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Kemp Town crackdown on cycle sinners
12:26pm Friday 4th July 2008
Comments (72)
By Ruth Morgan »
Cyclists caught pedalling on the pavement and ignoring red lights were fined £30 in a police crackdown.
Two police officers and eight police community support officers patrolled St James's Street, Kemp Town, Brighton, for six hours and handed out more than 30 fixed penalty notices.
Police said the most common offences were cycling on the pavement, riding in the wrong direction down the one-way street and ignoring a red light.
PCSO James Conway said: "These types of issues have been there for years and now they really are a priority for residents and traders who are complaining to us.
"There have been serious accidents and a lot of near-misses. People tell us they have nearly been knocked down by cycles on the pavement.
"Cyclists going at speed down the St James's Street hill the wrong way are a huge danger.
"After four years of warning people we are now issuing tickets - we find word spreads fast."
One resident was issued with a fine for cycling on the pavement.
He said: "The roads can be lethal for cyclists. Cars don't care about us, so I ride on the pavement.
"I think this fine is unfair. I need to ride every day for my job and I can't see this stopping me.
"I think it's more a money-making exercise than an issue of safety."
Cyclist Mark Deedman, of Belle Vue Gardens, Kemp Town, said he thought the presence of the community support officers was a good thing.
He said: "I cycle every day and I think the fines are fair enough. Cyclists shouldn't break the rules any more than motorists.
"Just because a bike is less dangerous than a car, it doesn't mean serious accidents can't be caused.
"I make sure I ride safely and legally and I wish other cyclists would too."
PCSO Conway said that most people issued with fines were aware they were breaking the rules and took the fine with good grace.
He said: "Most people accepted it. They knew what they were doing was wrong but said they were in a hurry or taking a shortcut.
One man actually said he complains about bikes going the wrong way down one-way streets and he was doing it himself.
"Of course there were a couple of people who weren't happy about it. But we have given out flyers and put up signs on lamp posts among other things over the years so there really is no excuse."
Last month PCSOs handed out 19 penalty notices for cyclists riding outside cycle lanes on Hove seafront and hope that operations targeting rule breakers will help bring cyclists into line.
The day-long crackdown has been an annual event, but it could now go ahead more often.
PCSO Conway said: "Maybe we won't be waiting for a year before we come out here and do this again."
Are the police right to crack down on cyclists using paths illegally and ignoring red lights? Tell us below.
Your Say YourArgus
feline1, Brighton says...
12:37pm Fri 4 Jul 08
About bloody time! I am sick to death seeing cyclists on the pavement, going through red lights, the wrong way down one way streets and cycling on "No Cycling" bits on the seafront. And I say this as a cyclist myself. The funniest time though was when I caught some police cycling on the seafront, though lol.
sarah, crawley says...
12:38pm Fri 4 Jul 08
No objections to fines for cyclists but I hope they fined a few motorists too. Carving up cyclists and overtaking at junctions or when you are signalling right are far too common.
Officer Dibble, 99 Letsbe Avenue says...
12:42pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Great to see the police have their priorities straight as usual.
..and sooo glad my council tax has gone up again this year to pay for these initiatives.
CATCH SOME CRIMINALS FFS
..and sooo glad my council tax has gone up again this year to pay for these initiatives.
CATCH SOME CRIMINALS FFS
two wheels, brighton says...
12:44pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Lets see the PCSOs out along the sea-front and have strong words for pedestrians who walk in the cycle lanes. Ok, so its not illegal for them to do it, but common sense will tell these idiots not to walk in the lanes. If they do walk in them, dont blame the cyclists if they are not happy.
Margaret Moran, Brighton says...
12:44pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Yes, well done the PCSOs. Let's have more of this. Can we have a session on and near the seafront, especially around the Sea-Life centre where the pavements are narrow and I have been caught by cyclists - great grown men behaving like kiddies.
Albert, Square says...
12:45pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Finally. Please can they do the same on Lewes Road? Lots of red lights and few cyclists stop at any of them. I'm tired of seeing pedestrians almost knocked out by irresponsible cyclists. (And I'm a cyclist myself, before the self-righteous "car drivers are idiots" posts start. Funny how I never have a problem being carved up / overtaken when turning and everything else - maybe that's because I abide by the law when I'm cycling?)
prom man, Brighton says...
