Mum angry at cycling bus-t up (From The Argus)
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Cycling Brighton mum's anger at bus-t up
1:50pm Thursday 25th October 2012 in News By Kimberly Middleton, Acting chief reporter
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Rebecca Barkaway with daughter Florence on the back of her bike
A cyclist claims she was subjected to a stream of abuse from a bus driver for carrying her young daughter on the back of her bike.
Rebecca Barkaway was making her way along Lewes Road, Brighton, with her two-year-old Florence when she was shouted at as she cycled around a number 48 bus to Bevendean that had stopped to pick up passengers.
The 33-year-old said: “The bus driver opened his window and shouted at me that I should never be on the road with a child on the bike.
“At the next set of traffic lights I stopped and banged on his doors and said, ‘What are you |talking about? It’s totally inappropriate for you to shout at me’.
“He said there are a lot of drivers around who don’t pay enough attention, talk on their mobile phones and things.
“But I am very careful – obviously, because I had my child on the back.”
She has only been cycling with Florence, who was wearing a helmet, for about six weeks and is building up her confidence cycling along the A270.
She said: “Lewes Road is intimidating because of the sheer volume of traffic, people parking in the cycle lanes and just not being aware and considerate of cyclists.”
The mother and daughter had been swimming and were on their way home when the incident happened on Tuesday lunchtime (October 23).
Angry
Mrs Barkaway, who lives off Coombe Road, said: “I was very angry. I do feel anxious about taking my small child on the road, but as with everything with parenting, you do it with the information you have and as carefully as you can.”
She has lodged a complaint with Brighton and Hove Bus and Coach Company.
Mrs Barkaway said: “There is tension between bus drivers and cyclists. I want to feel safe and that bus drivers are going to act appropriately.
“I have had bus drivers pull out in front of me before, but I have never been told off.
“This has not put me off, it makes me more determined.”
Roger French, the managing director of Brighton and Hove Buses, said the allegations would be looked into.
He said: “This is something we take very seriously. It is not for our drivers to make such a comment.
“I have never heard of a driver speaking to a cyclist like this before and we will ensure this is investigated.”
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Comments(84)
jimbobmaginty
says...
2:06pm Thu 25 Oct 12
You might be a careful cyclist who obeys the laws of the road but Brighton has some nutters on the road that could crash into you and kill your child!
Stop being cheap and travel by bus or get a car!
caeos
says...
2:13pm Thu 25 Oct 12
but was she, obviously not in the picture.
perhaps the driver didnt like the way that she pulled round the bus.. some cyclists dont pull out round the bus till they are touching the rear window
and the 48 is NOT a 'bendy' bus before they get on the badnwagon
bluemonday
says...
2:14pm Thu 25 Oct 12
bluemonday
says...
2:14pm Thu 25 Oct 12
johnthomas
says...
2:24pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Much too risky & not worth the chance of hurting the child to prove a point
ruberducker
says...
2:28pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Crystal Ball
says...
2:29pm Thu 25 Oct 12
jimbobmaginty wrote:Are you planning on telling the entire population how to live their lives?
I agree with the Bus driver! Whats wrong with you woman?
You might be a careful cyclist who obeys the laws of the road but Brighton has some nutters on the road that could crash into you and kill your child!
Stop being cheap and travel by bus or get a car!
BURIRAM
says...
2:29pm Thu 25 Oct 12
DougM
says...
2:29pm Thu 25 Oct 12
BiggerH
says...
2:37pm Thu 25 Oct 12
BURIRAM wrote:same here - it's one thing cycling with your kid around some enclosed car-less environment, but on the roads, it really is v daft (mostly due to dangerous inconsiderate car drivers)
As a cyclist I would never cycle with a child on the back, that poor child is in danger. The Safety of the child should come first. Well done to the driver for pointing this out. I hope the child protection authority's will sort this woman out.
Spanners
says...
2:39pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
tom servo
says...
2:43pm Thu 25 Oct 12
So the fact that this woman is now "more determined" to do so despite her first incident speaks volumes of her. I sincerely hope she does not have an accident in the future and she is right that it's all about weighing up the risks, but I think most people would say you are playing Russian roulette with your child’s life. It's such a dangerous stretch of road why would you do that?
Cyclists take to the roads knowing the risks. Your child is not yet capable of such judgement calls, and unfortunately has you to make them for her.
