Road rage on the rise
Monday 30th January 2012, 2:57PM GMT.
Tony Moffa at Colomberie, where the latest 'road rage' incident happened
A CYCLIST who was attacked by a driver in town has warned that road rage incidents are on the rise.
Tony Moffa, the vice president of Velo Sport Jersey, said that twice in the last six months he has had to report motorists to the police.
The latest incident last week saw a van driver deliberately block his path, accelerate aggressively – striking Mr Moffa on the elbow – and get out of his vehicle to hurl abuse and push him against a wall.
‘It’s becoming increasingly dangerous on the roads,’ Mr Moffa said. ‘There’s a culture against cyclists that’s getting worse all the time because the roads are so congested.’
Read the full story in the Jersey Evening Post. Click here for subscription details. Individual editions are also available online.
Saturday 26 May
- Senator charged with grave assault
- J2: Your guide to what's on, including Jubilee Diary
- Queen's Jubilee: Win one of 60 diamonds
- Free cup of coffee for every reader
- More medals at Jeux des Iles
- Win tickets to family teddy concert
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee
JEP Jubilee Editions
Saturday 2 June: Guide to Celebrations
Wednesday 6 June: Souvenir of Events
View The Queen in Jersey supplement
Travel
To, from and around the Island
Airport Arrivals/Departures
Harbours Arrivals/Departures
Bus Information/Timetables
This is Jersey
Jersey Evening Post
Useful links
Whilst I cannot condone road rage in any form cyclists are far from innocent in this. The number of times I have been cut up by cyclists in traffic as they ride up one way streets, jump lights and cut in front of you as you move away and on one occassion hit causing damage.
You can also understand drivers frustration if they get cut up at the bottem of beaumont and then have to follow a cyclist all the way to the top at 5 MPH. Some give and take on both sides would help
Report abuse
Cyclists seem to think that they can do what they like on the roads.
Report abuse
I had this happen to me yesterday at five oaks roundabout. I had the right of way from Bagatelle Road and a cyclist came to the junction from St Saviour’s Hill and carried on going, as your attention is usually on the right ensuring you have a safe route on which to continue whe was blooming lucky I saw her, and she was smiling as she carried on her way. Silly women. Perhaps a solution would be for everyone wanting to ride a bike me made to do a cycling prof test. I ensured my 12 year old child did one with Philip Blake so that I knew she would be safe and use the roads effectively.
Report abuse
I’m pretty sure that mentioned van driver did it with ABSOLUTELY NO REASON behind.
Report abuse
I think the reason was in front of him, having forced his way through.
Report abuse
Perhaps cyclists should try obeying the rules of the road instead of behaving as if every other road user is in the way. Two words – no sympathy!
Report abuse
So should van drivers who block pavements, park in disabled bays, stop off at yellow lines and get out to deliver whilst blocking the street and assault innocent victims. Just take a look at the parade each morning to see what I mean. NO Sympathy at all for aggressive bulling supposed professional drivers!!
Report abuse
wow- so quick to judge, maybe you can share your insight to how the gentleman concerned was breaking any rules. and even so doesnt give the van driver any right to do what he did. i assume you are just as harsh on car drivers who dont obey the rules of the road? he deserves every sympathy, would your view be the same if say his house had been burgled? quite frankly a sad person to feel you have to comment like that.
Report abuse
It takes two to make an argument.
Report abuse
two sides to every story. Are we 100% certain the cyclist was obeying the rules of the road. This doesn’t condone the behaviour of the van driver but there is definitely fault on both sides of the argument
Report abuse
I sincerely hope the cops take complaints like this seriously. Being a cyclist myself nowdays, having taken the Cycling Profficiency Test at the age of 59, I know exactly what Mr. Moffa is highlighting. Motorists need to be far more tolerant when driving past cyclists.
The sort of behaviour Mr. Moffa has described amounts to, at the very least driving without consideration, or careless driving. The verbal abuse is a public order offence and the offender should be brought to book and put before the courts to answer for his unacceptable behaviour.
Report abuse
Totally agree with you, seems some of the treads on this link support the actions of the van driver, why?
It is a minority of cyclists that do not obey road signs, but it is the majority of motorists that cut up cyclists, leave no room when over taking are totally blind and oblivious to them at road junctions when pulling out, no different to the treatment they give motorcyclists either!
Report abuse
I agree it’s out of order and two wrongs don’t make a right.
However, there’s surely one or two cocky cyclists out there who feel they’re entitled to cause big delays behind them – see some of them cycling on the avenue or triple carriage way outside the Grand when it’d be very much safer for them and better for traffic flow that they be on the perfectly serviceable CYCLE track …
And don’t get me started on the cocky GROUPS of cyclists who know they have the right and are delighted to exploit it riding round on Sundays causing traffic delays so they can have their Sunday constitutional. Of course it’s their right, but they need to recognise that delaying traffic does cause irritation (whether it’s right or not) as well as making over-taking difficult (which is a right for the motorist).
