Crackdown on 'wrong way' Falmouth town centre cyclists
2:20pm Tuesday 30th October 2012 in Falmouth/Penryn
NEW signs could be put up in Falmouth to stop cyclists travelling the wrong way along the one-way system in the town centre.
Town manager Richard Gates revealed the idea was under consideration at a meeting of the town council last week.
He said: “There are frequently issues of people cycling the wrong way through the main streets, primarily along Arwenack Street, Church Street and Market Street and we are looking into the possibility of installing signs subject to agreements from Cornwall Council and the police.”
The news comes in the same week local resident Roger Jacob contacted the Packet to complain about the issue.
He said: “Has anyone noticed the number of people cycling against the traffic in Falmouth’s Main Street?
“The main cause has to be the lack of signage to indicate that bicycles are forbidden.
“Why am I writing this, well mainly because I’m fed up with being almost knocked over by inconsiderate pedal pushers.”
Click here to read a letter about the 'wrong way' cyclists.
Comments(117)
ucsweb
says...
4:59pm Mon 29 Oct 12
On second thoughts why not use the bollard for both jobs?
Oh yeah, because it doesn't work. It needs a Police officer to stand beside it. Well in that case the officer could stop the cyclists, and the drivers without seatbelts, and the drivers talking on mobiles, and the parking on pavements.
Ansome
says...
5:42pm Mon 29 Oct 12
TruroCyclist
says...
5:44pm Mon 29 Oct 12
glynred830
says...
6:41pm Mon 29 Oct 12
ucsweb wrote:Double the fine and confiscate the offending bike. that'll make them think twice.
I am sure signs will be as good an idea as stopping the cars with a bollard.
On second thoughts why not use the bollard for both jobs?
Oh yeah, because it doesn't work. It needs a Police officer to stand beside it. Well in that case the officer could stop the cyclists, and the drivers without seatbelts, and the drivers talking on mobiles, and the parking on pavements.
TruroCyclist
says...
10:53pm Mon 29 Oct 12
"Double the fine and confiscate the offending bike. that'll make them think twice..."
Or should we be finding ways to encourage more people to cycle - legally?
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
10:56am Tue 30 Oct 12
I think 'a crackdown' is needed on them. Zero tolerance, that's my motto.
dukeoffalmouth
says...
12:11pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Also children should only be allowed into town when supervised by a responsible adult.
In addition too many times I have been walked into by some jeuvinile not looking where they are going, staring into some electronic gizmo with headphones in so they cant hear what is going on around them. There should be a ban on mobile phone use on the highstreet as they pose a real threat. If it is illegal to drive when operating a phone it should be illegal to walk whilst operating one.
abecambridge
says...
12:23pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Bikes are not cars they should be given leniency with regard to road rules. A bike is only dangerous when being controlled by an idiot. As are cars. How many times have you seen Boy Racers revving down Arwenack Street?
Instead of wasting money on signs that will get ignored, why not invest in marking out a cycle lane?
Falmouth is a clean and green town and the council should be encouraging sustainable transport not bowing to the pressure of a few people that like to drive through town unhindered by pedestrians and cyclists.
If anything should be getting banned it should be cars. That is until the council develop and support a network of publicly available electric cars as has been done in Aberdeen. Such services alleviate parking pressure, reduces traffic numbers and prevents pollution.
abecambridge
says...
12:26pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
12:34pm Tue 30 Oct 12
But you forgot those annoying people who, suddenly deciding to enter a particular shop which you are passing, veer rudely across in front of you, forcing you to halt briefly in your path
dukeoffalmouth
says...
12:35pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Falmouth council should operate a similar scheme where one day just cars can use the roads, say on Saturdays, pedestrians can use the roads on mondays and fridays, cyclists on wednesdays and wheel chair and pram users on sundays. Thursdays could be a lucky dip day and announced each morning in 'The Packet' as to who can use the roads that day.
dukeoffalmouth
says...
12:43pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe wrote:I must have come across not as I intended. I am very serious.
Hear hear, Abe Cambridge, I concur 100%, and also Duke of Falmouth for your general point made so humourously.
But you forgot those annoying people who, suddenly deciding to enter a particular shop which you are passing, veer rudely across in front of you, forcing you to halt briefly in your path
I quite agree about the threat caused by erratic walking and last minute shop entering decisions.