LB
says...
2:46pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Rather than blaming the victims in all of this whether they're in a car, on a bicycle or on foot shouldn't we be looking to the people, road layouts and circumstances that cause the accidents and sorting them out?
"It's too dangerous" isn't really a reason not to ride a bike with a child, it's a reason to make it less dangerous.
tom servo
says...
2:47pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Spanners wrote:Of course there aren't any statistics to show young children have been injured on the back of bikes on this stretch, because hardly anyone would put their children in this situation!!!!
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
Apart from this lady of course, and a small minority of other adults who should know better.
DougM
says...
2:50pm Thu 25 Oct 12
tom servo wrote:You are wholly wrong. I like the way people look at the facts, and then ignore them 100% and assert their non-sensical 'logic' on a situation, as in the case of 'tom servo'.
Spanners wrote:Of course there aren't any statistics to show young children have been injured on the back of bikes on this stretch, because hardly anyone would put their children in this situation!!!!
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
Apart from this lady of course, and a small minority of other adults who should know better.
Just think, some of these people are allowed to vote!
Cyberslayer_UK
says...
2:53pm Thu 25 Oct 12
If you feel it is too dangerous for a mother and child to be on the roads then change the roads!
ArfurTowcrate
says...
2:55pm Thu 25 Oct 12
tom servo
says...
2:58pm Thu 25 Oct 12
DougM wrote:Do you know how many people in the uk lost a limb juggling chainsaws this year?
tom servo wrote:You are wholly wrong. I like the way people look at the facts, and then ignore them 100% and assert their non-sensical 'logic' on a situation, as in the case of 'tom servo'.
Spanners wrote:Of course there aren't any statistics to show young children have been injured on the back of bikes on this stretch, because hardly anyone would put their children in this situation!!!!
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
Apart from this lady of course, and a small minority of other adults who should know better.
Just think, some of these people are allowed to vote!
I would hazard a guess at none.... that must mean it's ok then?
sussexram40
says...
3:02pm Thu 25 Oct 12
DougM
says...
3:04pm Thu 25 Oct 12
tom servo wrote:What an insightful and apposite analogy.
DougM wrote:Do you know how many people in the uk lost a limb juggling chainsaws this year?
tom servo wrote:You are wholly wrong. I like the way people look at the facts, and then ignore them 100% and assert their non-sensical 'logic' on a situation, as in the case of 'tom servo'.
Spanners wrote:Of course there aren't any statistics to show young children have been injured on the back of bikes on this stretch, because hardly anyone would put their children in this situation!!!!
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
Apart from this lady of course, and a small minority of other adults who should know better.
Just think, some of these people are allowed to vote!
I would hazard a guess at none.... that must mean it's ok then?
Don't leave the house it's dangerous outside. In fact don't have kids, they might die one day...
Cyberslayer_UK
says...
3:05pm Thu 25 Oct 12
"Do you know how many people in the uk lost a limb juggling chainsaws this year?
I would hazard a guess at none.... that must mean it's ok then?"
Almost 6,000 people attend hospital each year with trouser related injuries. Following your "chainsaw" logic that makes trousers really dangerous.
rolivan
says...
3:08pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Barry Trotter
says...
3:09pm Thu 25 Oct 12
sussexram40 wrote:So are children also at risk walking on the pavement where they are just as exposed to idiot drivers etc etc?
I agree with the bus driver. Maybe he was impolite but strikes me he was talking a lot of sense. There ARE lots of bad drivers who don't look, use mobiles etc. and a small child on the back of a bike would stand no chance in a collision. To be honest, I feel the same way when I see small kids on the back of bikes on busy roads.
Should parents strap their children into a car for every journey, however short?
Perhaps we'd better ask a bus driver.
Andy R
says...
3:09pm Thu 25 Oct 12
BURIRAM wrote:Ever heard that saying....
As a cyclist I would never cycle with a child on the back, that poor child is in danger. The Safety of the child should come first. Well done to the driver for pointing this out. I hope the child protection authority's will sort this woman out.
"'Tis better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."?
Rocco10
says...
3:10pm Thu 25 Oct 12
just-a-person
says...
3:20pm Thu 25 Oct 12
twosugars
says...
3:26pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Jay1000
says...