Perhaps cyclists would prefer higher accident rates to road rage? They can avoid both by cycling more considerately I think (I mean the one or two cocky ones).
Report abuse
“Now, if an individual had attacked me in this way without a car, then it would have been a shocking assault that would have ended in court. But as my attacker was car-borne, it’s no such thing. Why is this so? Why are car-borne assaults of this kind deemed so trivial and understandable? Why can people knock you flying, mangle your property, and then think it reasonable, if they were in a car at the time, to say they were terribly sorry, they don’t know how it happened, they’ve never had an accident before, etc , etc, etc.”
http://hitchensblog.mailonsunday.co.uk/2012/01/one-reason-why-i-hate-cars-and-a-brief-note-on-lifestyle-choices.html
Report abuse
Have you thought about stand up?
Report abuse
Roads are becoming more congested indeed.
The standard of car driving over here is appalling – drivers seem totally unaware of the rules of the road. Cyclists too give themselves a bad name by their flagrant breach of the Highway Code. It’s no wonder that drivers see red.
Report abuse
and what was the cyclist doing? It’s funny how that isn’t mentioned in the article.
Cyclists (and it seems like the ever increasing majority) are amongst the most ignorant and dangerous road users, I don’t know why (and an answer from a cyclist would be welcome) cyclists think that the laws of the road don’t apply to them, why is it ok for them to run red lights and swerve in front of cars?
Driving in Jersey has become a nightmare, also in part due to overpopulation, but largely because of cyclists. Cycling as slowly as possibly in the middle of the road, just to stop cars from overtaking, often in rush hour traffic, and members of the caesarean club and the like are amongst the worst.
I also don’t understand why cyclists insist on using St Aubin’s road when there is a cycle track. It’s no wonder road rage is on the increase when cyclists behaving dangerously is on the increase.
Report abuse
Whilst I concede some cyclists break the law and fail to comply with the Highway Code, however you can’t tar them all with the same brush. Similarly I wouldn’t stereoype all motorists.
I no longer live in Jersey but regularly return to see relatives. I can assure you all that I find motorists on the island are far more courteous and considerate than those in many places in the U.K.
No matter the behaviour of cyclists, we should all try and control our temper when behind the wheel of a motor vehicle – it is potentailly a lethal weapon.I know what it’s like to get stuck behind a queue of people riding pedal bikes, but that’s no excuse for getting in a bad mood.
Cyclists are ovbiously far more vulnerable and prone to receiving injuries than motorists, so we need to exercise patience.
Report abuse
Perhaps BR you should go and do your cycling proficiency test then you will understand. The cyclist has just as much of a right on the road as you no matter how slow they are going speedy gonzales!
No mention of how many laws are broken each day about the motorist, is that because they are beyond the law? How many of you will honestly admit you stick to the speed limit, jump the odd red light, inadvertently turn down a no entry, park on a yellow line or in a manner to cause obstruction? No you are all perfect aren’t you all.
BTW, I am a car driver, motorcyclist and cyclist, so I have seen it from all 3 perspectives.
Report abuse
I have done my CPT, and on the occasion I do cycle I follow the same rules of the road as when driving, the truth is cyclsts think they have more rights on the road and that is the problem. If a cyclist is on a winding hill and there is a massive que behind it’s simple courtesy to stop at the side of the road to let cars past, I don’t want to speed just to get to my destination with as few obstacles as possible.
The most important question still hasn’t been answered… Why do cyclists think they don’t needed to stick to the highway code?
Report abuse
Yeah BR, why don’t drivers who crawl along at 20mph pull over for me when I am in a 30 or 40 zone?
Tractors and HGVs too.
Daft comment, why should cyclists pull over?
In rush hour and lets face it most other times as the roads are so connected, the speed isn’t much more than 10-20mph anyway.
Leave home 5 minutes earlier mate.
Report abuse
It’s called “consideration for other road users”.
Report abuse
Yes John I agree, consideration.
A shame everyone doesn’t have it eh?
Or are you just axe grinding against cyclists?
Report abuse
Cyclists don’t seem to have it, on the whole. That’s the problem.
