Enforcement of speed limits and close passes

I cycle with kids to school and I cycle to work, and we cycle as our main transportation. Cars come far too close and go too fast all the time - if any of us fell, they wouldn't have time to stop. Drivers don't understand that bikes should be treated the same as other vehicles on roundabouts so they overtake, undertake, or speed past us. If there were actual consequences for driving behaviour like this, people would be less likely to do it. Until we have properly segregated lanes, there needs to be lots of enforcement- fines & points - for drivers making the roads unsafe. 

Why the contribution is important

Drivers speed around, don't give people on bikes enough space, rev their engines behind is, and pass in dangerous ways. They do it because they can and they make roads unsafe for everyone. Properly enforceing the law so they risk fines and bans would help since causing injury or death to people on bikes- including children- isn't a deterrent. 

by CHC2751 on July 30, 2020 at 07:11PM

Current Rating

Average rating: 4.5
Based on: 8 votes

Comments

  • Posted by sg July 31, 2020 at 08:30

    Increase speed limits to reasonable one first (e.g. 30 mph) and then talk enforcing. In my opinion speed is a secondary factor - improper (aka too close) overtaking is the issue far more dangerous.

  • Posted by CHC2751 July 31, 2020 at 09:59

    The 20mph speed limit isn't up for debate. That's the speed limit and the explanation of why has already happened and data has been gathered on the difference it makes. Good drivers accept that and stick tl it, bad drivers who shouldn't be on the road are still complaining.

  • Posted by sg July 31, 2020 at 14:07

    Edinburgh CC didn't gather the data (as per their own admission) and statistics from multiple councils south of the border show that speed limit of 20mph actually causes more casualties/fatalities. I believe, that everything should be subject to debate, if this is meant to improve safety.
    It is important to notice, that as per official guidelines, the 20mph zones are meant to be "self-enforcing".

  • Posted by Yvonne_CEC August 05, 2020 at 12:28

    That’s a really interesting idea. Cycling Scotland have just launch a #GiveCycleSpace campaign. Do you think this will make a difference?
    (https://www.cycling.scot/what-we-do/campaigns/give-cycle-space/)

  • Posted by edinburger August 10, 2020 at 22:56

    So many small European city centres do better with less infrastructure and fewer 'controls', allowing pedestrians, cyclists, e-scooters and cars all mix with respect for each other. Plenty of studies show that less infrastructure and signage tends to lead to more careful driving.

  • Posted by Voiceofreason August 17, 2020 at 13:11

    Enforcement is key - all transgressors such as pavement cyclists and anyone who jumps a red light (or casually wafts through on their bicycle "cause urban eco-warriors aren't subject to rules" need to be brought to justice relentlessly. This would be facilitated by enacting and enforcing legislation so that cyclists have to display a licence plate, clearly visible at all times, just like all the other road users have to do - only fair!
Log in or register to add comments and rate ideas

Idea topics