Pedestrians in the town should be made to meet a minimum speed limit, say 2.5mph. Everyone should also be made to wear a pair of Indicate-ears to alert other pedestrians when a change of direction is iminent. The council should provide residents of Falmouth with those aswell as 'belt and braces' signage.
http://www.amazon.co
.uk/Tobar-5038728038
499-Indicatears/dp/B
000H6P2T6
dukeoffalmouth
says...
12:44pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe wrote:I must have come across not as I intended. I am very serious.
Hear hear, Abe Cambridge, I concur 100%, and also Duke of Falmouth for your general point made so humourously.
But you forgot those annoying people who, suddenly deciding to enter a particular shop which you are passing, veer rudely across in front of you, forcing you to halt briefly in your path
I quite agree about the threat caused by erratic walking and last minute shop entering decisions.
Pedestrians in the town should be made to meet a minimum speed limit, say 2.5mph. Everyone should also be made to wear a pair of Indicatears to alert other pedestrians when a change of direction is iminent. The council should provide residents of Falmouth with those aswell as 'belt and braces' signage.
Indicatears are available through Amazon I have been told.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
12:58pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Had a look at at those Indicat-ears and it would be hilarious to see them in general use: can they be put in flashing hazard mode when groups stop to chat, I wonder?
I wish the anti-cyclists would man up and reserve their ire for inconsiderate motorists...
abecambridge
says...
1:05pm Tue 30 Oct 12
“It has the added benefit of helping people keep fit and enables the participant to build a fitness programme into their daily routine. Cycling is extremely kind to our precious environment by reducing harmful greenhouse gases and reducing traffic congestion.
“As an authority we should be doing everything we can to promote and encourage this sustainable mode of transport,” he added."
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
1:13pm Tue 30 Oct 12
abecambridge
says...
1:38pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
1:48pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Perhaps RG should ensure that the cabinet member's views are also placed 'under consideration' at the next meeting of the town council.
DCI Jen
says...
2:39pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
3:03pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Obviously, I didn't know that about Mr Hicks but council policy is council policy...
molesworth
says...
4:25pm Tue 30 Oct 12
DCI Jen
says...
5:11pm Tue 30 Oct 12
molesworth
says...
5:45pm Tue 30 Oct 12
DCI Jen
says...
6:46pm Tue 30 Oct 12
I could use a broomstick tomorrow night. I'm not against bikes my late father used to cycle.
road_hogg
says...
7:01pm Tue 30 Oct 12
I've almost been hit by a cyclist coming the wrong way before.
A few years ago I did witness the local PC, Andy Hocking tackle the probkem, simply by pointing out to the cyclists that they were in the wrong, get them to push the bike and watch as they went to carry on once they thought they were out of sight, only for him to give chase. At least he had the sense to give advice and then rollock them for not heeding the warning.
molesworth
says...
7:07pm Tue 30 Oct 12
dukeoffalmouth
says...
7:21pm Tue 30 Oct 12
In the background to this discourse there still remains the real menace which is push chairs and prams. They really do obstruct the thorough-fair. Have parents not heard of Attachment Parenting? It involveds strapping the child to you back using a cloth of strap. This keeps the child at eye level to encourage them to engage with the adult world and most importantly, away from the motor car fumes.
It does strike me as a little odd that the opposition in this debate seem to be insisting cyclists walk their steeds along the high street, but this in itself occupies even more space than a bicycle being ridden, creating more of a hazard. If I were to ride a bicycle through the town, which I don't as I am disgustingly wealthy and only ever get driven by my chauffeur, I would think I would be more in control of it when I can operate the brakes from a balanced 'on saddle' position rather than attempting to man handle the contraption around with bits of handle bar and pedal sticking out all over the place.
abecambridge
says...
7:40pm Tue 30 Oct 12
And I ALMOST won the lottery once!
@ DoF That's an interesting point Duke, how many deaths and injuries have bicycles caused in the UK in the past year? A few dozen? If that? Now how many deaths have been caused by cars? Thousands? Tens of thousands?
And that doesn't even begin to count respiratory illnesses caused by air pollution.
So why is there a group of people that are so afraid of bike's. Anything can be a weapon. High heeled shoes can be pretty viscous. Have one on them stand on your toes and you will know about it.
