Ken wants bicycles to have number plates!

[djbombscare]

But you illustrated it with a number plate on a front wheel! No wonder I'm confused (well, that and the hangover).

Anyway, I think the idea's daft: there's no way you can come up with a one-size-fits-all numberplate that is:

(a) practical
(b) visible
(c) that can physically fit bikes of all shapes and sizes
(d) isn't easy to nick - or forces cyclists to walk around with it
(e) doesn't end up costing the tax payer/cyclist an absolute bomb

It was the only pic I could find of numberplate mounted the way I was on about

But as per all the points you've highlighted I think its daft as well. And I think you should put on these also as reason against.

(f) would have to be done nationally
(g) would have to be forgery proof
(h) would mean V5 style registration documentation for bicycles

 

[Paul Marsh]

No, and I'm not sure where I stand on it either.

Surely the best place to stand would be on Ken Livingstone's neck?

A few years back on this site I can remember arguing with some very self-righteous cyclists on this site about the congestion charge.

They of course loved it, and ignored my point that the more they demand action against car owners, the more likely it is one day, if enough people are cycling, that a whole host of new laws will be brought in against cyclists.

Licence plates, registration schemes, mobile squads of police cyclists to track London bikers - give scum like Livingstone an inch and they will take a yard.

 

[Crispy]

That's not the sort of law breaking I'm talking about bombscare. More like going over the white line and stopping at the crossing studs when there's no cyclist advance stop area. Or trundling over a pedestrian crossing once the man has gone red. In both cases I'm trying to avoid setting off at the same time as cars, because there's a real chance of wobble in the first few seconds - I don't want to be cut up in that time so I get ahead by a few meters.

The pricks who speed through green men or do gracefull hops on and off pavements at speed to get round buses etc. They can all fuck off

 

[djbombscare]

I think there were circa 120 deaths last year of pedestrians killed by cars driving onto pavements. Cycles causing deaths on pavements to pedestrians was 0. This was posted on another thread. I think this says all you need to know about relative risk.

Sorry all that says to me is that riding a pushbike on the pavements doesn't cause as much death as driving a car on them does. If thats your defence for cyclist breaking the law then thats not really a very good one. The shear speed and size of a car is obviously gonna do more damage to a ped than a bicycle. And your not suppsoed to drive cars on pavements either. What it doesn't say is why the car ended up on the pavement. It could have been out of control avoidong a cyclist

Anyway I can safely say I aint seen many cars doing that to aviod traffic on my commute. Ok cyclists may not kill anyone on the footpath and if cyclists want that rule changed then go for it. No problems with me there.

It doesn't say why cyclist have to break other laws or why they are justified in doing so. My point being that is more dangerous to do that.

So how does that example justify jumping red lights going the worng way up one way streets etc ?

 

[sir.clip]

I hope you dont mind but can i just ask why bicycles have to break the law ?

I dont mind...

If you have ever cycled in london you would realise that our roads carry alot of parked cars..
These parked vehicles force cyclists into the centre of the road, thus running more of a risk from over taking motorvechicles coming from behind..

Cycle lanes are misused by Motor vehicles.. used to park in again forcing the cyclist further into the center of the road, again pushing the cyclist closure into moving traffic of the motor vehicle..

Cycling on two wheels involves stability created by motion.. If the cyclist is constantly avoiding vehicles parked to the inside of them and motor vehicles over taking to the left of you, your motion becomes speradic, making your stability considerably less than if you had a clear and free cycle path..
This means that to avoid falling of your bicycle your motion must be at a constant pace.
Add the extra problem of over motorised roads, High polution levels & how that affects the breathing and vision of a cyclist..

The contant battle to over take buses at bus stops, so as not to consume high levels of diesel fumes from the bus pulling away..
It all adds up to cyclists using footpaths for a safer alternative to using the very dangerous driving, illegal parking, illegal manouvers of the motorist..

As for jumping red lights..

If a cyclist pulls away at the same time as a motorvehicle, The motor vehicle will be able to accelerate faster than the cyclist.. So to avoid hold ups building up too traffic behind the cyclist, it is best for the cyclist to gain a advantage & some stability before the motorvehicle can catch up behind the cyclist..
I can tell you that if cyclists did not jump red lights, The motorist would be in much longer traffic jams & wait longer at red lights to recieve the safe opputunity to over take the cyclists saftly, That means giving the cyclist the same amount of room as a motor vehicle to over take...

Many drivers in london have never cycled & never know how much room to give to allow a safe overtaking manouver.. Many cars just fly passed at a 30 mph this is dangerous to cyclist who themselves may be over taking parked motorvehicles, these parked motorvehicles may have passengers getting out again reducing the space of the road.. it al amounts to it being dangerous to cyclists, solely for the sheer amount of motor vehicles on London roads..