12:51pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I look forward to the day when police conduct the same exercise along the promenade in Brighton & Hove at beach level where 'No Cycling' notices abound but where many cyclists continue to flout the law, and this despite the fact that cycle lanes are provided nearby. I have lost count of the number of times I have seen pedestrians cut up by cyclists going at full speed.
confused, brighthelmstone says...
12:51pm Fri 4 Jul 08
how did 30 cyclists allow themselves to be caught by rozzers on foot?
i'd like to see em try & catch me on my bike at full pelt.
i'd like to see em try & catch me on my bike at full pelt.
Marsha, Brighton says...
12:59pm Fri 4 Jul 08
About time, my partner who is registered blind walks to work pass the Level and St Peter's church which has a cycle lane, they do not dismount at pedistrian crossings, he finds this hard enough as it is, then when the cycle path finishes they use the pavement, the pavement is for pedistrians, therefore they should use the road, if they do not wish to then do not cycle, they cannot have it both ways, I meet him after work and walk home with him, I also walk that way to work as well and the number of times I have had to dodge cycles, he has had numerous near misses with cycles, if he wanders into the cycle path he gets a mouth full, but if anything is said to them about riding on the pavement they get ignored as if it is their right and you should not say anything, I would also like to say that I do cycle as well and either keep to the cycle lanes or road. It is about time we had more police or traffic wardens petrolling and fining cyclist who cycle on pavements perhaps they would then get the message.
john, brighton says...
1:31pm Fri 4 Jul 08
How about the Police spending a couple of hours each morning on Kemp Town seafront catching the cyclists on the pavement along Madera Drive? One cyclist yelled at me this morning because I was walking in the way.
Ben, Brighton says...
1:48pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Twice in the last month I have nearly knocked down a cyclist who ran a red light as I was moving my car onto a cross roads for which I had a green light.
These bikes sped onto the junction so fast they evidently had not bothered checking the traffic light. As they were 'undertaking' (quite a good term considering how dangerous that is) stationary traffic abiding by the red light I of course had no opportunity to see the cyclist until they were in my direct field of view.
I never run amber lights in a car, let alone red and I am of course fully protected. Think what a mess a one ton car would make of a cyclist running amber or red lights...
Very very foolish indeed.
Ben
These bikes sped onto the junction so fast they evidently had not bothered checking the traffic light. As they were 'undertaking' (quite a good term considering how dangerous that is) stationary traffic abiding by the red light I of course had no opportunity to see the cyclist until they were in my direct field of view.
I never run amber lights in a car, let alone red and I am of course fully protected. Think what a mess a one ton car would make of a cyclist running amber or red lights...
Very very foolish indeed.
Ben
john doe, brighton says...
2:05pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Drivers, cyclists and pedestraians are all as bad as each other in Brighton!
Why aren't the PCSOs out there arresting the blatant crack smokers and dealers around St Peter's Church and the Level who I see day in day out!!!!!!
Why aren't the PCSOs out there arresting the blatant crack smokers and dealers around St Peter's Church and the Level who I see day in day out!!!!!!
fred, Brighton says...
2:09pm Fri 4 Jul 08
if every one-way street had a contra-flow cycle lane, there'd be no problem! if motorists used the advanced stop lines correctly, there'd be no need for cyclists to jump red lights! if cycle lanes joined up, there'd be no need to cycle on the pavement!
Vicky, Worthing says...
2:10pm Fri 4 Jul 08
CATCH SOME CRIMINALS FFS
You may think it's petty trying to warn/fine cyclists for cycling on the pavement but as a pedestrian who has to constantly avoid cyclists of all ages on the pavement as they don't have bells (let alone they shouldn't be on the pavement) and having been knocked down by a cyclist a few weeks back, I'm all for this.
Can this happen in Worthing please?
And also can we please catch folks in cars speeding at well over 30mph in residential streets, it makes it particularly nasty to cross roads on narrow roads with cars parked both sides only to see some eejit come up the road gunning it at 40, if not 50 sometimes.