A poke in the eye from a baguette would be pretty discomforting so shall we call for a ban on elongated continental breads?
Give cyclists a bike lane, everyone's happy.
seacom
says...
8:36pm Tue 30 Oct 12
abecambridge
says...
10:30pm Tue 30 Oct 12
seacom wrote:What is the Falmouth Town Centre Push Bike GPs rules on doping?
Hold the front page news from county hall cycle racing to be allowed every third wednesday of the month through the main street (direction of race optional).Nice to see our local landed gentry takeing an interest.
BeachBod
says...
10:55pm Tue 30 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe wrote:I totally agree.
What about the numerous groups of people standing around on the pavements chatting while seemingly oblivious to others' need to walk past without having to go into the road and risking being run over/shouted at by angry drivers or, heaven forbid, hit by a speeding cyclist?
I think 'a crackdown' is needed on them. Zero tolerance, that's my motto.
keenbiker
says...
11:26pm Tue 30 Oct 12
I feel sorry for the fat, lazy, entitled slobs in their cars stuck in traffic getting fatter and lazier by the day as i zoom past on my carbon fibre bike.
of course they hate the freedom a cyclist has, in their grim, expensive fuel burning fat-waggons
dukeoffalmouth
says...
11:28pm Tue 30 Oct 12
I absolutely oppose the use of bicycles or any other mechanically propelled vehicle on the public roads and pavements which include but not limited to: roller skates, skate boards, pogo sticks, space hoppers, kangaroo boots, jumble hoppers, snake boards, mountain boards and ESPECIALLY ESPECIALLY prams and push chairs.
Get out of my way. I drive a Bentley. This is my town.
dukeoffalmouth
says...
11:28pm Tue 30 Oct 12
I absolutely oppose the use of bicycles or any other mechanically propelled vehicle on the public roads and pavements which include but not limited to: roller skates, skate boards, pogo sticks, space hoppers, kangaroo boots, jumble hoppers, snake boards, mountain boards and ESPECIALLY ESPECIALLY prams and push chairs.
Get out of my way. I drive a Bentley. This is my town.
keenbiker
says...
11:38pm Tue 30 Oct 12
dukeoffalmouth
says...
12:25am Wed 31 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
8:18am Wed 31 Oct 12
cornish pixie
says...
8:56am Wed 31 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
9:02am Wed 31 Oct 12
Claudius
says...
10:43am Wed 31 Oct 12
The point is, is that it against the law and nothing else.
Do all you people that condone it really think we don't have enough idiots on the road without you thinking you have a right to ignore the law.
As far as being healthy goes get off your butts and walk through town then get back on your bikes again....simple really isn't it,bit like you cyclists.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
11:21am Wed 31 Oct 12
RobFal
says...
11:29am Wed 31 Oct 12
My opinion is cyclists should not ride the wrong way through Falmouth main street, everytime time I see someone doing it, the anger I feel is undescribable, complete ignorance on the cyclists part.
One day someone will get injured/killed because people do not expect anything to be coming from Trago end of town so do not look for it.
As for a 2 way cycle lane running through the town - Ridiculous idea, how would it work??
As suggested - on the spot fine/confiscate bike, start making examples of the offenders.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
11:57am Wed 31 Oct 12
Once there's a 2-way cycle lane, its markings will alert pedestrians to the need to look both ways before crossing it. Rocket science it ain't.
As for someone getting killed; I don't think you are going to get yellow-jerseyed cycling groups bombing along there, either now or after the possible introduction of a cycle lane, just individual cyclists getting from one end of the town to the other via the only practical route...
Claudius
says...
12:02pm Wed 31 Oct 12
This argument is getting more ridiculous by the minute.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
12:11pm Wed 31 Oct 12
I don't think there would ever be a constant stream of cyclists both ways on it, so it could be a bi-directional single lane , just wide enough for 2 bikes to pass, clearly and colourfully marked to notify pedestrians.
Pedestrians should then look both ways and in cases where they fail to do so, the onus would be on the cyclist to take evasive action. There could also be a speed limit applied to the lane.
RobFal
says...