Reduce the number of cars Parked & moving & you will see a vast improvement in the road use & law breaking of cyclists.. The whipping boys of the road..........

This is all just been bashed out but i'd like to do a proper report on the dangers of cycling in London & why this forces Cyclist to break the laws that are suposed to help them.. give me a bit more time & ill work on it..

I cycle every day & I jump red lights, Im not proud of doing it but once you have been driven into the gutter by a scaffold lorry, broken your leg & recieved no apologie. soley for wanting to cycle to work You realise that you must break the law In order to survive another working day..

When some people decide to wrap 4 ton of steel around them and use this as a protective barrier against anything in there way you know to stay as far away from these people as possible.. Cars Vans Trucks Buses really hurt when they are miss used..

 

[djbombscare]

That's not the sort of law breaking I'm talking about bombscare. More like going over the white line and stopping at the crossing studs when there's no cyclist advance stop area. Or trundling over a pedestrian crossing once the man has gone red. In both cases I'm trying to avoid setting off at the same time as cars, because there's a real chance of wobble in the first few seconds - I don't want to be cut up in that time so I get ahead by a few meters.

The pricks who speed through green men or do gracefull hops on and off pavements at speed to get round buses etc. They can all fuck off

Now that i understand.

I have to do that on the motorbike a lot and I think thats more bending the rules rather than breaking them. Blatantly shooting through redlights and stuff aint and is fucking dangerous IMO

 

[Paulie Tandoori]

What a great idea Ken, i mean, the fact that cars have number plates works well doesn't it.....um, or maybe not:

A six-year-old girl from Lancashire has died after she was hit by a car which was then driven off.

The girl was playing in the street in Blackburn when she was knocked over by a black four-wheel-drive vehicle.​

BBC News 28 July 2006

and here

Police are hunting the driver of a small red car that was involved in a hit-and-run crash in Leeds.
A 31-year-old man, from Meanwood, was hit by the car on Roundhay Road near the junction with Spencer Place at about 2340 BST on Monday.

He suffered serious injuries and was taken to Leeds General Infirmary where his condition is described as critical.

The car did not stop after the crash and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward.​

BBC News 25 July 2006

and here

The family of a young man killed in a hit-and-run crash have appealed to the "common decency" of those involved and urged them to contact police.
Marcus MacFarlane had watched England's World Cup opening game with friends and just hours later he was struck and killed on the A4 at Isleworth.

The 18-year-old was hit by a maroon Renault Laguna just after midnight.​

BBC News 14 June 2006

But no, clearly, the greatest danger faced by London's pedestrians is the psychopathic cyclist, intent on mowing down all before him/her, before cycling through a red light cackling caustically and without a care. FFS

 

[djbombscare]

I dont mind...

If you have ever cycled in london you would realise that our roads carry alot of parked cars..
These parked vehicles force cyclists into the centre of the road, thus running more of a risk from over taking motorvechicles coming from behind..

Cycle lanes are misused by Motor vehicles.. used to park in again forcing the cyclist further into the center of the road, again pushing the cyclist closure into moving traffic of the motor vehicle..

Cycling on two wheels involves stability created by motion.. If the cyclist is constantly avoiding vehicles parked to the inside of them and motor vehicles over taking to the left of you, your motion becomes speradic, making your stability considerably less than if you had a clear and free cycle path..
This means that to avoid falling of your bicycle your motion must be at a constant pace.
Add the extra problem of over motorised roads, High polution levels & how that affects the breathing and vision of a cyclist..

The contant battle to over take buses at bus stops, so as not to consume high levels of diesel fumes from the bus pulling away..
It all adds up to cyclists using footpaths for a safer alternative to using the very dangerous driving, illegal parking, illegal manouvers of the motorist..

As for jumping red lights..

If a cyclist pulls away at the same time as a motorvehicle, The motor vehicle will be able to accelerate faster than the cyclist.. So to avoid hold ups building up too traffic behind the cyclist, it is best for the cyclist to gain a advantage & some stability before the motorvehicle can catch up behind the cyclist..
I can tell you that if cyclists did not jump red lights, The motorist would be in much longer traffic jams & wait longer at red lights to recieve the safe opputunity to over take the cyclists saftly, That means giving the cyclist the same amount of room as a motor vehicle to over take...

Many drivers in london have never cycled & never know how much room to give to allow a safe overtaking manouver.. Many cars just fly passed at a 30 mph this is dangerous to cyclist who themselves may be over taking parked motorvehicles, these parked motorvehicles may have passengers getting out again reducing the space of the road.. it al amounts to it being dangerous to cyclists, solely for the sheer amount of motor vehicles on London roads..