Report abuse
this ignorant view just shows why the police need to do more to protect cyclists.just because some cyclists dont follow rules means all break the law? so following your example sir means all car drivers break the law because some use mobile phone while driving, drive through red lights, speed, dont use seat belt!
i both cycle and drive, and although i cycle much less than drive, have had many more issues with poor/dangerous driving while on my bike than i have been inconvenienced by cyclists while driving. a classic was when a car pulled off a yellow line out in front of me causing me to take evasive action, and the driver screamed at me for “going to fast” – i wish i could!! take it from me there are many many more bad drivers than cyclists and car drivers really need to change their attitude.
Report abuse
It is a pity that the JEP article wasn’t more balanced. They should have got some motorists or pedestrinas on to speak about the constant road traffic offences committed by cyclists and the aggressive response of these cyclists when they are told about their offending by concerned road users.
We need cycle registration so that these people can be reported and prosecuted.
Report abuse
As a pedestrian who has to dodge bikes on pavements, going up one ways the wrong way and cycling along King Street/Queen Street at stupid speeds I think you’ll find most of the cyclists aren’t on the road anymore as they’ve migrated to the pedestrian areas !
Report abuse
No Mr Tony Moffa its because people on push bikes believe they rule the road! Ive lost count the mount of times I have seen a cyclist go through a red, go up a no entry and drive into on coming traffic.
I even see them riding on the road on the avenue! THERE IS A CYCLE TRACK FOR YOU not 10ft to your left.
Dont get me wrong getting on a bike is good en-all but the stupidity of people is amazig.
Report abuse
Is that ‘Me, me, me, me’? Cyclists have every right to be on the road, because the law says they can ride there – get used to it.
I get annoyed with inconsiderate cyclists too, but it’s the motorists that have to act more responsibly because they can cause more damage.
I drive more than I cycle, because I realise just how dangerous it is using pedal power on the highway.. I used to be a motor cyclist as well, but I gave that up because motorists are also inconsiderate to these as well. You don’t recover as quickly when you are in your 60s.
With motorists I just have one question – what’s the rush? If you plan your journey and leave in time, you don’t need to drive so quickly.
Report abuse
Its not the fact they are slow as I dont mind over taking them on roads that do not have a cycle track for them to cycle on.
Its the fact the states re surfaced the cycle area next to the wall and people choose to ignore it… How about I just drive my car on that instead? The avenue road is for cars not a 4mph bike.
Report abuse
No Mr Moffa, not because the roads are so congested, but because we (the motorist) are bloody sick of cyclists who constantly run through red lights, weave dangerously in and out of traffic, ride up no entries at speed (expecting automatic avoidance), ride without lights etc, etc.
I rather think much more abuse is to follow until the correct level of respect for the road has been found by bikers.
Report abuse
i think the standard of driving has declined over the last few years.
A lot of people are worried about job security, mounting debts and many other things.
All this rage and frustration has to come out somewhere and they feel safe to express it when driving.
Report abuse
4 Blue Knight
I commend you for re-taking? your CPT, but unfortunately you are in a minority and until such time as we re-introduce cycle registration and insurance nothing will change, it’s all about responsibility.
Report abuse
Mogit – I have no problem with reintroducing number plates on pedal cycles. This as far as I can recall was unique to Jersey – one of the things that was the Jersey way which was better than the system in the U.K.
I also agree that inconsiderate cyclists should be dealt with robustly.
Addendum – It was the first time I took my cycling profficiency test and the trainer was my local Neighbourhood Police Constable. It is ironic, but he was recently knocked off his cycle by a careless driver and sustained a broken arm.
Report abuse
In reply BR
It doesn’t matter what the cyclist was doing as there is nothing really that can justify him getting hit with a van is there now? Cyclists are making driving in Jersey a nightmare? Really? Are they really? By riding in the middle of the road you say! I have never seen a cyclist do that. I think you mean by riding in the middle of their side of the road. This is actually completely fine. You can still overtake when the other lane is clear and that is how you are supposed to overtake. You shouldn’t overtake a cyclist when there is oncoming traffic even if you can squeeze your car through. That’s bad driving. You sound like a bad driver. And perhaps some cyclists dare to use St Aubins road because that’s actually where they are going? Just a thought. The standard of driving in Jersey is very low, unsurprising really when the driving most people do is the 5mph crawl to town. In conclusion, learn to drive properly, learn to overtake properly and your driving experience will be much improved and cyclists won’t get you all hot under the collar.
Report abuse
Hear Hear, well said Jamiebarker
Report abuse
Obvioulsy a post from a cyclist who sees nothing wrong in running red lights, cutting off cars and cycling down one way streets, and can only critise the semantics of my post. You make assumptions that I’m a bad driver, whereas my comment’s are based in fact, as proven by the majority of other posts on here.
Report abuse
I don’t see anywhere that he has said doing any of these illegal moves is OK. He has merely pointed out that many of the things being complained about are both legal and correct. What’s the problem with that?!