3:09pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Back to the point of the orginal article and going back to what I said earlier, the people who break the rule of riding down a one way street should be more harshly punished, signs wont stop people but a decent fine would.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
3:39pm Wed 31 Oct 12
So we should all stick to the point of the original article at all times and put all our efforts into devising ways of enforcing the cycling ban/punishing cyclists, should we? Very progressive. Pardon me for thinking this could be a constructive comments section...
meerkats
says...
3:46pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
4:04pm Wed 31 Oct 12
The temperature beneath my collar has now decreased somewhat thanks to your comment...
Claudius
says...
4:44pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
5:01pm Wed 31 Oct 12
abecambridge
says...
5:36pm Wed 31 Oct 12
And Claudius, please can you point me to the actual law which prohibits cycling down that road. I do not believe it is illegal.
It would only be illegal if the cyclist failed to comply with a traffic sign or breached a Traffic Regulations Order. And here is the kicker - READ THIS CAREFULLY CLAUDIUS - even if there WAS clear signage to cyclists cycling the wrong way on Arwenack Street, it would NOT be enforceable in any case where the cyclist did not actually pass the sign.
For example, imagine I popped down to M&S on my bike from The Moor to pick up myself a pack of chicken tikka bites. Hmm. Delicous! I then get back on my bike and cycle back down towards The Moor. Where would I have seen a sign saying 'one way only'? The sign would have to be EVERYWHERE in order for cyclists to be warned in every instance.
Imagine if I decided to pop down to M&S via a side street, say the one that runs past Pea Souks? There would not be signage for me to see warning of the One Way System.
Trying to PROHIBIT cyclists from cycling through town is unenforceable, a waste of all your time and is only going to encourage the cyclists of Falmouth to gather more momentum to campaign for contraflow cycle routes. Watch this space.
Claudius and Co., read this article (if you can, it is quite long. Well, longer than the average tabloid article so you may not be used to it)
http://ukcyclerules.
com/2011/08/09/cycli
ng-one-way-streets/
abecambridge
says...
5:38pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Claudius wrote:I do believe that the speed limit through town is 20mph? Have you been breaking the speed limit Claudy? Tut tut tut. What a very naughty boy.
Ok....so in the name of being progressive I shall ignore the 30mph limit in town and do maybe 45mph....I will of course keep an extra special lookout so I dont collide with unsuspecting motorists.
dukeoffalmouth
says...
5:45pm Wed 31 Oct 12
How is this even possible? Are the handle bars mounted on the rear of the cycle? How do they see where are they going? Rear view mirrors?
No wonder people are so upset, it sounds very dangerous.
seacom
says...
5:50pm Wed 31 Oct 12
abecambridge
says...
6:03pm Wed 31 Oct 12
I think you'll find your highness that the debate is around cyclists that are cycling potentially up a one way street, NOT one concerning cyclists that are riding 'reverse cowboy'.
abecambridge
says...
6:05pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Claudius wrote:Contraflow cycling:
How on earth is it possible to have a designated cycle lane in such a narrow Main Street as we have in Falmouth.
This argument is getting more ridiculous by the minute.
The permeability of the road network for cyclists can be greatly enhanced by exempting them from one-way roads to provide connections only available to cyclists. Two-way cycling should be the default option where it is proposed to introduce one-way working for general traffic. The operation of existing one-way streets should be reviewed with a view to permitting two-way cycling where practicable. Contraflow cycling can be introduced without a cycle lane where traffic volumes and speeds are low.
abecambridge
says...
6:06pm Wed 31 Oct 12
http://www.sustrans.
org.uk/assets/files/
design%20and%20const
ruction/Design_portf
olio_contraflow_cycl
ing_A06.pdf
Claudius
says...
6:48pm Wed 31 Oct 12
No law broken,no problem and no stupid arguments on sites like this.
If being healthy is the driving force then walking should be no problem.
If banning cars to make it a pedestrian area is the way fwd then so be it, and I expect the lazy so and so's will still cycle thro.
I am fed up especially going down the high street squeezing to one side to allow a cyclist room on the road on the way up the hill.
The fact is it is against the law...I am right..you are wrong
RobFal
says...
7:12pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Pretty **** sure the motorised vechicle isnt going to give way so the cyclist will end up on the pavement where the walking public is, in my mind a recipe for disater.