I know they're not doing 30 as I drive and there is no way some drivers do 30. Only last night someone speeding on tarring road jumped a red light because they couldn't stop in time, narrowly smashing into a car coming across the railway line and turning right into Tarring Road....
Bottom line is, cyclist, pedestrian, motorist or biker - some people are idiots and too pig ignorant regardless of which of those four they are.
Lou, Brighton says...
2:14pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Well done Brighton & Hove Police and the PCOs. This is long overdue. Cyclists should be made to get insurance, tax their bicycles, and wear safety hats. AND OBEY THE RULES OF THE ROAD! Do they think they can do just as they please thus endangering others?
never wrong dave, Brighton says...
2:25pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Like one of them said,this won't stop me.Most of them are rich middle class scum that have to much money.Like with motorists the fines only work on the poor.These people should see they are not above the law.
CARS ARE US!, brighton says...
2:30pm Fri 4 Jul 08
About time. Because they cannot afford a car,does not give them the right to act like madmen on the pavement. POWER TO THE POLICE!
The Insider, Brighton says...
2:30pm Fri 4 Jul 08
fred wrote:There would be no need to jump red lights? Says it all really. the reason there is so much hostility towards cyclists is because of idiots like you Fred. There is NEVER a need to jump a red light unless its to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. Think yourself lucky you have cycle lanes at all - you don't pay any road tax, you ride amongst other road users and pedestrians with no insurance and you don't have to take a test. Stop and think about that next time you complain about drivers (who have to have to fulfill all of the above). I get as frustrated as anybody with inconsiderate driving but I also get frustrated by inconsiderate riding as well. If everybody adhered to a minimum standard when using transport on our roads things would work so much better. There will always be the minority who think they are above such things but theses are the people the PCSO's and Police are targetting. Unfortunately while there are idiots such as this one quoted in the report, they face an uphill struggle:
if every one-way street had a contra-flow cycle lane, there\'d be no problem! if motorists used the advanced stop lines correctly, there\'d be no need for cyclists to jump red lights! if cycle lanes joined up, there\'d be no need to cycle on the pavement!
One resident was issued with a fine for cycling on the pavement.
He said: "The roads can be lethal for cyclists. Cars don't care about us, so I ride on the pavement.
"I think this fine is unfair. I need to ride every day for my job and I can't see this stopping me.
"I think it's more a money-making exercise than an issue of safety."
Caroline, Brighton says...
2:36pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I am a cyclist and a car driver and abide by the road rules for both, there are a lot of comments about cyclists going through red lights, but come on, car drivers/bus drivers/taxi drivers are just as guilty on this one. I see daily red lights being ignored. I totally agree that if cyclists are being a menace by using pavements where there are cycle lanes or the road then yes of course they should be fined if stopped by the Police. Lets not just point the finger of blame at cyclists though when it comes to ignoring red lights.
Ben, Brighton says...
2:41pm Fri 4 Jul 08
fred wrote:Please tell us what you think the correct use of the advanced stop line is, from a car's perspective.
if every one-way street had a contra-flow cycle lane, there\'d be no problem! if motorists used the advanced stop lines correctly, there\'d be no need for cyclists to jump red lights! if cycle lanes joined up, there\'d be no need to cycle on the pavement!
I have no particular dislike of cyclists or any single 'type' of road-user, we can all make mistakes. However, if cyclists were made to carry insurance and were registered they would be forced to be accountable and it would improve the standard of cycling.
Of course most cyclists slip through traffic inoffensively and get from A to B in their chosen way, but some cyclists see their lack of accountability as a method to be militant w**kers with no respect for other road users.
BTW, there is never, ever a NEED to run a red light. That is the individual's CHOICE.
Ben
The outsider, says...