3:28pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Scenario: Vehicle ploughs into happy family of cyclists. Only the children are wearing helmets. They all hit the deck. Children (may) avoid serious injury due to helmet, parent(s) wheelchair bound/bed ridden/brain damaged/dead.
Is it because helmets cost money? Or maybe you don't want to look like a t*t? Perhaps someone could enlighten me??
As for the story...being one-sided I doubt we shall ever know what prompted the outburst.
twosugars
says...
3:31pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Morpheus
says...
3:38pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wole
says...
3:39pm Thu 25 Oct 12
If you think that it is perfectly fine to cycle with a small child on the back of the bike then you need to be locked up in the same cell as this idiotic woman! It is very dangerous and she is putting her child at serious risk of injury.
How on earth there is not a law to stop the behaviour of this woman and others that cycle with a mini double buggy five yards at the back of their own cycle is beyond me
Roger French I ask you please brush this under the carpet and just for once take your drivers side in this matter!
Charismatic Andrew
says...
3:44pm Thu 25 Oct 12
I'm no expert, but surely that can't be sensible?
DougM
says...
3:52pm Thu 25 Oct 12
wole wrote:Oh dear.
Spanners, you are talking utter nonsense!!
If you think that it is perfectly fine to cycle with a small child on the back of the bike then you need to be locked up in the same cell as this idiotic woman! It is very dangerous and she is putting her child at serious risk of injury.
How on earth there is not a law to stop the behaviour of this woman and others that cycle with a mini double buggy five yards at the back of their own cycle is beyond me
Roger French I ask you please brush this under the carpet and just for once take your drivers side in this matter!
If you choose to listen to hysteria over facts, and prefer irrational knee-jerk reactions to logic and rationality, then please keep your virtually insane thoughts to yourself please.
If you want all our children to be bloated, molly-coddled vegetables with no immune systems, then your views should be listened to, but I for one am not in favour of people like you dragging our country into the gutter of brainlessness.
wole
says...
4:44pm Thu 25 Oct 12
I am not saying molly-coddle them at all, what I am saying is that this act is totally dangerous and for you to think otherwise then maybe they could have a three person cell for you and the other two ****!!
Plantpot
says...
4:51pm Thu 25 Oct 12
I also as a parent wouldn't consider riding with my child ahead of me on the cross bar of the bike, something I have seen numerous times in B&H. Lastly, the little trailer that cyclists tow their kids in looks very dangerous to me, and as a parent, I think those that use them need certifying. But I'm sure it's legal.
Statistics around accidents are fine, but need to be read in context of how and why they occur. Because every accident involving a person is inevitably down to a misjudgement of one of the parties, and because mistakes and stupidity can't be eradicated, an individual has to weight the risks knowing that with the best will in the world their will be deaths and injuries.....
Brightonscouse2
says...
5:00pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Why is the lady in the story being castigated, and not the inconsiderate motorists that add the risk to her journey?
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
5:27pm Thu 25 Oct 12
As for the drivers on the Lewes Road, if you could learn to drive the bendy bus properly, you might not be putting this woman's life at risk.
Bus drivers, silly old goats.
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
5:31pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Bill in Hanover
says...
6:15pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Helen Ariel
says...
6:51pm Thu 25 Oct 12
HJarrs
says...
7:07pm Thu 25 Oct 12
I look forward to joining Rebecca on the Lewes Rd cycle lanes with my own child on the back of the bike.
bus nut
says...
7:58pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:What a horrible disgusting thing to say just think what would happen to 100 people on the bus plus every other person car cyclist if that happened not to mention damage to property if the driver of the bus did die behind the wheel and his foot went fully on the throttle I just hope you are the first person the bus hits
I think most bus drivers put our lives at risk as most of them are males who are morbidly obese and I wouldn't trust any of them not to have a heart attack at any time behind the wheel.
As for the drivers on the Lewes Road, if you could learn to drive the bendy bus properly, you might not be putting this woman's life at risk.
Bus drivers, silly old goats.
just-a-person
says...
8:21pm Thu 25 Oct 12
the bolt
says...
8:22pm Thu 25 Oct 12
the bolt
says...
8:22pm Thu 25 Oct 12
HJarrs
says...
8:37pm Thu 25 Oct 12
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
gheese77
says...
