Experts predict bike code and compulsory tests
by Michael Smith
Cyclists in London (UK) will have to take a compulsory proficiency test and pay for MOT certificates if the bike boom continues, so industry experts have warned in October 2008.
Cycling on major London roads has risen 91 per cent in the past eight years and the trend is set to continue as people try to save money (and time) by turning to two wheels.
While one might be forgiven to be thinking that those suggestions have emanated from the Treasury or at least the finance department of the Greater London Authority and the Mayor's Office in order to swell the coffers this is not, however, the case.
The truth is much stranger than fiction here for it was Andrew Brabazon, director of Cycle 08, the UK's largest and only consumer and trade show for bicycles and related, said a change in the “cycling landscape” would require similar rules to those that apply to motorists.
Those are the words from the man who, supposedly, should be supporting cycling and the cycle trade in this country seems to be throwing a monkey wrench into the works here, while cycling is starting to, very slowly, begin to bloom a little in Britain.
This is probably the most stupid thing that I have ever heard and the worse thing that could happen to cycling in Britain but, I assume, there is money to be made here, no doubt and hence the powers that be are looking into this for extra revenue. One can but wonder how come that the director of Cycle 08 comes out with statements and ideas such as these.
With “friends” like the director of Cycle 08 the cycling community in the UK certainly does not need enemies in other quarters. What a load of trash. Do we have such rules and regulation in other countries of Europe where bikes are much more in evidence than in the UK? No, we do not and the Dutch and the Danes – and even the Germans – I am sure – would soon tell their governments where to get off if they but suggested such stuff.
Only someone hell-bent on undermining cycling as something that can be done by everyone regardless of age and regardless of whether they can read or write even could come up with suggestions such as the ones mentioned here.
To have such weird comments emanating from someone who is supposed to be supporting and advancing the case and cause of cycling, especially commuter and general use of bicycles, in this country, is more than worrying. I hate to ask the question but... who is his paymaster? I am a little more than at a loss here as to someone in the position of Mr. Brabazon even to suggest such things.
While it has to be said that some cyclists – in fact a great many of the Lycra clad commuters and general road use cyclists – need to, certainly, learn the rules of the road tests and such like are the least that we who want to do out bit for the environment by taking to two wheels and human power need.
Indeed we have cyclists who do not seem to understand that the rules of the road also apply to them but that has nothing to do with tests or anything but simply with the fact that some seem to think that rules do not apply to them on two wheels propelled by their own energy. Red lights, however, apply equally to all road users, whether cars, trucks, motorbikes or pedal cycles. No exception and it is hight time that some – and they do not seem to be in a minority either – took note of that.
Ignorance and arrogance are also not cured with tests. They are only cured with enforcement of the rules. In other words; anyone crossing a red signal with a bike should be fined in the same way as a motorists, on the spot ideally, and if a known violator, have his cycle seized.
But we do not need tests and MOT certificates for bicycles. Good God! Has Mr. Brabazon been somewhere out in the sun too long?
© M Smith (Veshengro), October 2008
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Compulsory tests for city's cyclists