If someone could explain to me how having 2 way cycling lanes in falmouth is a viable idea can you please advise.
By the way have tried using my imagination and slapping a few white lines down isnt doing it for me, have you tried to paint on those cobbles, its a pain in the neck..
Goldie 1
says...
9:02pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Even though I applaud cyclists and want them to be safe on the highway, why is it that the ones I see on a regular basis, ignore and jump red lights (madness), come up on the inside of moving vehicles (very dangerous), ride on pavements which are for pedestrians, ride on the road holding up the traffic when there is a purpose built cycle lane alongside.
I have even seen cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road against the flow of traffic.
Sometimes cyclists are their own worst enemy..
RobFal
says...
10:23pm Wed 31 Oct 12
Goldie 1 wrote::
Falmouth main street is not wide enough to include a cycle lane.
Even though I applaud cyclists and want them to be safe on the highway, why is it that the ones I see on a regular basis, ignore and jump red lights (madness), come up on the inside of moving vehicles (very dangerous), ride on pavements which are for pedestrians, ride on the road holding up the traffic when there is a purpose built cycle lane alongside.
I have even seen cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road against the flow of traffic.
Sometimes cyclists are their own worst enemy..
Falmouth main street is not wide enough to include a cycle lane. Agree with you goldie and is apt for the original artical posted for the thread..............
Even though I applaud cyclists and want them to be safe on the highway, why is it that the ones I see on a regular basis, ignore and jump red lights (madness), come up on the inside of moving vehicles (very dangerous), ride on pavements which are for pedestrians, ride on the road holding up the traffic when there is a purpose built cycle lane alongside. I have even seen cyclists riding on the wrong side of the road against the flow of traffic. Sometimes cyclists are their own worst enemy..
RobFal
says...
10:29pm Wed 31 Oct 12
RobFal
says...
10:31pm Wed 31 Oct 12
abecambridge
says...
12:03am Thu 1 Nov 12
This makes you sound like a 5 year old in a playground!
I asked you to identify the law which says cyclists cant cycle down market street. it is not against the law under many circumstances. There is no right, there is no wrong, it is a matter of debate and this forum could be a great means of reaching a compromise. There is obviously a social dis-cohesion happening here and it isn't going to be solves if we don't listen too and consider each others points of view.
I expect you didn't even read or comprehend that statement.
abecambridge
says...
12:08am Thu 1 Nov 12
RobFal wrote:You can refer to the Sustrans Guide I posted a link too which details many mechanisms (ways) in which cycling and oncoming traffic can be regulated and controlled, safely. Experimentation has always proved quote a useful tool for development.
What happens when in theory bike lanes are added to falmouth main street when you are going against the traffic on a bike and meet a car/van/lorry, as we all know the road isnt very wide.
Pretty **** sure the motorised vechicle isnt going to give way so the cyclist will end up on the pavement where the walking public is, in my mind a recipe for disater.
If someone could explain to me how having 2 way cycling lanes in falmouth is a viable idea can you please advise.
By the way have tried using my imagination and slapping a few white lines down isnt doing it for me, have you tried to paint on those cobbles, its a pain in the neck..
"The operation of existing one-way streets should be reviewed with a view to permitting two-way cycling where practicable. Contraflow cycling can be introduced without a cycle lane where traffic volumes and speeds are low."
RobFal
says...
7:28am Thu 1 Nov 12
Can you explain to me in your own words how 2 way cycling through Falmouths main street would work with out increasing friction/accidents with other users (by that I mean other humans using their feet and motor cars/vans and even lorries).
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
8:13am Thu 1 Nov 12
RobFal
says...
8:36am Thu 1 Nov 12
and please highlight to me where anyone has suggested that the road would be car free, that is a differant topic all together.
ablecambridge - "The operation of existing one-way streets should be reviewed with a view to permitting two-way cycling where practicable. Contraflow cycling can be introduced without a cycle lane where traffic volumes and speeds are low."”
Think this is pointing towards a system without highlighted cycle lanes, dont you Lordy
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
8:54am Thu 1 Nov 12
You keep ignoring large swathes of the consistent argument put forward by myself, AbeCambrige, etc above so that you can make some argumentative claim in your next comment.
Current situation:
- there's a problem with cars
- theres a problem with bikes
Proposed solution:
- make the main drag car free
- introduce a 2-way cycle lane
N dov.
