the vehicle displays " Ads " which reflect     their Employer but also the Client .  With this in mind they generally state that the Driver's behaviour reflects BADLY on the Companies and hope that their colleagues DRIVE with more thought for their Employer !  On one occasion the river was Carpeted and told that HAD he caused Death , then the Speaker could have been liable for a " Corporate Manslaughter Charge "!  Many Drivers are not only effusive in their apology , but in the weeks following will flash their lights and give a friendly wave as they pass going in the opposite direction . One Water Suppier Company's drivers well not only complete the , Ease , Wait , Signal , Wide Pass , Signal return to lane sequence , but also flash the " Hazard lights " after the pass when they see me salute ( touch of Helmet ) !

3/  My thoughts in respect of an Int.UMBRELLA Org were initially directed to the UCI !  With Pro Racers using the roads on a daily basis for their training and the " Shamateur " aping their activity , it seemed that a " Code of Conduct in respect of Acknowledging Good Driving " would be a GOOD Starting point for encouraging better relations on the roads !  UCI should be able to dictate to Professional Cyclists that they ACT as Ambassadors for Cycling ! Since the common Cyclist looks to them for Inspiration , they will quickly adopt their behaviours ? What UCI should ask of National Cyclig Federations is Compliance with this " Code of Conduct "!  Any Pro Cyclist is required to train in their Team Colours , they are required to OBEY ALL TRAFFIC LAWS ! YES , some RLJ , ignore " Give way signs , etc , so this has to stop , NOW ! When passed by traffic in a SAFE Manner , they should touch their helmet in a respectful way , so that the Vehicle driver sees that their GOOD Behaviour is recognised/appreciated ! When training in a Group , i have yet to see anything other than the 2 by 2 , thus , if outsiders jump on the back they should be warned to obey this OR DEPART !

UCI having adopted the " Code of Conduct " should then advise the National Fed.s to contact ALL Trucking/Bus associations explaining the Policy/Code , thus asking those Assoc. Members to advise their following , that this is a 2 way street , in that the Drivers can expect Respect for Good Behaviours and reports of detrimental behaviours !

How many MORE Pro Racers have to DIE , before UCI ACTS ?

AND YES , they should be thinking of the ordinary Cyclists also!

Long winded ?

NO !

There is so much more that can be done !

ROME was not built in a DAY !

Not wishing to HURRY such an august body , such as the UCI , but since the CEO of Amy Gillett Fdn is the VP_Cycling , the near 5 months since i suggested they treat this as a matter of URGENCY , suggests that the DEATH of Pro Racers , is a blip on the horizon ? I am sure that Tracey Gaudry has made efforts to have this matter handled in a more Timely Manner , BUT ; if they can throw CHF3Million at the resolution of the Mc Quaid Era , then a few drops in the bucket , to SAVE CYCLIST LIVES will be money WELL SPENT !

The sun has broken through so away i go

Ciao








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Tuesday, January 14, 2014

VINE answers Clarkson ! 2 Jeremys that Cycle .

IMPATIENT Clarkson , who recently took to Cycling ,

demonstrated with Twitter , his inability to treat his fellow Cyclists with RESPECT ! Not only did he convey his Impatience , whilst following a Cyclists , he forgot some of the Cycling " Rules " , he should have learned , when he took up Cycling earlier in 2013 ?

Having VORIFEROUSLY denigrated Cyclists over the years in the Media , it came out that he is using a Bike to get around the neighbourhood in which he lives , Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire . Having Cycled in that neighbourhood in the late 1990s to late 2000s i am familiar with that area . Full of lanes it is a joy for the early rider , being outside of Oxford and with gentle hills . Many Sunday Group/Club rides into that area and Burford result in an easy 100km result .

London is no JOY to ride on a bike , but it is even worse when those " Bignoting " themselves , choose to HARASS a Cyclist , particularly those that use the bike as a means of TRANSPORT ! Parking in London is a Nightmare , if you are not being NICKED for parking infringements , when you do find a " Parking Spot " for an overnight stay , it is likely that you will find the vehicle damaged by Thieves or " keyed" by the bored youngsters of the neighbourhood ?  Even in outer London Suburbs , you          Jeremy Vine
an empty the interior of a vehicle , then find a window smashed for the heck of it ,
never mind the boot " tossed " on the offchance there are items worth souveneering . Back in 1997 i lost a Video Camera , wrapped in sacking that was left in the boot of a car parked outside the residence where i was staying . Even a tour of the " Car boot Sales during the next several weeks , failed to turn up any sign of the lost articles .

Clarkson ( Mr Motor Mouth ) has been a fixture on UK  TV for decades as the presenter of many Motor Oriented series of programmes . With a 2.7Million Twitter following , he has the means to INFLUENCE a large segment of the population . With the intent to demean the CYCLIST , he tweeted with a photo !

##

 " It's middle of the road point-makers like this who make car drivers so angry about cyclists. pic.twitter.com/4vCcK548t1
— Jeremy Clarkson (@JeremyClarkson) January 10, 2014
 It would appear that the vehicle , a 4x4 Chelsea Tractor , was in motion at that time ?  Guess the " UK Road Rules " are meant for those like me , with minimal Twitter followers ? According to those WHO KNOW the UK road rules , he has breached several " UK            Jeremy Clarkson                            Road Rules ", doubt that " Old Bill " will bother to follow up and                                                                   empty his pockets ?

Amongst HIS Following , is another Cyclist , a Radio 2 presenter , to whom i enjoyed listening , when close to a Radio in the period , earlier mentioned . With a cross section of interesting News items each day , it would be hard to get bored with the programme ?