Report abuse
“By riding in the middle of the road you say! I have never seen a cyclist do that. I think you mean by riding in the middle of their side of the road.”
Yup, quite often I see this, almost on the white line so sorry pal this is exactly what some do !
Report abuse
Whilst appreciating it wasn’t a nice experience for the cyclist unfortunately there are members of the cycling groups who give verbal abuse to car drivers for no reason – my mother received verbal for letting a car out of an entrance and there are the Sunday morning cyclists in large groups who do not pull over to let a car pass. Sorry cycling groups but you are not very polite to drivers. I do give respect and consideration to you but you don’t give it back!
Report abuse
Wether it be a single cyclist or a group, they also have a right to ride on the road and in a group, perhaps your mother pulled over the yellow line a little to far scare the hell out of the cyclist, big mental box protecting your mother, no such luxury for the cyclist!
Whilst I condone the bad behaviour of the motorist, which is the majority and there verbals given, that gives the cyclist no right either to be verbally rude if this was in fact the case?
Report abuse
Your post doesn’t make sense. It is also very biased and childish.
Report abuse
Surely everyone has a right to be respected on the road, cyclists and drivers alike.
Report abuse
She’s not into scaring the hell out of cyclists. Fully agree that cyclists have the right to be safe on the road but the big mental box is that it wasn’t nice being called names for just being polite.
Report abuse
a lot of cyclists , do themselves no favours . let have the old number plate back for the cycle .
the van driver in this case was totaly out of order too.
Report abuse
nor does the motorist, lets do a comparison check, can someone with official statistics please answer the following;
A – Mow many motoring convictions where issued for 2011?
B – How many motorcycling convictions where issued for 2011?
C – How many cycling convictions where issued for 2011?
D – How many jaywalking convivtions where issued for 2011?
E – How many horse riding convivtions where issued for 2011
F – What is the ratio of drivers to the above mentioned groups?
Before anyone bleats ‘but cyclists are never caught”, same could be said of the motorists, but the above stats would be a worth while comparison although we know the finger will point taking in the ratio.
Report abuse
Cyclists aren’t caught because they have no registration plates. I know where the finger should go.
Report abuse
And motorists with registration plate aren’t caught either, though I have seen PC Plod stop and take details for cyclists at night with no lights and for riding down queen street, your comment is flawed Boil!!
Report abuse
We need registration plates on bikes so that they can be reported.
Report abuse
Not necessarily just concerning cyclists but I can definitely see why road rage may be on the increase – it’s because you may as bl**dy well walk for all the speed you achieve in a car these days!
Cars were invented so that people could get from A to B in a quicker time than if they walked or rode a horse. They have so totally lost their purpose in Jersey!
What with the congestion due to too many cars, the Honda Jazz drivers and their ilk travelling at 22-23 miles an hour everywhere, the ever increasing 15, 20 and 30 mile an hour limits springing up all over the place, the inability of the average driver to negotiate roundabouts and filter in turns with any commonsense causing tailbacks to kingdom come, and the drivers that are too scared of their own cars to move 10 yards without jumping on the brakes every time they see a car coming towards them – oh, and bike riders! is it any wonder?
I personally have nothing against bike riders per se as I also take to the bike occasionally (in fine weather, which over here is not that often!) and can understand things from their point of view, but I see why, considering the behaviour of the law breaking variety, they get the brunt of the abuse.
There is no arguement, they do cause the delayed and probably already irritable driver to have to drive even more slowly, possibly over an extended period of time considering the lack of safe passing places on our wiggly roads – so when all that pent up rage meets an easy target – by goodness is the cyclist likey to get it!!
I am not condoning this, of course I’m not, such behaviour is inexcuseable, but in a person with a total lack of self control and discipline – I can see why it would happen.
Report abuse
…and spotted another cyclist jumping the red lights on the esplanade by HSBC, nearly missing a car and a pedestrian in the process
Report abuse
Stand and watch the lights change in the mornings from the inner road looking down on the lights at The Grand and you’ll see 2-4 cars doing this on every turn of the lights!! Good n bad in everyone! The issue here is not that he/she is a cyclist, but an Idiot on a bike! just as the island has an abundance of idiot drivers (just as you can’t just state motorists are the problem! just the bad ones!!)
Report abuse
2-4 cars doing it and about 20 bikes!
Cars will tend to try and sneak through on the amber or maybe when the lights have just turned red; cyclists just go straight through, even when the light has been red for some time. They often have no intention of stopping at all- it’s as if the law doesn’t apply to them but they throw a hissy fit and start squealing to the police if it works against them and they find themselves on the wrong side of the law breaking.
Report abuse
Wow, really?
Try Mont MIllais/Don road junction every morning dicky.