8:40pm Thu 25 Oct 12
jimbobmaginty wrote:Surely it's better to get the nutters off the road after all they could kill or maim anyone not just cyclists
I agree with the Bus driver! Whats wrong with you woman?
You might be a careful cyclist who obeys the laws of the road but Brighton has some nutters on the road that could crash into you and kill your child!
Stop being cheap and travel by bus or get a car!
just-a-person
says...
8:55pm Thu 25 Oct 12
HJarrs wrote:Does your bike have an mot ? Are you insured ? Yes pay up and have more leverage but that is happening anyway is it not ? Lewes Road and the gyratory for a start.
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
Brightonscouse2
says...
9:07pm Thu 25 Oct 12
just-a-person wrote:What has Lewes Road and the Gyratory got to do with cyclists? The council are changing the layout of the Gyratory as its dangerous to all road users. Lewes Road, north of the Gyratory is having a lane blocked off and replaced with a bus lane. What leverage have cyclists used to get the bus lane installed?
HJarrs wrote:Does your bike have an mot ? Are you insured ? Yes pay up and have more leverage but that is happening anyway is it not ? Lewes Road and the gyratory for a start.
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
mictrix
says...
9:28pm Thu 25 Oct 12
DougM wrote:yes you being one of them
tom servo wrote:You are wholly wrong. I like the way people look at the facts, and then ignore them 100% and assert their non-sensical 'logic' on a situation, as in the case of 'tom servo'.
Spanners wrote:Of course there aren't any statistics to show young children have been injured on the back of bikes on this stretch, because hardly anyone would put their children in this situation!!!!
wole wrote:You are as bad as the bus driver. Who on earth do you think you are to tell her what she can and cannot do regarding her own child.
She should be locked up for treating her child like this. So dangerous!!
Yes, there are risks just as there are with being in a car or a pedestrian for that matter.
In terms actual facts - rather than idiotic, uniformed and reactionary tripe - 98 cyclists have been killed on roads so far this year
http://www.thetimes.
co.uk/tto/public/cyc
lesafety/article3313
260.ece
None of them have been children riding in seats but quite a few have been older children riding a bike themselves (the youngest was just 8)
By your "logic" should parents never allow ther kids to ride a bike?
Try this for facts - 35% of under 16 kids deaths are caused by road users. The vast majority are pedestrians (the least are cyclists). Should parents not allow their kids to walk anywhere ? http://makingthelink
.net/child-deaths-ro
ad-traffic-accidents
Blind comments like yours serve no purpose. Every parent makes a risk based judgement each and every day on every task and action they allow their child to be involved in. PArenst need factual evidence to make the best decisions - you cannot wrap kids up in cotton wool. 35,000 kids fall down the stairs and areinjured each year (i cannot find death stats) http://www.childaler
t.co.uk/safety.php?t
ab=Safety. Personally, I take my kids in the car, on my bike and I let them walk on the pavement. All have risks and you do what you can to minminse it e.g dont do 100mph in the rain in a car, don't crosss the road on a blind bend, and, despite all my earlier comments, I personally I would not go on the a27, its too busy and the danger too high in my judgement. I would find an alternative route.
Apart from this lady of course, and a small minority of other adults who should know better.
Just think, some of these people are allowed to vote!
mictrix
says...
9:35pm Thu 25 Oct 12
just-a-person
says...
9:36pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Brightonscouse2 wrote:The paperwork I received on this detailed the work to take place all the way up to the universities in Falmer which included cyclists.
just-a-person wrote:What has Lewes Road and the Gyratory got to do with cyclists? The council are changing the layout of the Gyratory as its dangerous to all road users. Lewes Road, north of the Gyratory is having a lane blocked off and replaced with a bus lane. What leverage have cyclists used to get the bus lane installed?
HJarrs wrote:Does your bike have an mot ? Are you insured ? Yes pay up and have more leverage but that is happening anyway is it not ? Lewes Road and the gyratory for a start.
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
Brightonscouse2
says...
9:58pm Thu 25 Oct 12
just-a-person wrote:Right and how have cyclists used their 'leverage' to bring these changes about?
Brightonscouse2 wrote:The paperwork I received on this detailed the work to take place all the way up to the universities in Falmer which included cyclists.
just-a-person wrote:What has Lewes Road and the Gyratory got to do with cyclists? The council are changing the layout of the Gyratory as its dangerous to all road users. Lewes Road, north of the Gyratory is having a lane blocked off and replaced with a bus lane. What leverage have cyclists used to get the bus lane installed?