GrahamHarris
says...
9:17am Thu 1 Nov 12
Most of the people cycling the wrong way in town look very much like students to me!!
RobFal
says...
9:25am Thu 1 Nov 12
Can youplease highlight to me where anyone has suggested that the road would be car free?
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
9:30am Thu 1 Nov 12
but
- Abe Cambridge 12.23
- myself 12.58
and other subsequent posts developing the same argument
I'm not trying to belittle anyone and apologies for coming across that way: I (wrongly) felt you were wilfully ignoring key points made to argue against a cycle lane and couldnt see why a cyclist would do that.
Claudius
says...
9:48am Thu 1 Nov 12
If you don't mind reading another post from an apparent 5 year old .
Take a look at
https://www.gov.uk/r
ules-for-cyclists-59
-to-82/overview-59-t
o-71
:rule 69
And from memory there is a no entry sign at the end of a
Arwenack street.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
10:12am Thu 1 Nov 12
Lanty Slee
says...
1:45pm Thu 1 Nov 12
505Simon
says...
1:51pm Thu 1 Nov 12
RobFal wrote:I agree, adults know it's one way, they are being lazy.
I am a local falmouth cyclist.
My opinion is cyclists should not ride the wrong way through Falmouth main street, everytime time I see someone doing it, the anger I feel is undescribable, complete ignorance on the cyclists part.
One day someone will get injured/killed because people do not expect anything to be coming from Trago end of town so do not look for it.
As for a 2 way cycle lane running through the town - Ridiculous idea, how would it work??
As suggested - on the spot fine/confiscate bike, start making examples of the offenders.
505Simon
says...
1:59pm Thu 1 Nov 12
abecambridge wrote:Large HGV's deliver goods in the street, a two way cycle lane is not plausible. It's a one way street there is no room end of.
RobFal wrote:You can refer to the Sustrans Guide I posted a link too which details many mechanisms (ways) in which cycling and oncoming traffic can be regulated and controlled, safely. Experimentation has always proved quote a useful tool for development.
What happens when in theory bike lanes are added to falmouth main street when you are going against the traffic on a bike and meet a car/van/lorry, as we all know the road isnt very wide.
Pretty **** sure the motorised vechicle isnt going to give way so the cyclist will end up on the pavement where the walking public is, in my mind a recipe for disater.
If someone could explain to me how having 2 way cycling lanes in falmouth is a viable idea can you please advise.
By the way have tried using my imagination and slapping a few white lines down isnt doing it for me, have you tried to paint on those cobbles, its a pain in the neck..
"The operation of existing one-way streets should be reviewed with a view to permitting two-way cycling where practicable. Contraflow cycling can be introduced without a cycle lane where traffic volumes and speeds are low."
I'm a cyclist, I either get off my bike or cycle around.
It's dangerous, many times I've seen cyclists dodging in between pedestrians and cars. £60 fine, under 16 educated, if ignored, bike taken away.
RobFal
says...
2:12pm Thu 1 Nov 12
Gas works carpark would be no more, no problem I suppose, just knock up a multi story car park up the Quarry, job done, just hope the money men agree to this simple cost effective solution.
Anyhow, thanks everyone for the discussion, off for a cycle through town (the right way) gonna have a look for some signage.
Cheers and Gone
abecambridge
says...
5:10pm Thu 1 Nov 12
GrahamHarris wrote:What an amzing sweeping and completely irrelevant statement! Thanks for that. Great contribution to this facinating online debate. You can get back to your Daily Mail now! Bless.
Here's a big spanner for the works!
Most of the people cycling the wrong way in town look very much like students to me!!
abecambridge
says...
5:33pm Thu 1 Nov 12
Claudius wrote:I assure you I will read this in detail and cross reference it with the guidance from Sustrans. I'm on a train on my way back from Manchester (where incidently they have trams, cars, buses, bikes AND people all on the same road! Madness!)
Abecambridge
If you don't mind reading another post from an apparent 5 year old .
Take a look at
https://www.gov.uk/r
ules-for-cyclists-59
-to-82/overview-59-t
o-71
:rule 69
And from memory there is a no entry sign at the end of a
Arwenack street.