Reduce the number of cars Parked & moving & you will see a vast improvement in the road use & law breaking of cyclists.. The whipping boys of the road..........

This is all just been bashed out but i'd like to do a proper report on the dangers of cycling in London & why this forces Cyclist to break the laws that are suposed to help them.. give me a bit more time & ill work on it..

I cycle every day & I jump red lights, Im not proud of doing it but once you have been driven into the gutter by a scaffold lorry, broken your leg & recieved no apologie. soley for wanting to cycle to work You realise that you must break the law In order to survive another working day..

When some people decide to wrap 4 ton of steel around them and use this as a protective barrier against anything in there way you know to stay as far away from these people as possible.. Cars Vans Trucks Buses really hurt when they are miss used..

Now that is an explanation

And I can see your point.

Yes I have ridden in London quite a bit as I grew up there. However I haven't for quite a few years now and I expect its got a lot worse. But I do see your point and think TBH its a valid argument that I understand.

Riding a motorbike EVEN though I can outgun everything off the lights I nearly always have to go on the yellow or risk getting shunted if I dont, and thats in Bristol.

 

[Nikkormat]

This subject is to be discussed on You & Yours, BBC Radio 4, in a couple of minutes.

 

[Fidel]

I was in a Basil in Swissland in the 80's and all the bicycles has number plates.
Small rectangle shapped on the back rack or seat.

In fact they have been around for years this was taken from a collectors site.

http://www.pl8s.com/platestand-bikes.htm


Any takers for a:

576 - CHILE - 1942 bicycle plate, very nice condition - black on orange - $48.00

 

[sir.clip]

Registration for me bike.. please Kenith..

B1KE K1D

 

[sir.clip]

Now that is an explanation

And I can see your point.
.

I'm glad.. Most motorcyclists seem to agree with cyclist..
Its a two wheel thing..

Balance is key to a healthy life style..
Thoose that choose four wheels are off centered & at a high advantage over two wheeled travelers..
But belive themselves to be of a higher prioroty..
Very wrong & bad way to think & be...

 

[Kid_Eternity]

If by stopping breaking the law it means those cunts that ride on the pavement get shit I’m all for it. I’m so fucked off nearly being hit by them and then getting the “why don’t you look where you’re going” look/comment.

 

[sir.clip]

. I’m so fucked off nearly being hit by them and then getting the “why don’t you look where you’re going” look

Why dont you talk to the individual.. they may not be thinking what you belive them to be..

And if you get fucked off for nearly being hit.. Just say to them its not correct.. what your doing..
By bottling your emotions up, You only create rage..

Cyclists are humans after all...

 

[Crispy]

Cyclists are humans after all...

Not all...

 

[squeegee]

As a driver I think the majority of cyclists are safe and I always give them as much space as possible. And the setting off while lights are red I can understand. But there are the macho cyclists who are as bad as boy racers in cars. I've had several incidents where I'm driving across a junction with traffic lights green and a cyclist whizzes past a red light across me and I've had to brake to avoid crashing into cyclist. A coupld of timees I've had that kind of look like "watcha gonna do complain?" which really pisses me off.

I'd rather see London more bike friendly. But the congestion is increasing and cycle lanes and bus lanes are not really working.

Anyway, I would hope other cyclists are just as disgusted at these macho cyclists as they are at the road rage drivers. The cyclist may not have any physical impact, but the kind of mad cycling I have seen will inevitably cause serious accidents onn the city roads.

 

[sir.clip]

As a driver I think the majority of cyclists are safe.

But there are the macho cyclists who are as bad as boy racers in cars. I've had several incidents where I'm driving across a junction with traffic lights green and a cyclist whizzes past a red light across me and I've had to brake to avoid crashing into cyclist. .

Well yes Macho cyclist are around, the same as macho drivers & macho pedestrians..

As for them whizzing passed you.. your going to be pretty safe in that steel box if you conect with them.. very soft a squishy are cyclists..
Great news that you use them brakes though.. you might be able to catch the number plate next time it happens & if Kens plan works.. Then you can report these barstards to the law..

Most drivers go straight for the horn/hooter before thay even think of using the brake peddle.. Very thoughtfull to hit the brake first...


Just noticed this at the end of the report in the times...

Reflecting the interest in cycling, London will be hosting the start of the Tour de France next year, with an opening ceremony in Trafalgar Square..

I bet the road will be shut to Motorvehicles..
Imagine the tour trying to be safe with londons motorized traffic buzy at the same time...
And i bet these bikes would not have to have plates..
Funny Funny world..

 

[jæd]

Then you can report these barstards to the law..

Um, you do know there is a reason for the law against jumping reds...?

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Why dont you talk to the individual.. they may not be thinking what you belive them to be..

And if you get fucked off for nearly being hit.. Just say to them its not correct.. what your doing..
By bottling your emotions up, You only create rage..