HJarrs wrote:Does your bike have an mot ? Are you insured ? Yes pay up and have more leverage but that is happening anyway is it not ? Lewes Road and the gyratory for a start.
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
just-a-person
says...
10:12pm Thu 25 Oct 12
Brightonscouse2 wrote:http://www.brighton-
just-a-person wrote:Right and how have cyclists used their 'leverage' to bring these changes about?
Brightonscouse2 wrote:The paperwork I received on this detailed the work to take place all the way up to the universities in Falmer which included cyclists.
just-a-person wrote:What has Lewes Road and the Gyratory got to do with cyclists? The council are changing the layout of the Gyratory as its dangerous to all road users. Lewes Road, north of the Gyratory is having a lane blocked off and replaced with a bus lane. What leverage have cyclists used to get the bus lane installed?
HJarrs wrote:Does your bike have an mot ? Are you insured ? Yes pay up and have more leverage but that is happening anyway is it not ? Lewes Road and the gyratory for a start.
just-a-person wrote:So, proportionately, thats what? £20? Happy to pay. Like all cyclists I pay the same the same rate of road tax as any low CO2 car i.e. £0.00p. And I passed my cycling proficiency!
Yes, make it safe for cyclists on the road but at the same time make sure that the bikes are taxed, mot'd and insured the same way as every other form of transport that use the roads. It would also be fair if a cycling proficiency test was mandatory. Children exempt.
If I and others were made to do what you suggest then we would have far more leverage to demand and get change such as cycle paths, traffic reduction schemes etc, so maybe you are on to something.
hove.gov.uk/index.cf
m?request=c1252674
Read that but this was not the point I raised in the first place but an example
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
10:18pm Thu 25 Oct 12
They park their cars in the streets around Coombe Road/Ewhurst Road area and can often be seen huffing and puffing as they walk up Bear Road to their cars.
I think most of them should be made to cycle themselves. Do they have a health check to drive these vehicles?
As for shouting abuse out of the window, Mr French should put the man through a disciplinary as any other company would not accept their staff abusing the public.
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
10:18pm Thu 25 Oct 12
They park their cars in the streets around Coombe Road/Ewhurst Road area and can often be seen huffing and puffing as they walk up Bear Road to their cars.
I think most of them should be made to cycle themselves. Do they have a health check to drive these vehicles?
As for shouting abuse out of the window, Mr French should put the man through a disciplinary as any other company would not accept their staff abusing the public.
Dyno
says...
10:38pm Thu 25 Oct 12
The Real Phil
says...
11:07pm Thu 25 Oct 12
To say that someone should refrain from an activity because the uncaring psycopaths will get them is a bit of an irrational argument. Yes, any cyclist or child would be hurt should they be hit by a vehicle, but the onus should be on the drivers NOT to hit them.
These cycle seats are a great way to introduce children to cycling, and may go some way to reducing unneccesary traffic for future generations.
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
11:26pm Thu 25 Oct 12
If you are scared for her then stay off the road.
ghost bus driver
says...
12:57am Fri 26 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:Most drivers. I don't see many at Conway Street. (OK. Some)
Look most drivers are overweight men who stand outside the Lewes Road depot puffing away on fags and therefore, are probably at high risk of heart disease. Fact.
They park their cars in the streets around Coombe Road/Ewhurst Road area and can often be seen huffing and puffing as they walk up Bear Road to their cars.
I think most of them should be made to cycle themselves. Do they have a health check to drive these vehicles?
As for shouting abuse out of the window, Mr French should put the man through a disciplinary as any other company would not accept their staff abusing the public.
Where else do you expect them to park? The sky?
Yes there is a medical check when we apply for our license and every 5 years above the age of 45.
As for a disciplinary. Roger can't do a thing if there is no evidence. It's down to the company to prove it, and the CCTV does not have sound.
Sounds like the paper has as usual only reported one side of the story.
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
6:49am Fri 26 Oct 12
What sort of man does that when he should be taking care of passengers and keeping his eye on the road.
That's more dangerous than the woman being on a bike.
the bolt
says...
7:27am Fri 26 Oct 12
BURIRAM
says...
8:53am Fri 26 Oct 12
Andy R wrote:Anyone who thinks the safety of a two year old child doesn't come first is a fool.