As I said in my post at 05:36 yesterday, it is a grey area if a cyclist doesn't actually pass a no entry sign. I have given examples in that post where this could happen. I did point out you should read it carefully! This is a grey area and the very escense of this debate. A fine is unenforecable if a cyclist did not contravene a traffic order that the cyclist was not made aware of due to inadequate signage. It would be nigh on impossible, or prohibitivly expensive to have enough signage to alert cyclists coming from all directions.
And one final point, how many accidents have actually been caused by cyclists. Lots of 'nearly hit me' or 'almost knocked over'. Its a perceived threat. Cars are far far more dangerous so if anything cars should be banned first. Then we can address any cycling issues.
abecambridge
says...
5:42pm Thu 1 Nov 12
RobFal wrote:I will study the Sustrans design guide, look at the .gov rules, get a road plan of Falmouth and then get back to you! Probably be a day or too before I finish this I'm very busy at the moment.
I have referred to all your links thank you, very intresting, must learn how to post links.....
Can you explain to me in your own words how 2 way cycling through Falmouths main street would work with out increasing friction/accidents with other users (by that I mean other humans using their feet and motor cars/vans and even lorries).
Will publish and post a link here when done.
How was your bike ride?
seacom
says...
5:42pm Thu 1 Nov 12
TruroCyclist
says...
6:05pm Thu 1 Nov 12
abecambridge
says...
7:34pm Thu 1 Nov 12
TruroCyclist wrote:Great idea, I was thinking along the same lines. I will contact the council in the morning.
Following this thread with interest, I detect the 'Jeremy Clarkson effect' - a mutual lack of respect and tolerance between cyclists and motorists. I wonder whether Falmouth Town Council could ask Sustrans to advise on the feasibility of a bike contra-flow lane. My original contribution was to question whether it is a good idea to respond to this issue with a punitive approach to fines and confiscating bikes, rather than exploring ways to promote (legal) cycling as a positive contribution to the life of people in Falmouth...
Claudius
says...
7:41pm Thu 1 Nov 12
I look fwd to your response after reading the link I gave if it works.
Now I have no problem if they pedestrianised the street although I firmly believe it would make it a little quiet and dull but my main problem is .......if there is a law ...stick to it.
Debating ...well that's another area.
Rule 69 as you will read say something like ,you must obey signs etc.
And as far as the law goes......Mr Choak.....park legally......I can send you a picture of your car parked half on half off facing the oncoming traffic straddling double yellow lines ....!!! I used to live opposite the yacht club and the police at times seemed very choosey as to who , where and when they booked people on race night.
Claudius
says...
7:47pm Thu 1 Nov 12
Just caught up with some earlier posts having just come back from work.
Is it impossible for your tiny little brain to post without trying insult.
Please reply publicly with the rule 69 for cyclists so everybody can see what a moron you actually are.And yes I am insulting you......now
molesworth
says...
2:08pm Fri 2 Nov 12
meerkats
says...
3:38pm Fri 2 Nov 12
molesworth wrote:quite agree with you molesworth. Is there any need for insults and name calling.?It has obviously stirred up a lot of mixed feelings , but resulting to insults etc to put your point across is not the way to go.
Gentlemen some decorum please. Put away the handbags.
seacom
says...
4:06pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
4:08pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Look up the link I supplied.
seacom
says...
4:13pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
4:29pm Fri 2 Nov 12
abecambridge
says...
4:37pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Laws RTA 1988 sect 36 & TSRGD reg 10(1)"
Please refer to my examples I have given where a cyclist will not have broken this law if they entered Market Street from any direction other than from Arwenack street where the No Entry sign is located.
This article "http://ukcyclerules
.com/2011/08/09/cycl
ing-one-way-streets/ " (which I did attempt to bring to your attention in a previous post, hence my mocking comment for which I apologise) gives very interesting insights into how this whole issue can very much be a grey area and difficult to enforce or prove perceivably offending cyclists guilty.
abecambridge
says...
4:38pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius wrote:For your information, brain size is in no way linked to intelligence. Blue Whales cant do trigonometry for example.
Abacambridge
Just caught up with some earlier posts having just come back from work.
Is it impossible for your tiny little brain to post without trying insult.