5-10 cars jumping lights every turn of the lights.
Glasshouses and stones come to mind.
Report abuse
Totally agree. I suggest that all those on here criticising cyclists for jumping red lights, blocking pedestrian crossings, blocking the roadway for other users and committing all other crimes known to man go and spend an hour between 8.00 and 9.00 any morning at this junction and watch how good the standard of driving is in Jersey. I especially like watching those who think it is clever to jump the red light only to find that the traffic light outside Park Stores turns red at the same time and they suddenly have nowhere to go thus causing grid lock.
Report abuse
Goodness. If it’s 5 -10 drivers jumping the lights there then there must be at least 50 cyclists.
Report abuse
As Fast Driver says the Mont Millaid/Don Road junction is so bad – as a pedestrian trying to cross the road is a joke, there is barely a break in the traffic due to red light jumpers.
Wouldn’t it be good if immediately a set of traffic lights turned red a row of spikes, similar to a stinger, popped up out of the white ‘stop’ line by the lights and created a slow leak in the red light jumpers tyres.
This would allow them to get to their destination, but then by the time they next went to use their car they had 4 flat tyres! They couldn’t argue their innocence and it would be jolly expensive to fix. Perhaps then they might think twice before breaking the law the next time.
Report abuse
The problem with the stinger idea is that the cyclist would just ride between the spikes. Either that or he would ride through on the pavement like they often do.
In order for your idea to work, the pavements would have to be somehow blocked off and the stinger spikes would need to be very close together.
It would probably be be cheaper and more of a deterrent just to bring back the old number plates on bikes.
Report abuse
Great idea
Report abuse
I have nearly been hit several times by cyclists going through red lights. One of them even overtook the queue of cars to go through the red light! Btw, I do NOT walk around plugged into an ipod, but am aware of my surroundings and rules of the road (I also ride a motorbike).
Report abuse
I have nearly been hit several times by cars going through red lights. Being given the choice of being hit by a cyclist going through a red light or a car. Give me a cyclist every time. At least then I will probably live to tell the tale.
Report abuse
You must be an idiot if you’re crossing just as the lights are changing. The problem with cyclists is that they run red lights at any time- even if it’s been red for ages. And they go onto pavements so you wouldn’t have a chance, as various fatal cases have sadly shown.
Report abuse
Sorry but without knowing how the cyclist was behaving it is difficult to say whether the drivers or the cyclist were in the wrong.
However whatever the background to the incident threats of violence or actual violence are wrong.
Cyclists do need to follow the rules of the road. If they do not then they must expect other law abiding road users to be upset.
I will happily admit to driving straight at a cyclist with my car lights on full beam and then blocking his progress – as he was happily cycling the wrong way on a narrow one way lane. His response ‘I’m only on a bicycle and it’s OK’. And he was wearing all the lycra gear with the name of one of the islands cycle clubs emblazoned all over it……………….
Report abuse
He had all the gear and no idea!
Report abuse
I wonder if it was the same Van driver who cut in front of me at a junction causing me to swerve and almost mount the pavement. I wish I’d taken his number plate.
Report abuse
The problem of course is that you can take the motorist’s number- but they can’t take the cyclist’s number because they don’t have them. They know it too- which is why they ride on pavements, up no entries, through red lights etc.
Report abuse
On most German, Dutch, Danish, Austrian, Swiss, etc one-way streets cyclists are allowed to go against the traffic. Works too, and nobody gets all uptight about it because it’s legal.
Report abuse
Best go over there, then.
Report abuse
Cyclists and motorists all have to take blame, one is no worse or better than the other, cyclists can be idiots as well as motorists, we’ve all seen it, but sadly I’ve never seen a police officer at traffic lights or even honouries to even try and police this. Red light jumping is one of the worst. I have seen cyclists being fined for cycling through town or on pavements. But never fining red light jumpers.
Report abuse
I do not agree with road rage but have to say am fed up with some cyclists who just think they can do what they want, I walk to work along West Park and several cyclists take no notice of the traffic lights I have nearly been hit several times when this happens, some are cycling on the road and then they are cycling on the pavement. At times when I am in a car you can have cyclists either side of the car and they cut you off. I love to cycle but do not behave like this!
Report abuse
I saw an elderly lady in Gorey get accosted by a cyclist in his fifties last year. The cyclist thought that the lady had overtaken him too close. I was following and I didn’t share his view.
I watched while this red-faced individual lectured the old lady on how to use the roads. I waited in order to step in if he became more aggressive. He had a very self-important, upright manner about him.
I happened then to follow the self-appointed oracle of the road traffic law as we both left the area.
To my delight, we came to temporary traffic lights. The light was red.
Guess what happened?