2:43pm Fri 4 Jul 08
The Insider wrote:Minimum standered? your be wanting pedestrian test soon. Do you ever remember being young? did you ever ride a bike? In the driving test you are trained to look out for all. Be aware and stop blameing the short comings of drivers on the cyclists. Im sure thier a far many more bad drivers then bad cyclists..
fred wrote: if every one-way street had a contra-flow cycle lane, there\'d be no problem! if motorists used the advanced stop lines correctly, there\'d be no need for cyclists to jump red lights! if cycle lanes joined up, there\'d be no need to cycle on the pavement!There would be no need to jump red lights? Says it all really. the reason there is so much hostility towards cyclists is because of idiots like you Fred. There is NEVER a need to jump a red light unless its to get out of the way of an emergency vehicle. Think yourself lucky you have cycle lanes at all - you don't pay any road tax, you ride amongst other road users and pedestrians with no insurance and you don't have to take a test. Stop and think about that next time you complain about drivers (who have to have to fulfill all of the above). I get as frustrated as anybody with inconsiderate driving but I also get frustrated by inconsiderate riding as well. If everybody adhered to a minimum standard when using transport on our roads things would work so much better. There will always be the minority who think they are above such things but theses are the people the PCSO's and Police are targetting. Unfortunately while there are idiots such as this one quoted in the report, they face an uphill struggle:One resident was issued with a fine for cycling on the pavement. He said: "The roads can be lethal for cyclists. Cars don't care about us, so I ride on the pavement. "I think this fine is unfair. I need to ride every day for my job and I can't see this stopping me. "I think it's more a money-making exercise than an issue of safety."
Gentleman Jim, Brighton says...
2:46pm Fri 4 Jul 08
At last,police action against a dangerous habit,I know of a woman who was knocked down on the pavement outside her house,he swore at her before riding off,she suffered a broken pelvis.On the downside cyclists will know they are safe for months to come.
fred williams, Hove says...
2:47pm Fri 4 Jul 08
ABOUT TIME!!!!
Can you extend to the seafront please where cyclists ignore parallel cycle lane prefering to cycle and nearly run over pedestrians walking on the Espalanade.
Can you extend to the seafront please where cyclists ignore parallel cycle lane prefering to cycle and nearly run over pedestrians walking on the Espalanade.
steve, Hove says...
3:04pm Fri 4 Jul 08
At last welcome to the real world cyclists were you become accountable for your actions It sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the except yours
steve, Hove says...
3:06pm Fri 4 Jul 08
t sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the Law except yours (I ment to say)
Dave, next to you says...
3:43pm Fri 4 Jul 08
steve wrote:You past your driving test but not youre spelling test.
t sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the Law except yours (I ment to say)
Steve you say it best when you say nothing at all.
Furious peddaler, Brighton says...
3:52pm Fri 4 Jul 08
feline1 wrote:They get given permission by the queen, old fruit.... Just imagine if they didn't see an incident of disorder because they couldn't cycle on the seafront. Or if they had to walk their bikes to chase the dealers down there.
About bloody time! I am sick to death seeing cyclists on the pavement, going through red lights, the wrong way down one way streets and cycling on "No Cycling" bits on the seafront. And I say this as a cyclist myself. The funniest time though was when I caught some police cycling on the seafront, though lol.
Logical of brighton, the ivory tower says...
3:56pm Fri 4 Jul 08
It amazes me that some people think that for the police to concentrate on something "minor", like cyclists, they ignore other issues. It may surprise you to know that there are more than 2 police officers in Brighton (although not many more), and that they are capable fo dealing with low level htings like cyclists or annoying kids AND catch rapists, burglars and pedophiles. NExt time you have kids having a noisy party in your road, DON'T CALL THE POLICE if you're going to whinge that they aren's catching real criminals. Idiot.
feline1, Brighton says...
3:57pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Yes but that particular time, I was out jogging on the seafront... saw plenty of cyclists cycling in the "No Cycling" bit as usual... including two police... then a few hundred yards down, police on foot giving people tickets for cycling! lol I told them "there's two police on bikes back there if you want to give them tickets too". They looked like they would give me a ticket for being cheeky, but I just kept on running and they didn't catch me, so I "won". Hurrah!
Bartez lookie-likey, Brighton says...
4:44pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Good on da police - well good to see!
law abiding cyclist, btn says...
5:03pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I think the majority of 'proper cyclists' (as opposed to just people who ride bikes' would be delighted to see a major crackdown on bad bike behaviour - after all, it seems to be giving us all a bad name!
Mind you, the apparent attitude of some motorists doesn't really encourage an air of co-operation with the rules of the road - this means all you who turn left in front of cyclists, and/or park on the cycle lanes....