Please reply publicly with the rule 69 for cyclists so everybody can see what a moron you actually are.And yes I am insulting you......now
Claudius
says...
4:45pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
4:49pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Do you not think that any cyclist entering the street anywhere through Falmouth might get a subtle clue as to the direction of traffic based on the direction that all of the cars will be facing.
ucsweb
says...
5:00pm Fri 2 Nov 12
No grey area, just blue and white. It doesn't matter what might or could be, the law applies to what IS.
If I break a law I wouldn't expect to get away with it because the law might change. Would you?
abecambridge
says...
5:11pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius wrote:Incorrect grammar.
Well I sure you are probably lacking in both departments.
abecambridge
says...
5:13pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius wrote:That doesn't matter. If a cyclist doesn't actually disobey a sign, as in actually pass it, no law has been broken or would be difficult to prove. Please read the article I posted.
Abecambridge ( I'm quite enjoying this)
Do you not think that any cyclist entering the street anywhere through Falmouth might get a subtle clue as to the direction of traffic based on the direction that all of the cars will be facing.
Claudius
says...
5:17pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Anyway...are you saying if I enter a road and drive in the wrong direction, speed etc i am in the clear because I might have missed seeing the sign ?
abecambridge
says...
5:18pm Fri 2 Nov 12
ucsweb wrote:See also "Secondly, it is sometimes possible to end up cycling on a one-way street, going what seems to be the ‘wrong’ way, without having disobeyed a sign. "
Abecambridge, from the above website for a white arrow on a blue background indicating one way "because these signs are specially designated, if you fail to comply with one of them you’ll commit an offence and can be given a fixed penalty notice".
No grey area, just blue and white. It doesn't matter what might or could be, the law applies to what IS.
If I break a law I wouldn't expect to get away with it because the law might change. Would you?
abecambridge
says...
5:20pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius wrote:Driving and cycling are different things. Could you come down the steps passed the Kings Arms in a car? You can with a bike.
Don't confuse having sausage fingers when typing with poor diction.
Anyway...are you saying if I enter a road and drive in the wrong direction, speed etc i am in the clear because I might have missed seeing the sign ?
Claudius
says...
5:20pm Fri 2 Nov 12
abecambridge
says...
5:22pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
5:25pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
5:27pm Fri 2 Nov 12
seacom
says...
5:31pm Fri 2 Nov 12
Claudius
says...
5:35pm Fri 2 Nov 12
seacom
says...
7:16pm Fri 2 Nov 12
ucsweb
says...
10:00am Mon 5 Nov 12
Just because you can doesn't mean you should. Ignorance or the pretence of it is still no excuse.
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
11:07am Mon 5 Nov 12
I think we need a summary of the situation and to draw a line under it for now.
Seeing as some claim a cycle lane would be unworkable while many others, including myself, thinks it's viable (AFTER BANNING CARS!!), a feasibility study of some sort is required.
It would be great if one of the local councillors that regular read and contribute to these pages (such as Steve Eva – please Steve, you can see the amount of interest and feeling this subject generates!) could undertake to seek advice from an organisation like Sustrans about the feasibility of having a 2-way cycle lane along what would be a pedestrianised high street, and then raise the matter with the council for debate.
We need a progressive and comprehensive vision for the future here (involving banning cars from the main drag, possibly closing/redeveloping existing car parks, e.g. Church St car park, into leisure areas, etc.) not a narrow short-term perspective of dreaming up ways of stopping and penalising cyclists!
RobFal
says...
11:32am Mon 5 Nov 12
meerkats
says...
11:49am Mon 5 Nov 12
Lord Barrington Forbes-Smythe
says...
12:20pm Mon 5 Nov 12
Goldie 1
says...
8:09pm Wed 7 Nov 12
Does'nt the same ruling apply today 50 years on?
Only last Saturday morning, I noticed several young cyclists, who looked like students, riding the wrong way in a very busy street, weaving in and out of the unsuspecting pedestrians. Some were pulled over by the local police, and told to dismount.
Cyclists are subject to the same laws of the road as the motorist, or are they above the law?.
This evening when driving over Penryn Bridge towards Falmouth, a cyclist was riding with no lights on against the traffic flow in the cycle lane. This is a very dangerous practice.
Mike The Grump says...
4:50pm Mon 29 Oct 12