The cyclist sailed through, dodging oncoming traffic. He had no intention of observing the law at all. His lack of hesitation clearly showed that he did not regard himself as being subject to the law in any shape or form. Yet, just a couple of minutes earlier, he had been extolling the virtues of the very same law and had been seeking to hide behind its provisions to hector an elderly lady.
The double standards of this santimonious cycling idiot were there for all to see. Sadly, it is something that we tend to see in a great many of our two-wheeled friends.
I should like to have reported this entire incident. Unfortunately, I could not, because the cycle bore no registration plate.
As Mr Moffa says in the report, cyclists can report motorists (he clearly feels bound to do so, given the words he uses), yet motorists cannot identify and report cylists. That is why we need identity registration plates on bicycles as soon as possible, please.
Report abuse
photgraph the person with you phone if you have one.
i was a passenger in a car a good few years ago, we were in the daily grind slog home travelling near the police station , i got out of the passenger side , as i opened my door , a cyclist came to a dead stop on it , front wheel buckled , “sorry mate” iaid .
we ended up in police hq front desk and the desk sargent explained to the cyclist, it was not a good idea to overtake on the inside .
Report abuse
Great, the way this thread is dissolving will see a well intentioned States member try push through the re-introduction of the bike plate.
And once the States realise that they can turn a profit out of this then …. oops …. sorry .. didn’t mean to say that out loud
Report abuse
We need cycle registration plates so that these people can be reported and brought to book. They might start obeying road traffic laws then and we might see a little less of the self-righteous arrogance and unpleasantness to other road users.
Report abuse
If you go down this route you’ll reduce the amount of bikes users, just like in Australia when they indroduced compulsary helmet wear. Then you’ll be even more frustrated as there’ll only be more cars on the roads!
Report abuse
So be it.
Report abuse
At least we will all be using the same rule book!
Report abuse
Right i can quite categoricly say hand on heart, i DO NOT EVER, EVER jump the lights, i NEVER overtake on the inside, i NEVER overtake a line of cars at a juntion, unless i’m sure i will be able to get through quicker than if i was to hold my place in the queue to get though. I NEVER (not for 1 metre) do i ever ride on the pavement. I don’t hog the middle of the road. I always use hand signals. I always am well lit up. I’m always wearing something reflective at night, but i do ride two a breast as is the law, but will pull over if appropeite to do so!!I don’t pay road tax oooh!! BUT neither do you!! BUT i can also say hand on heart i barely ever can go on a single journey by bike without having to take evasive action, or having the C**p scared out of me by cars passing too close and often many times on my commute home along the 5 mile road by cars doing speeds i can only estimate being 20-30+ mph faster than the speed limit!
Now if i was to adopt a camera on the handlebars to film such footage, i promise you all i’d be down the Police Station EVERY day! so for this reason i refrain from going down this route and just continue to take my chances! i also keep such matters from my wife as she’d never let me out! lol.
I’m very aware that there are many Cyclists that choose to ride without a care in the world for others and this just annoys the hell out of me, all we can do is educate both sides i suppose?
One note to finish on, i very rarely get angry at misdemanors in my direction as its pretty pointless, i just tend to raise my arms as to question the stupidity of their actions, and hopefully make the driver think. But i can understand how those who cycle, as i do several thousand miles a year have so many many dangerous encounters that its oobvious why some cyclists are aggressive in their retaliation to bad driving! and just think we have very little prottection from a two tonne truck swerving our way!???
Oh well see you out there and think, the way things are going there’ll be more and more of us so get used to it! :O)
Report abuse
There is good and bad on all sides, recently I was driving through St John and slowed to allow cars to turn off to the shops. One ignorant cyclist who was obviously in distress having been separated from his mates didn’t see me slowing. He nearly slammed into the back of me, jumped up onto the pavement undertook all the cars then wobbled out in front of the rest of the vehicles without looking! That said whilst walking in town or on country roads I have lost count of the amount of times I have been clipped by wing mirrors by drivers who for some reason cannot slow down for safety sake. However I do think cyclists seem to have a holier than you attitude when on the road, especially in large groups sprawled the full width of the road in their red and white lycra! If there is a line of cars patiently following you, go into single file to make overtaking safer! If I drive a slow vehicle (20mph tractor) I pull in regularily to allow traffic pass, would be nice to see the same courtesy from cyclists now and again.
Report abuse
The van driver deserves prosecuting for what are serious offences.
I have noticed that the standard most road traffic has declined over the last few years.
This seems to be an overall increase in selfish behaviour by all groups. There are more incidences of road users thinking they have priority over all other road users regardless of the situation. Correct road ettiquette is a fast diminishing concept.