Respect from all, to all would make this town a happier place.....
Mind you, the apparent attitude of some motorists doesn't really encourage an air of co-operation with the rules of the road - this means all you who turn left in front of cyclists, and/or park on the cycle lanes....
Respect from all, to all would make this town a happier place.....
Anonymous, Hove says...
6:01pm Fri 4 Jul 08
It's about time they cracked down on them. I was nearly hit by a cyclist running through a red light, when I had pushed the button to cross the road & even waited for the green man.
It's far to often I have to jump out of the way from these people who just don't care.
I wish they had to sit a test like car drivers do to prove that they know the road rules & are road worthy. I am a pedestrian & cant drive, it's a nightmare some days. Cyclists are just a menace & should learn how to behave safely. They should also be forced to wear safety gear & reflective clothing.
It's far to often I have to jump out of the way from these people who just don't care.
I wish they had to sit a test like car drivers do to prove that they know the road rules & are road worthy. I am a pedestrian & cant drive, it's a nightmare some days. Cyclists are just a menace & should learn how to behave safely. They should also be forced to wear safety gear & reflective clothing.
seagullsovergrimsby, Crap Town says...
6:32pm Fri 4 Jul 08
confused wrote:If you look more closely at the photo , you will see that one of the policemen is actually wearing a cycle helmet and there is a bike propped up as well.
how did 30 cyclists allow themselves to be caught by rozzers on foot? i'd like to see em try & catch me on my bike at full pelt.
Benny, Brighton says...
6:35pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Dave wrote:Oh, Dave - the irony of it. Or is this an intentional joke?
steve wrote:You past your driving test but not youre spelling test.
t sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the Law except yours (I ment to say)
Steve you say it best when you say nothing at all.
I cycle and, when it's clearly safe to do so, I jump red lights. And I will, carefully, ride the wrong way down some one-way roads. I guarantee that I am putting no-one at risk by doing this. I would not cycle on a busy pavement or do anything that endagers others.
The distinction is not between people who break the law and those who don't - it's between people who are considerate and responsible and those who are just plain selfish and reckless.
It is perfectly possible to cycle on the seafront in Hove and cause no trouble to anyone. However, if you do it at speed and on a busy day then you are clearly at fault.
Billy, Kemptown says...
6:59pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I must say when I first heard about this I was over the moon. It's about time these cyclists who give the rest of us law abiding cyclist a bad name, are dealt with. Good on the local police for taking us seriously and doing something about these people. I applaud you Brighton Police , good work.
Martina Felling, Brighton says...
7:08pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Who was that lanky cop chasing people at the bottom of st james street, he was keen!
john beever, worthing says...
7:25pm Fri 4 Jul 08
How about a blitz on the (literally) 100's of mobile phone-using motorists seen all day long in Brighton and every other city ?-especially since this has been shown to be potentially fatal.Think of the revenue as well.This would pay for lots more cycle lanes so that cyclists would not have to use the pavements sometimes in order to avoid danger on the roads.Cyclists and pedestrians seem to mix perfectly well in the Netherlands.Surely this couldn't be just another revenue scheme ?
Gaz, says...
7:34pm Fri 4 Jul 08
It's good to see our PCSOs booking these people. I only wish they could do it more often.
Kickboxer, Worthing says...
7:34pm Fri 4 Jul 08
On 1st August 1999, new legislation came into force to allow a fixed penalty notice to be served on anyone who is guilty of cycling on a footway. However the Home Office issued guidance on how the new legislation should be applied, indicating that they should only be used where a cyclist is riding in a manner that may endanger others. At the time Home Office Minister Paul Boateng issued a letter stating that:
"The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and who show consideration to other pavement users when doing so. Chief police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required."
Almost identical advice has since been issued by the Home Office with regards the use of fixed penalty notices by 'Community Support Officers' and wardens.
"CSOs and accredited persons will be accountable in the same way as police officers. They will be under the direction and control of the chief officer, supervised on a daily basis by the local community beat officer and will be subject to the same police complaints system. The Government have included provision in the Anti Social Behaviour Bill to enable CSOs and accredited persons to stop those cycling irresponsibly on the pavement in order to issue a fixed penalty notice.