BURIRAM wrote:Ever heard that saying....
As a cyclist I would never cycle with a child on the back, that poor child is in danger. The Safety of the child should come first. Well done to the driver for pointing this out. I hope the child protection authority's will sort this woman out.
"'Tis better to keep one's mouth shut and be thought a fool than to open it and remove all doubt."?
TheDrive
says...
9:22am Fri 26 Oct 12
spa301
says...
9:56am Fri 26 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost
says...
10:41am Fri 26 Oct 12
The UK has the highest rate of STDs, the highest level of teenage pregnancies, the highest rate of teen alcohol issues.
So many of you with kids posting above, are probably guilty or some of the responsibility for poor parenting.
Also, more teenagers than ever before in the UK are being killed on roads and this is believed to be because kids are kept away from traffic and sit in cars.
Then they get to 17/18 and go off to college, or travelling or get cars and mopeds and have no idea about traffic, speeds, etc and are now getting killed.
If you think your driving is so poor that you might hit this woman and her kid you should not be on the road.
bluemonday
says...
1:02pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:were you there,do you know what went on before/during and after the alleged abuse,i doubt it very much,so keep your stupid opinions to yourself,you've obviously got a problem with b+h bus co and roger french,i suggest you sort your problems out or it's you who will be having the heart attack due to all the stress your causing yourself with this hate campaign
Well you haven't gained much goodwill from the public when one of your colleagues shouts at a woman and kiddy on the street. What sort of man does that when he should be taking care of passengers and keeping his eye on the road. That's more dangerous than the woman being on a bike.
voiceofthescoombe
says...
3:20pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Its not hazadous the gyratory is horrible but not actually dangerous just needs a bit of confidence.
If you cant safely drive without hitting cyclists stay off the road.
just-a-person
says...
3:59pm Fri 26 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:I am not sure if by the time the kids get to 17/18 and go off to college, or travelling or get cars and mopeds as you say if that should be classed as poor parenting. Some may say well done unless they have rich parents for being able to finance those things now.
Poor parenting are the parents of the 60 per cent of UK kids who are overweight.
The UK has the highest rate of STDs, the highest level of teenage pregnancies, the highest rate of teen alcohol issues.
So many of you with kids posting above, are probably guilty or some of the responsibility for poor parenting.
Also, more teenagers than ever before in the UK are being killed on roads and this is believed to be because kids are kept away from traffic and sit in cars.
Then they get to 17/18 and go off to college, or travelling or get cars and mopeds and have no idea about traffic, speeds, etc and are now getting killed.
If you think your driving is so poor that you might hit this woman and her kid you should not be on the road.
It can actually work out cheaper to run the kids around in the car rather than pay the busfare especially if you have more than one child.
lillylou
says...
6:23pm Fri 26 Oct 12
vivelavive
says...
9:29pm Fri 26 Oct 12
mictrix
says...
9:45pm Sat 27 Oct 12
bluemonday wrote:yes your right this person sounds a complete fool but i suggest they are just try to wind people up with their silly comments.just ignore them like you would any old fool and they will go away.lol
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:were you there,do you know what went on before/during and after the alleged abuse,i doubt it very much,so keep your stupid opinions to yourself,you've obviously got a problem with b+h bus co and roger french,i suggest you sort your problems out or it's you who will be having the heart attack due to all the stress your causing yourself with this hate campaign
Well you haven't gained much goodwill from the public when one of your colleagues shouts at a woman and kiddy on the street. What sort of man does that when he should be taking care of passengers and keeping his eye on the road. That's more dangerous than the woman being on a bike.
John Steed
says...
1:25pm Sun 28 Oct 12
the mothers right its her right to choose what she does, i have no doubt she is carefull and attentive, I might even feelsafer if she had been wearing a helmet, but as a motorist (and father of 5), lady you are taking an very avoidable very dangerous risk the lewes road is no safer than than the M1 probally less so no pedestrials on the M1 which also has traffic all going in the same direction
davyboy
says...
5:49pm Sun 28 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:that is very much a sweeping statement about drivers weights, i'm afraid. the company has taken drivers health very seriously, to the point of offering gym memberships to the worst affected. yes, they do have a health check, every 5 years, for their licences (from the age of 45). i quite agree with your point about shouting out of the window, completely unwarranted and unprofessional, and the driver concerned should be reprimanded as far as the company can. we all feel like it sometimes, but in this particular instance the was no need for it at all. this poor lady had done nothing at all, however, if i was in the same position, i think i would stick to the pavement.