I drive a car, am a motorcyclist and walk to work so have seen lots of near misses caused all types of road users and try to show respect to all types of transport.
There has for the last few years been a marked increase in the amount of cyclists and moped riders that appear to have a “death wish” or care little for events surrounding them. I have numerous times been hit or just missed by cyclists riding quicking on pavements, etc. Unfortunately car, etc drivers are catching up in this respect.
We need to encourage all road users to have respect for the people around them and put a stop to the them and us attitude from some cyclists and drivers.
Report abuse
My guess is that there are far more vehicles in general on the roads than say,10 years ago.This results in far more traffic jams and people being stuck at lights far more times than before,seeing a cyclist passing them to the front of the queue is like a red rag to a bull in most cases.I blame the States for not upgrading the roads infrastrucure as the population increased.
Report abuse
I don’t. I blame inconsiderate and aggressive cyclists giving the rest of us bikers a bad name.
Report abuse
12. how do you propose overtaking a line of 10-20 cyclists riding two abreast not paying much attention because they are yacking to each other about inane rubbish?
Blue Knight are bells on bikes no longer a requirement by law? If they are a requisite then why are the vast majority riding around without them? There are also a lot of chancers riding around after dark with no lights. It amazes me there aren’t more serious injuries involving cyclists.
Report abuse
You can overtake a few and then start to “feather in” gently.
Report abuse
Cyclists shouldnt ride like this it is wrong especially as this is most likely to be cycling clubs riding in these groups.. even cycling in pairs you should split and leave cars length gap if there are on coming vehicles. Its all about thinking of others and being aware of the traffic around you.
That said most of the time they are going just as fast as your average sunday driver anyway (o:
Report abuse
and another thing he’s parked on a bend, pavement and yellow line.
The man needs to get a life !!!
Report abuse
If “road rage” is on the rise, then this would seem to be a good time to look at the behaviour of cyclists.
Report abuse
i cycle yet COMPLETELY HATE the way cyclists go round in groups in stupid racing colours as if they own the road and DELIBERATELY ANNOYING MOTORISTS. i also regularly experience the “I’LL SCARE THE HECK OUT OF YOU” pranks by drivers who know they can stop a cycle or harm me AS EASY AS A SWERVE or hard braking on a hill. — what we experience on the roads is the PENT UP FRUSTRATIONS OF LIFE which get dolled out on each other. – i also drive a 4×4
Report abuse
CYCLISTS need to stop annoying drivers ON PURPOSE and DRIVERS need to STOP taking out their AGGRESSION ON CYCLISTS.
Report abuse
I swear at motorists that nearly kill me as I won’t be heard when I am dead, I do that on a bike or in the car. No one should drive or ride badly whether they are in cars or on bikes. Peace and Love everyone, group hug on the Avenue in the morning
Report abuse
I agree, spread the love.
It matters not a jot if you are on 1 wheel, 2 wheels, 3 or 4.
Take it easy folks and your world will be a better place for sure.
Report abuse
I have never almost been hit by a motorist going through a red light, but I have almost been hit by cyclists going through red lights a number of times. There are far more motorists than cyclists on the road, so there seems to be a much higher percentage of cyclists at fault…
Report abuse
I can see this thread turning into a right ding dong between motorists and cyclists.
Unfortunately I can’t join in as I’m off to Thailand to do some moonlighting as a rickshaw driver. You lot don’t know what road rage is!
Report abuse
hi c le v , have a nice holiday.
i like indian roads , where there are no rules what so ever, apart from the bigger rules the road.
Report abuse
thin wallet, its called Might Is Right!!
Report abuse
“and what was the cyclist doing? It’s funny how that isn’t mentioned in the article.”
He was obeying the rules of the road which provide that it is permissible to pass a line of stationary traffic on the right hand side.
But cyclists do blight this lovely Island don’t they? The number of times I struggle to get my Range Rover along Victoria Avenue, what with the cyclists backed up mudguard to mudguard, and polluting the air with their sweaty bodies. As for the danger they pose to others – why, sometimes I have seen them coming through our village at speeds which must be as high as 18 mph.
Report abuse
We don’t know that for sure; the article does not mention it. Even if it did, we only have one side of the argument at the moment. We don’t yet know what really happened, or even if the van driver did break the law. We don’t know whether or not the cyclist broke the law. All of this will come out at enquiry. No doubt Mr Moffa, who states in the article that he frequently reports people, will be at hand to respond to any questions with enthusiasm.
The remainder of you post is a little silly.
Report abuse
How likely is it that every motorist on the road is perfect? Not very!