I should stress that the issue is about inconsiderate cycling on the pavements. The new provisions are not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of the traffic, and who show consideration to other road users when doing so. Chief officers recognise that the fixed penalty needs to be used with a considerable degree of discretion and it cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16. (Letter to Mr H. Peel from John Crozier of The Home Office, reference T5080/4, 23 February 2004)
"The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of traffic and who show consideration to other pavement users when doing so. Chief police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required."
Almost identical advice has since been issued by the Home Office with regards the use of fixed penalty notices by 'Community Support Officers' and wardens.
"CSOs and accredited persons will be accountable in the same way as police officers. They will be under the direction and control of the chief officer, supervised on a daily basis by the local community beat officer and will be subject to the same police complaints system. The Government have included provision in the Anti Social Behaviour Bill to enable CSOs and accredited persons to stop those cycling irresponsibly on the pavement in order to issue a fixed penalty notice.
I should stress that the issue is about inconsiderate cycling on the pavements. The new provisions are not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of the traffic, and who show consideration to other road users when doing so. Chief officers recognise that the fixed penalty needs to be used with a considerable degree of discretion and it cannot be issued to anyone under the age of 16. (Letter to Mr H. Peel from John Crozier of The Home Office, reference T5080/4, 23 February 2004)
whogivesa, S of France (no rogue cyclists here) says...
7:54pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Benny wrote:Ok. Then why do , in my car not have the option to decide whether it's safe to cross a red light, or drive the wrong way up a 1 way street? Because it's AGAINST THE LAW - muppet!!
Dave wrote:Oh, Dave - the irony of it. Or is this an intentional joke? I cycle and, when it's clearly safe to do so, I jump red lights. And I will, carefully, ride the wrong way down some one-way roads. I guarantee that I am putting no-one at risk by doing this. I would not cycle on a busy pavement or do anything that endagers others. The distinction is not between people who break the law and those who don't - it's between people who are considerate and responsible and those who are just plain selfish and reckless. It is perfectly possible to cycle on the seafront in Hove and cause no trouble to anyone. However, if you do it at speed and on a busy day then you are clearly at fault.steve wrote: t sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the Law except yours (I ment to say)You past your driving test but not youre spelling test. Steve you say it best when you say nothing at all.
Or is it ok to murder someone who, in your estimation, deserves it? My point is, who are you to decide what bits of the law apply to you, and which bits don't.
intheknow, says...
7:55pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Unfortunately cycling ANYWHERE on the pavement in St. James's Street IS inherently dangerous, as it's such a small pathway, already cluttered with A-boards. Cycling the wrong way down St. James's Street ANYWHERE is dangerous too, as it's a one way road and such a narrow road at that, sharing the space with buses, taxis and the like. The post above, suggesting the guidance for CSOs and Police Officers is pointless as it is inconsiderate and it is dangerous. The Officers also have their discretion too. Guidance is just that, guidance. Lawfully, even if you coast on one pedal for just a meter, it is still considered cycling on the footpath, and is still an offence. If you don't want a fine, don't do it.
Nonetheless the primary legislation which makes cycling on a footway an offence is section 72 of the 1835 Highways Act, this provides that a person shall be guilty of an offence if he "shall wilfully ride upon any footpath or causeway by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of foot-passengers or shall wilfully lead or drive any carriage of any description upon any such footpath or causeway."
Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1888 extended the definition of "carriage" to include "bicycles, tricycles, velocipedes and other similar machines."
Many cyclists are afraid of vehicular traffic so cycle on footpaths. While understandable at certain busy intersections and the like, it's very much against the law. If a certain stretch of road is deemed too dangerous to cycle on, choose an alternative route or walk your bike on the dangerous stetch. If you ride on the footpath or footway, you could cop a fine and you'll certainly antagonise pedestrians.
Bicycles are, in law, carriages (as a consequence of the Taylor v Goodwin judgment in 1879) and should be on the highway not footpaths.
Nonetheless the primary legislation which makes cycling on a footway an offence is section 72 of the 1835 Highways Act, this provides that a person shall be guilty of an offence if he "shall wilfully ride upon any footpath or causeway by the side of any road made or set apart for the use or accommodation of foot-passengers or shall wilfully lead or drive any carriage of any description upon any such footpath or causeway."
