IS there a place on today’s roads for the pedal cyclist? As a responsible tax payer I am becoming increasingly concerned by the impact on the economy of the ‘born-again’ cyclist. Granted they are environmentally friendly, they provide a ‘vehicle’ for healthy exercise and are a very cost effective mode of transport for the rider. However, what is the real cost of cycling on today’s roads?

Cyclists: 1. Do not pay road tax

2. Do not require to be insured against liability for causing death, injury or damage to a third party

3. Are not required to wear head protection (crash helmets)

4. Are not required to wear reflective clothing

5. Do not take a test of competence before being allowed to ride on a public road

6. Are not required to use ‘cycle ways’ when available despite being specifically constructed for their use at significant cost to the tax payer.

Also, if you observe their behaviour on the road they are apparently not required to take any notice of the advice given in the Highway Code, to stop at traffic lights and pedestrian crossings when lights are red or give way to vehicles on a main road when entering from a side road.

However, they use our emergency services disproportionately to all other road users, a consequence of their vulnerability to injury following an accident.

Therefore it raises the question is the real ‘cost’ of cycling on today’s roads significantly higher than some would have us believe? Is it safe or reasonable for a cyclist to ride their bicycle on a dual carriage way which is subject to the national speed limit of 70mph, or on a single carriage way A or B road, which is subject to the national speed limit of 60mph and used by articulated lorries?

If we are to share our roads safely with the ‘born again’ cyclist, legislation must be introduced to ensure parity with other road users, afford protection to pedestrians, provide a framework for safe and responsible cycling on the road. Not to do so will result in carnage and a soaring cost to the NHS.

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