Forum Topic

Notice for parents of cyclists

It maybe worth telling your teenagers that if you cycle in the middle of the lane and no cars coming the other way that it is still crucial you look behind before turning right and make a signal as i have just seen two young cyclists nearly hit becasue the car behind was moving out into the oncoming lane to pass safely. Luckily the passing car was not driving fast but making a safe pass with no oncoming traffic.

Julian Pavey ● 2235d24 Comments

And a reminder to drivers of cars, vans and lorries that cyclists in the middle of the road may be there because they are intending to turn right. It is safer for everyone if you are patient and stay behind them.This is exactly why those who insist that cyclists should be and should stay stuck in cycle lanes at the side of the road haven't thought things through.  Their route to wherever they are going may mean they will need to cross the road to turn right.

Philippa Bond ● 2235d

"It is safer for everyone if you are patient and stay behind them". For how long,the whole length of the Avenue and then Southfields road and possibly beyond. I think your nick picking and opening up another can of worms. Cars overtaking safely is very common practice if done in a sensible way. To cycle down the middle of the road and then suddenly turn right when you need to without looking is not. Not a rant,but a heads up

Julian Pavey ● 2235d

"may be there because they are intending to turn right."May be but normally just being selfish. And if they are intending to turn right they should signal. Otherwise they have no place being on the road until they learn the simple rules. And it is up to the PARENTS or guardians to teach them.

Steve Taylor ● 2235d

"I think your nick picking and opening up another can of worms."Spot on Julien 👍

Loraine Pemberton ● 2235d

Ive turned french all of a sudden 😁

Julian Pavey ● 2235d

Anyone on the highway intending to turn right should follow the old rule of mirror, signal, manoeuvre. For a cyclist without a mirror, they should look behind instead.

Richard Greenhough ● 2235d

Probably just trying to get a better 4G signal on their phone.

Rob Reynolds ● 2235d

I would like to ask all parents of children who cycle to see if they have lights. Evenings are getting darker fast and i’ve seen a lot of young cyclists in dark clothing and no lights at all on their bikes. Why they are sold without them, I can’t imagine. People may want choice but you could always start with basic.

Vivienne Cox ● 2234d

This is exactly why anyone with access to the available road network by whatever means should be educated as a matter of law.To allow children access to the roads without knowledge and proficiency is a disaster waiting to happen. Ditto adults.

David Lesniak ● 2234d

My parents would not allow us to have bikes at all, how things have change.

Janice Evans ● 2234d

Lights are essential in Winter and not just on bikes - all these new electric scooters zipping about at 20mph will become almost invisible to motorists at 4.30 soon.

Chris Blackwell ● 2234d

Does the same apply to BMW and Audi drivers who regard indicators as an optional extra?

Al Webber ● 2234d

Why should they be sold with lights?  When I got my latest bike I just used my existing lights from my old bike.The ones that come with the bike would probably be rubbish and need to be replaced anyway if you want to be seen properly, or have something that you can see the road with in Richmond Park after dark.There is a simple solution to the lights thing.  Have police vans going round after dark.  Any bike without lights goes into the van, and the only way they can get it back is to turn up at the plod shop with a set of lights.  If they don't reclaim it within a week, it goes on Ebay.  The ones that go on Ebay go towards funding the vans and the police time.

Al Webber ● 2234d

Why oh why do (most) cyclists not have front lights too? The little red flashing ones at the back are borderline ok if they’re not inadvertently covered by the cyclists jacket or back pack. How on earth are you supposed to see a cyclist whizzing down the road towards the junction you’re trying to pull out into when they’re wearing dark clothes and have no front light? I watch them every day whizzing along the A316 oblivious as to the danger they are in as if they’ve a death wish!

Joy Griffiths ● 2234d

"Does the same apply to BMW and Audi drivers who regard indicators as an optional extra?"Yes. Their parents should not let them out until they know how to drive properly.

Richard Greenhough ● 2234d

“ Why oh why do (most) cyclists not have front lights too? “Because they are thick and arrogant.

Steve Taylor ● 2234d

Am i the only cyclist with a mirror, which was an essential when I grew up?

Shaf Khan ● 2234d

It's a must have really isn't it, although never had them on my bike.

Janice Evans ● 2234d

https://www.hounslow.gov.uk/info/20053/transport/1985/cycling_in_hounslowAll Ability CyclingAdult Cycle TrainingChildren's Cycle TrainingOnline Cycle TrainingDr Bike Check your Bike's health etc

Philippa Bond ● 2231d

And hopefully all parents will get some training on cycling before allowing their children on the roads

Steve Taylor ● 2231d

Really Steve?Do you think that's either true, or helpful?I'm sure some are thick, and some are arrogant, but do you really think they are any different from the general population, and so easily generalized?I think it's a shame this forum is so full of trolls. It could be an interesting forum for local discussion.

Simon Pedley ● 2231d

It’s got to be true. Why else would anyone be so irresponsible as to ride at night without a light?  It the truth hurts and you are one of the morons, so be it but don’t whinge when a pedestrian walks into you or you are hit by another cyclist or a motor vehicle.

Steve Taylor ● 2231d

There is also Adult Cycle Training available.  Everybody using the roads could do with keeping up with what is happening on the roads and making sure they know their road signs and road markings.  I know that I'm not well up on the loading markings on pavements!  Also sometimes cycles are allowed to use roads in both directions when they are one way for cars.  One way often needs extra calming as it is abused by cars speeding because they don't expect anything to come in the other direction. Pedestrians need to be extra wary.

Philippa Bond ● 2230d

No. I have one on mine.

Alex Shpinkov ● 2230d