Section 85 of the Local Government Act 1888 extended the definition of "carriage" to include "bicycles, tricycles, velocipedes and other similar machines."
Many cyclists are afraid of vehicular traffic so cycle on footpaths. While understandable at certain busy intersections and the like, it's very much against the law. If a certain stretch of road is deemed too dangerous to cycle on, choose an alternative route or walk your bike on the dangerous stetch. If you ride on the footpath or footway, you could cop a fine and you'll certainly antagonise pedestrians.
Bicycles are, in law, carriages (as a consequence of the Taylor v Goodwin judgment in 1879) and should be on the highway not footpaths.
Benny, Brighton says...
8:28pm Fri 4 Jul 08
whogivesa - If you want to live your life by blindly obeying any rule that's given to you that's fine. But laws, for the most part, are just an inaccurate attempt to compel people to act in a way that is reasonable and fair. Personally, I'd trust someone more if they were thoughtful and caring and judged their behaviour by THAT rather than doing what they do because they were told to or, more likely, don't want to get caught.
As Bob Dylan said: "To live outside the law you must be honest"
And regarding your shrill example of murder, there are at least two major problems with your argument.
Firstly, to say that one rule has grey areas or should be viewed on a case-by-case basis implies NOTHING about how any other rule should be treated. So when a policeman catches you littering he may just tell you off and not fine you (or do nothing). If he's sees you murder someone he will definitely not ignore you or let you off with a warning.
Secondly, 'do we just let people murder because the victims aren't very nice?'. Umm, yes, we do actually. We kill people in wars because they are on the wrong side, we kill their leaders, because we don't agree with them, we kill people who look like they might be terrorists and finally many nations have capital punishment. This is another case of murder being allowable in certain circumstances.
Please note that I am saying nothing about the right or wrong of war/capital punishment - just pointing out that there are counter-examples to your claim that murder is never tolerated. If the context is right pretty much anything is tolerated.
As Bob Dylan said: "To live outside the law you must be honest"
And regarding your shrill example of murder, there are at least two major problems with your argument.
Firstly, to say that one rule has grey areas or should be viewed on a case-by-case basis implies NOTHING about how any other rule should be treated. So when a policeman catches you littering he may just tell you off and not fine you (or do nothing). If he's sees you murder someone he will definitely not ignore you or let you off with a warning.
Secondly, 'do we just let people murder because the victims aren't very nice?'. Umm, yes, we do actually. We kill people in wars because they are on the wrong side, we kill their leaders, because we don't agree with them, we kill people who look like they might be terrorists and finally many nations have capital punishment. This is another case of murder being allowable in certain circumstances.
Please note that I am saying nothing about the right or wrong of war/capital punishment - just pointing out that there are counter-examples to your claim that murder is never tolerated. If the context is right pretty much anything is tolerated.
Roy Hills, Heathfield says...
9:14pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Funny how the police are getting fond of these once in 10 year 'crackdowns'. If they were out there 24/7 doing the job we pay them for, then 'crackdowns' would not be neccessary!!!
stephen, seven dials says...
10:10pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Dave wrote:I think you mean PASSED your test, numptie! How stupid do you look now correcting someone's grammar.
steve wrote: t sounds like from a cyclist point of veiw that it is now everyone elses fault you need to brake the Law except yours (I ment to say)You past your driving test but not youre spelling test. Steve you say it best when you say nothing at all.
LOL, brighton says...
10:10pm Fri 4 Jul 08
The bottom line is:-
If you don't break the law, you wont get done.
How difficult is it to understand?
That applies to cars,bikes and pedestrians.
Anyone who can't abide by the law is an idiot.
If you don't break the law, you wont get done.
How difficult is it to understand?
That applies to cars,bikes and pedestrians.
Anyone who can't abide by the law is an idiot.
whogivesa, Brighton says...
