[Imc-birmingham] Feature Proposal: Changes to the highway code

[dougbrum at tiscali.co.uk]

I agree with what you have said. The government (local and national) 
can't have it both ways. They promote the idea that they are green and 
make peace-meal attempts to encourage more cyclists but in reality they 
don't give a fuck. They are  defending the interests of the capitalists 
just like they were set up to do. 
D

>----Original Message----
>From: mike-d at riseup.net
>Date: 22/05/2007 12:48 
>To: "indymedia"<imc-birmingham at lists.indymedia.org>
>Subj: [Imc-birmingham] Feature Proposal: Changes to the highway code
>
>Hi everyone,
>
>I would like to write a feature for Birmingham about the changes to
>the highway code which are an attack on cyclists right to have the
>same freedom and access to the road as other road users.
>
>Cyclists are now expected to use roundabouts in a manner which is
>incredibly dangerous (by keeping to the left at all times), or if it
>is "not safe" (it would never be safe) then to push the bike on the
>pavement to get around.
>
>Additionally cyclists are now advised to use cycle lanes wherever
>possible even when they are obviously not safe or do not provide any
>benefit over using the road. The concern is that if cyclists choose
>not to use them and are subsequently knocked off by a negligent
>driver, insurance companies in court will be able to claim
>"participatory negligence" to wriggle out of or reduce compensation
>claims. This basically means, "the highway code 'advised' you to use
>bike lanes, you didn't, so it is your fault".
>
>What is astonishing is that the DSA held a consultation regarding
>the changes in which over 60% of the responses were from cyclists
>and cycling groups condemning the changes. Of the hundreds of
>transport organisations consulted, only a few of them were cycling
>groups. Despite the outcry the DSA decided that they were right in
>the first place and ignored the complaints.
>
>With the recent Critical Mass ruling, the reasons behind these
>changes make a great deal more sense. This is a politically
>motivated attack on the culture of cycling.
>
>
>Mike
>
>
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>






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