Look most drivers are overweight men who stand outside the Lewes Road depot puffing away on fags and therefore, are probably at high risk of heart disease. Fact.
They park their cars in the streets around Coombe Road/Ewhurst Road area and can often be seen huffing and puffing as they walk up Bear Road to their cars.
I think most of them should be made to cycle themselves. Do they have a health check to drive these vehicles?
As for shouting abuse out of the window, Mr French should put the man through a disciplinary as any other company would not accept their staff abusing the public.
ghost bus driver
says...
6:22pm Sun 28 Oct 12
Maxwell's Ghost wrote:How do you know he shouted at her? Has the paper got his side of the story? no. it hasn't so shut up and keep your narrow minded ignorant personal agenda to yourself
Well you haven't gained much goodwill from the public when one of your colleagues shouts at a woman and kiddy on the street.
What sort of man does that when he should be taking care of passengers and keeping his eye on the road.
That's more dangerous than the woman being on a bike.
remluf
says...
1:53am Mon 29 Oct 12
Cash Cow
says...
6:17am Wed 31 Oct 12
When I am driving around town I assume all cyclists are idiots and take extra care.
When I am cycling around town I assume all motorists are idiots and take extra.
Seems to work as I have never injured anyone and never been injured myself.
ffffff
says...
6:22am Wed 31 Oct 12
I live very near The Drive which has a long cycle path which must have cost the Council a fortune and cyclists ride on the pavement even here, I couldn't believe it when I saw, but its true, why don't the cyclists think when they do this, they could easily crash into someone who is walking on the pavement (which is what the pavement is for). Only the other night a cyclist nearly hit me as he was cycling on the pavement in The Drive, why not use the cycle path?
Nosfaratu
says...
11:15am Wed 31 Oct 12
Cash Cow wrote:Absolutely correct.
This subject, as always, is like the chicken and egg argument, though I think I have the answer. When I am driving around town I assume all cyclists are idiots and take extra care. When I am cycling around town I assume all motorists are idiots and take extra. Seems to work as I have never injured anyone and never been injured myself.
I assume everybody are idiots, and not just road users, it works.
CliveA
says...
1:03pm Wed 31 Oct 12
On what other subject do ill-informed people feel entitled - or even compelled - to tell other people what to do in this way?
If you think a situation is dangerous, I'd suggest considering two things:
a) You may actually be wrong - this could be more about your fear than about actual danger
b) Stop blaming the victim and do something to moderate the source of the danger. And guess what - that does not involve screaming at someone to put yet another car on our roads...
Joshiman
says...
3:23pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Thats because the majority of parents wouldnt dream of riding with children in the back.Irresponsible. Also agree with this statement:"You have no right to complain about any driver until you all stop riding through red lights, at night without lights and on the pavement."Also use your cycle lanes that cost a fortune.
therighttodrive
says...
9:54am Thu 1 Nov 12
CliveA wrote:Well said. Although Lewis road is a bit bumpy in places the lady is unlikely to fall from her bike. It is the motorised trafic that poses the danger (ether perceived or real).
I can't quite believe the ignorance and prejudice of so many of these comments.
On what other subject do ill-informed people feel entitled - or even compelled - to tell other people what to do in this way?
If you think a situation is dangerous, I'd suggest considering two things:
a) You may actually be wrong - this could be more about your fear than about actual danger
b) Stop blaming the victim and do something to moderate the source of the danger. And guess what - that does not involve screaming at someone to put yet another car on our roads...
-
Does anyone have a suggestion of how the danger can be reduced?
therighttodrive
says...
10:03am Thu 1 Nov 12
remluf wrote:Following that logic, we have no right to complain about cyclists or pedestrians until we stop speeding, talking on the phone, driving on pavements, parking illegally and dangerously, not looking properly, not paying attention, driving through red lights...
You have no right to complain about any driver until you all stop riding through red lights, at night without lights and on the pavement.
-
I think informed dialogue is the only way to make our roads safer, not finger pointing or shouting out of windows.
wole says...
2:05pm Thu 25 Oct 12