10:23pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Benny wrote:You're talking rubbish. Murder doesn't exist in a war situation. Killing does. One can argue about the legitimacy of the conflict, of course. In my opinion capital punishment is always wrong. There have been too many mistakes with it.
whogivesa - If you want to live your life by blindly obeying any rule that's given to you that's fine. But laws, for the most part, are just an inaccurate attempt to compel people to act in a way that is reasonable and fair. Personally, I'd trust someone more if they were thoughtful and caring and judged their behaviour by THAT rather than doing what they do because they were told to or, more likely, don't want to get caught. As Bob Dylan said: "To live outside the law you must be honest" And regarding your shrill example of murder, there are at least two major problems with your argument. Firstly, to say that one rule has grey areas or should be viewed on a case-by-case basis implies NOTHING about how any other rule should be treated. So when a policeman catches you littering he may just tell you off and not fine you (or do nothing). If he's sees you murder someone he will definitely not ignore you or let you off with a warning. Secondly, 'do we just let people murder because the victims aren't very nice?'. Umm, yes, we do actually. We kill people in wars because they are on the wrong side, we kill their leaders, because we don't agree with them, we kill people who look like they might be terrorists and finally many nations have capital punishment. This is another case of murder being allowable in certain circumstances. Please note that I am saying nothing about the right or wrong of war/capital punishment - just pointing out that there are counter-examples to your claim that murder is never tolerated. If the context is right pretty much anything is tolerated.
Getting back to the original subject. Jumping a red light solely to get somewhere quicker on a bike or in a car is always wrong. Driving the wrong way up a 1 way street also is always wrong. And so on.
The reason it's wrong is because it's ALWAYS dangerous. It's always down to the driver making a his/her own judgement decision. I have lost count of the number of cyclists I have almost hit running a red light with their Ipod earphones on totally unaware of what's going on around them. Also other riders riding the wrong way down St James St, in the dark, wearing dark clothing, with no lights.
I don't 'live my life blindly' obeying all the rules. How patronising of you.
The rules are there to prevent accidents, not for any other reason. That's why ALL road users should obey them. That way none of us get any sudden surprises, or much worse, end up having serious accident.
Collette Campbell-Barker, Brighton says...
10:43pm Fri 4 Jul 08
I'd rather the Police were doing something more useful like catching burglars or muggers....with so many idiotic drivers around and lack of cycle lanes, what on earth are cyclists supposed to do ???...and I thought Brighton was a green city encouraging people to get on their bikes? Evidently not.
pauli, hove says...
11:08pm Fri 4 Jul 08
General concensus - no argument - cyclists, motorists, bus drivers, pedestrians - obey all laws and show consideration to all road users, Not too difficult, is it?
bongo, shoreham says...
11:19pm Fri 4 Jul 08
okay im a cyclist and the morons going down st james street the wrong way deserve all they get,splattered by a no 7 bus would be good! that aside why does kemptown police not arrest the drug dealer sitting outside forfars everyday is it because he is using such a clever disguise as a street busker mmm i think not given he makes no pretenct to playing the instrument he carries around all day whilst making furtive deals down alleys and round corners and even in passing cars.
Sammy, London says...
11:26pm Fri 4 Jul 08
Collette Campbell-Barker wrote:Maybe if you obay the law then they wouldn't have to deal with petty cycling. They do this like, what, once a year, i think thats not that much of a waist of time. It is SOOOO dangerous guys, just don't do it, for your own safety at least!
I\\\'d rather the Police were doing something more useful like catching burglars or muggers....with so many idiotic drivers around and lack of cycle lanes, what on earth are cyclists supposed to do ???...and I thought Brighton was a green city encouraging people to get on their bikes? Evidently not.
John Williamson, brighton says...
12:06am Sat 5 Jul 08
well as a cyclist myself I try not to break the rules by cycling on the pavement.And I agree with the cyclist being fined by the police,as many a time while walking on the pavement I have had cyclist zooming past me on the same pavement.But at times I have had to cycle on the pavements as the cycle lanes are blocked with cars parked on them,and many a time I have had to go right onto the road and have a close shave with a bus.(example...lewis road.cars parked on cycle lanes)Certainly I think the cycle lane on the sea front should be moved as during the summer months its impossible to cycle all the way without stopping and starting due to the amount of people walking on the lane.
caeos, says...
12:36pm Fri 4 Jul 08
yes - its breaking the law