Having seen the Clarkson Tweet @thejeremyvine joined the fray !   He Tweeted : causing a furore :

  I replied to Clarkson: ‘He has every right — you muppet.’

 Jeremy's description of the result of his tweet :

   "  This then triggered the Twitter equivalent of a brawl in a Wild West saloon, where anyone within earshot (in Twitter terms, the thousands of people who follow us both) felt free to throw chairs and tables around."

Responses to @thejeremyvine included :

 " User Actions
does the idiot pay road tax?  THE CYCLIST
I doubt it. 1-0 Clarkson

You should have taken him out anyway, there's an ambulance just up ahead to take him to hospital Jezza :)
6:35 PM - 10 Jan 14

  1. 10 Jan
    how does he have ever right??? The Highway Code clearly states that cyclists cycle on the left not MIDDLE!!!
     Retweeted by 
     View conversation
  2. 10 Jan
    No. He. Does. Not.
     Retweeted by 

Well those " Tweets " established one thing ! They do NOT think that Cyclists ARE a Vehicle deserving of a place on the road ?  ANY of them heard of " DOORING " ? Being in a car , if a door opens into your vehicle , it will scrape or dent the paint ! A Cyclist being hit by a door will likely cause the Cyclist to be spilled to ther road ! IF you glance away/down at the wrong moment , YOU could be involved in further injuring the CYCLIST !  How would that HELP your day ? Were YOU in a hurry to spend hours with the MET Police , mr Clarkson ?

Amongst Jeremy Vines other Tweets :

13 Jan
In 3 years; 3 accidents caused by drivers; 1 serious injury. Long term; I'd like to live thanks.

  1. 13 Jan
    . so they drive instead, further inducing traffic & exacerbate the problem. Tragedy of the commons.
    Details
I have also stopped cycling. Shame, but London streets are too dangerous & aggressive
###



  1. 15h
    Clarkson may only be one man, but he is the voice of millions.
     Retweeted by 
    Expand
  2. 20h
    It's weird to have so many angry cyclists following me here. In real life, it's usually the other way round.
     Retweeted by 

23h
“: All the cycle kit in the world can't beat this: (via ) ”

FROM this controversy emerged several articles this week , i will lead with the article by Jeremy Vine pf his experiences over 2 years of riding to work . During this period , brought on by wanting to get exercise , other than in a Gym, which he found he rarely used , although paying GBP80/mth , he lost  about 2 Stone ( 12Kg ) !. 

Jeremy Vine , today :

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2538377/Why-drivers-want-kill-Death-threats-Near-misses-A-run-Clarkson-Radio-2-host-scared-cyclist-JEREMY-VINE-terrors-faces-road.html

Simon Usborne wrote on Monday :

http://www.independent.co.uk/voices/comment/we-must-not-exaggerate-the-dangers-of-cycling-9056319.html

Peter Walker's article was published on Monday :

http://road.cc/content/news/107809-point-making-rider-hits-back-jeremy-clarkson

John Stevenson revealed the Cyclist's version on Monday :

http://road.cc/content/news/107809-point-making-rider-hits-back-jeremy-clarkson

The Cyclist involved , wrote this article :

http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/jeremy-clarkson-continues-to-be-a-moron/page/3

Coming out of this " Incident are a few points worth repeating !

Many also responded that the narrowness of the road meant the rider was doing exactly what Bikeability, the Institute of Advanced Motoring and even Transport for London recommend: taking the lane.

CyclingMikey @CyclingMikey
.@JeremyClarkson Also, have you never seen this image? From TfL, but just as applicable in the rest of the UK.

Clarkson implied that the rider was making a point because he'd sworn at drivers who tried to overtake him:
Jeremy Clarkson        ✔ @JeremyClarkson
Ti be clear, the cyclist I tweeted about earlier rode constantly right in the middle of the lane and hurled abuse at anyone who overtook.

There are so many other things to be discussed as a result of this incident , including a series of my own Tweets : Read from the bottom for sense ?

  1. 2h
    Cyclist reply: Outsiders &
      View summary
  2. 3h
    CORRECT! S/be "BULLYING PASS "! COWARD PASS reserved 4 ( hit & run)! C
     View conversation
  3. 3h
    We must not exaggerate the dangers of cycling Has GOOD Fortune in traffic & Complains about article?
    Expand

  4. 13 Jan
    “: All the cycle kit in the world can't beat this: (via ) ”

  1. 3h
    Radio 2 host and (very scared) cyclist JEREMY VINE on the terrors he faces on the road via "COWARD PASS"!
     View summary
  2. 3h
    Attempted COWARD PASS by TOSSER led 2 item C  
     View summary
  3. 8h
    It's the fight you don't want to win via "COWARD PASS" not SPORT! B Safe give Cyclists 1 1/2M SPACE!
    Expand
  4. 8h
    One metre is 'commonsense' via Another Cycling CHAMPION worried about "COWARD PASS"! 2011 hit by CAR !


A Timely reminder from @AmyGillettFdn has now caused me to ADD " BULLYING PASS " to my Vocabulary !

Having used " Coward Pass to such effect , @SafeCyclingAustralia created this :



Today they added this :


Who will come up with a " BULLYING PASS "graphic , that will be better than the above ?

Couple of additional Tweets :

head around.
1:33 PM - 13 Jan 14


Image will appear as a link
  1. 13 Jan
    I don't think I hate anything as much as everyone else seems to hate me.
    Details
  2. 13 Jan
    I spend more time in the car than on the bike but drive with cyclists & pedestrians in mind.



This is how London Metro Police hope to save CYCLISTS'LIVES :


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