Cyclists are humans after all...

They are almost always out of ear shot before any comment (angry or otherwise) can be made. The fact is they shouldn’t be on the pavement.

 

[sir.clip]

Well yes/no.............................

I've never read it any where & never learned it in the high way code..
& really aint sure as to why we really need to be told when to move & when not to by a red. amber. green light.. system

I think it might have something to do with right of way..
But if I really think about that consept.. Its a bit odd..
& a bit nonsense...
Why would any one person have a stronger right of way over someone else at any one point in time..?

 

[lighterthief]

And i bet these bikes would not have to have plates..
Funny Funny world..

Every bike - and every rider - has to display his rider number.

 

[sir.clip]

They are almost always out of ear shot before any comment (angry or otherwise) can be made.
The fact is they shouldn’t be on the pavement.

Well I personally would hear you. I'm slow old slogger..

in Dulwich cyclists are encouraged to cycle pon the pavement. Same as areas of Battersea and areas of southwark.. I have experieced angry pedestrians who are standing in cycle lanes clearly maked, But for some reason pedestrians belive that its not right.. I think it might be todo with the cycle lane & pavement being one in the same & at the same height & level..

SHARED USE PATH
A shared use path is one which can be used by cyclists as well as pedestrians. On such paths, cyclists must give way to pedestrians.

Here is the sign.. for shared use.. Note that any cyclist must give way to pedestrians...

 

[sir.clip]

Every bike - and every rider - has to display his rider number.

Ahh Ha... yes...... Clever that!

 

[Kid_Eternity]

Well I personally would hear you. I'm slow old slogger..

in Dulwich cyclists are encouraged to cycle pon the pavement. Same as areas of Battersea and areas of southwark.. I have experieced angry pedestrians who are standing in cycle lanes clearly maked, But for some reason pedestrians belive that its not right.. I think it might be todo with the cycle lane & pavement being one in the same & at the same height & level..

SHARED USE PATH
A shared use path is one which can be used by cyclists as well as pedestrians. On such paths, cyclists must give way to pedestrians.

Here is the sign.. for shared use.. Note that any cyclist must give way to pedestrians...

Ah right, I live in Southwark which explains alot, back in Kentish Town it wasn't the same level by far of people zipping up and down the pavement...

 

[Paul Marsh]

Would you believe I was cycling through the west end earlier this afternoon and I got waved over by a film crew from London Tonight, wanting to discuss this very issue!

I decided not to go into full Class War mode, but made several general points about Ken always playing to the gallery, there being far bigger issues for Londoners than the behaviour of cyclists, and that rather than using cyclists to raise revenue, he should cut his cloth better with the money he already has.

Will see at 6pm tonight if they use it!

 

[squeegee]

As for them whizzing passed you.. your going to be pretty safe in that steel box if you conect with them.. very soft a squishy are cyclists..

I still wouldn't want to be in an accident or even having to deal with something like that. But honestly, it's happened a fair few times. Crossroad, traffic lights and cyclist at speed whizzing across my path. And I can't help getting this attitude, I'm sorry to say I'm picking it up a little from your last post, that because cyclists will come off worse, I am somehow making too much of it or somehow, if they're willing to take the risk and they come off worse, it's ok.

Truth is any accident at speed can have any number of terrible outcomes. And a cyclist of 10-15 stone travelling at 30 mph, believe me is dangerous. I just don't want to be involved in an accident because of someone's stupidity/arrogance.

I don't know if number plates are the answer, but these cyclists should be held accountable for their irresponsible, dangerous behaviour, not least for the majority of other cyclists who probably get worse abuse because of these pariahs.

 

[Kid_Eternity]

You should have mentioned the 4x4s being a threat to civilisations as we know it!

 

[mauvais]

Here in sunny Nottingham, the cycle paths regularly merge in and out of pavements with no indication of what's actually going on or where you're meant to be. Most cyclists I speak to avoid them and just use the road, as they can be far more dangerous than they're worth. I try to use them but for the reason I mentioned above, I probably end up on pedestrian pavement a little too often. Shite design.

As for the rest, I always stop at lights, unless it's dead at a pedestrian crossing where someone's pressed the button and crossed before I get there. I haven't found cycling to be that dangerous for a while, touch wood

 

[editor]

Truth is any accident at speed can have any number of terrible outcomes. And a cyclist of 10-15 stone travelling at 30 mph, believe me is dangerous.

That'll be the Tour De France going by, yes?

 

[likesfish]

POLICE HAVE POWERS TO NICK reckless cyclists already.
do you really think the thoughltless tosser cyclist is going to bother to register.
DVlA does'nt do a great job of ctching the untaxed and unisured drivers you really think this is going to be the answer to gits on bicycles