People on bikes/ moepeds.

[Phil]

In the last year, there has been a big increase in the amount of people on two wheels. I have come across people wearing headphones who have no idea of whats happening on the road, who just drift in and out of traffic. They don't seem to have a care in the world as they move from one lane to another.Where are the hand signals?? Do the the majority of cyclist even know about hand signals and I don't mean the one or two finger catergory???

Now don't get me wrong, I'm not saying that motorist are saints, far from it, but if one of these cyclist get hit by a car their going to come out the worse.

Should all people on bikes be made buy a license to cycle on our roads just like motorist have to???

Should they be made learn the rules of the road??

Is there anything in place for cyclist in other countries??

What's your views on this subject? Let me know.

[Junior]

What's your views on this subject? Let me know.


Here goes so Phil ......


Should all people on bikes be made buy a license to cycle on our roads just like motorist have to???


All cyclists that Race competitevly and or are Leisure Cyclist members of the FIC (Federation of Irish Cyclists) Have a licence, and are covered by insurance.


Should they be made learn the rules of the road??


Yeah of course, but how do you enforce it ?


Is there anything in place for cyclist in other countries??


Yes in many european countries cyclists get cycleways ... away from the traffic, that don't cut across junctions like Stillorgan.

Helmet wearing is compulsory in NZ and Oz.

But the government can open their eyes and give Motorists a.n. other viable method of transport. Nope .. idiots !

[WhipLash]

I think that the construction of cycle lanes are necessary to facilitate the growing number of cyclists in this country. In newly constructed suburban areas, cycle lanes are mandatory alongside public paths. However, its on the major networks into and around the major cities where these cycle lanes are need the most. Unfortunately, the main problem facing their construction is the lack of road width currently available. Build proper cycle lanes and you won’t have cyclists weaving in and out of traffic and dicing with near disaster.

So what can be done in the meantime? Cyclists have to smarten up their habits until the road infrastructure improves. IMHO, hand-signals, which are virtually unseen nowadays, are vital for informing the other road users or direction/lane changes. Also, each cyclist should have proper lighting front and rear, along with sufficient reflective clothing - something like what the motorbike Gardai wear. This should be an enforced law, with penalties for those who don’t adhere! Remember cyclists, be safe, be seen!

As far as I can see, the majority of experienced bikers behave very well on the road, with the exception of courier bikers of course. As for moped drivers, don’t even get me started!

[Phil]

Has anyone else noticed amount of motorcycles on our roads that are falling apart. I had one guy in front of me today whos bike must of have been passed down from his grandad. The bike was in bits.

You swear he was james bond with the smoke bomb launched from the back of his bike. No indicators to signal and of course no hand signals either. Lucky I had Luke Skywalker with me to use the force to help me decide were the "biker" was going to do next.

Has anyone else had the same problem???