On Wed, 11 Jan 2006 18:18:07 -0000, "Martin Underwood"
wrote:

d wrote in
:

I hope the cops start some new campaign to stop cyclists riding on the
pavement and blasting through red lights. The number of times I've
seen them endangering lives is ridiculous. Their chicken attitude of
"rather I hit a pedestrian than a car hit me!" is an insult to every
member of the public.

Add to that the utter ****wits who ride around (usually dressed in
black) with no lights.


I suggest:

- compulsory third-party insurance for all cyclists

I agree thus far but insurance, for me, is to protect me from the
actions of car drivers. Mate of mine has a SMIDSY the other day which
trashed his bike and left him with a £500 dental bill. He's got the
drivers details but has been told it's going to be very difficult to
prove the crash caused it (it's from clenching his teeth prior to
impact). Sure... if I ever make a mistake it'll cover me for that but
I hope that I won't do so in the first place.

(and before the flames - I drive, and cycle and walk)

As an occasional cyclist, I'd willingly pay a small surcharge for insurance.
Being responsible and considerate, I have never overtaken a queue of cars on
the left (I wait my turn, just like a car, or else I dismount and walk on
the pavement till I get past the obstruction) and I have never gone through
a red traffic light or across a pedestrian crossing that has people on it.
But I think I'm very much in the minority :-(

I don't either but I'd heartily support the sniper idea for those that
do...

Can I also request the death penalty for people who drive their cars
around with their side lights on plus front fog lights?