Stop expecting miracles, just assume the worst. You won’t be disappointed
Report abuse
I walk to work every day and where Mr Moffa is pictured, is where nearly every single morning, cyclists insist on cycling up along the pavement instead of remaining in waiting traffic. Im sorry but i thought pavements were where ment for walking on, not for cyclists to take short cuts !!!!
Report abuse
We only have his word as to what happened. One version of events only.
Report abuse
“‘It’s becoming increasingly dangerous on the roads,’ Mr Moffa said.”
Yes and on pavements too!
Report abuse
Damned psychopaths again.
Report abuse
Shhh….you’ll have Mr Cart on here again with his strange ideas
Report abuse
Jo, I walk to work on the pavement along the same road every morning and I do not recall ever seeing a cyclist on the pavement here.
Report abuse
Lucky you. You must be in a very small minority.
Report abuse
It may be a narrow pavement on a wide road or it may be a poor quality pavement. It may be on a road not used by many cyclists. It may be nowhere near any traffic lights (where cyclists go onto the pavement in order to go through red lights).
We can only speculate. Your experience, even if true, proves nothing.
The junction mentioned is rife with cyclists running the red lights and going onto the pavement. The fact that you say that it doesn’t happen on “so and so road” is neither here nor there.
Report abuse
Best you go to SPECSAVERS …….
Report abuse
“I never see any cyclists on the pavemeee—ahh—whumpf!” (Cue to sound of siren and cyclist protesting that he wasn’t there and that it didn’t matter anyway because the law doesn’t apply to cyclists. No insurance, of course!
Report abuse
I read the article and thought that it came across as rather unbalanced. It portrays a sort of pompous self- entitlement which betrays that cyclists regard themselves as some sort of protected specie of road user which is above the law. If the van driver has been reported, then surely it is improper for this cyclist to be allowed to give his evidence (such as that is) publicly in advance of any judicial hearing? We need to get registration plates on cycles now.
Report abuse
I agree that there are good and bad in all, but the issue which no-one seems to have raised yet is that to drive a car or motorbike (legally) on the roads, you MUST have a valid licence AND relevant insurance. Whilst it doesn’t guarantee that the person will be the best driver / rider in the world – it does show that they have the basic competency and understanding to use roads safely.
This doesn’t happen with cyclists – anyone can go out and purchase a bike without proving anything. They are then free to ride on the roads.
How does that make any sense???
Report abuse
oh please, for heavens sake, why stop there, may as well get pedestrians to obtain a licence before walking on the pavement.
a 4 year old can ride a bike, you dont need a licence. what a ridiculous thing to think.
And from the amount of drivers i see daily on phones, driving through red lights, speeding, lights on full beam, fog lights on no fog etc etc I would say many dont have a basic competency
Report abuse
just a little bit of last nights cycle of just short of 2 hrs, 16 mile ride average speed of 16mph up hill 22mph down hill… 22 cars with faulty lights, 6 cars with no indication when turning, 3 cars overtaking on a blind bends,2 on mobiles, 2 close calls, skimmed at least 5 times, 1 sexual comment,lost count of how many cars with high beams …this is not a rare cycle out this is a daily event all caught on bike cam !
Report abuse
Goodness me, you must have a lot of time on your hands! Is every incident lgged in triplicate?
Report abuse
My favourite these days – is when im driving along Victoria Avenue and a car comes from nowhere and then over takes at excessive speed……and all I can see is the sign in the back window saying….’Child On Board’
Report abuse
I’ve often wondered why people put ‘child on board’ signs in their car windows. It impedes rearward vision,(if they ever use their rear mirror), so endangering their precious offspring, or is it a warning to others that the driver of the car will not be paying attention to their driving?
I suppose it could be that they think they are unique in having a child and have to announce it to the world outside their tin box.
It may also encourage short sighted drivers to drive closer to the back of them so they can read the wording.
Report abuse
Cycling safely
Non-helmeted riders are 14 times more likely to be involved in a fatal crash than helmeted riders
Be alert
Be aware of everything going on around you
watch out for pedestrians stepping off the kerb
watch out for vehicles pulling into the kerb or turning left
look up and around, rather than just in front of your bike
practice looking behind without wobbling or swerving
watch out for vehicles coming out of side streets – they may not see you
Watch your position on the road
ride further out, away from the kerb. You’ll be more obvious and easier to avoid
allow at least a full door width’s space between you and parked cars – and watch for open doors
if the road is too narrow for a vehicle to pass you then it may be safest to ride in the middle of the road
Wait ahead at lights
wait in front of other vehicles when you’re at traffic lights
make sure you are well in front of large vehicles such as HGVs and are not waiting on the left – make eye contact so they know you are there. If you can’t get to the front safely, wait behind the vehicle
never pass buses on the left when they’re at stops or pulling in to them
Be seen and be safe
a bright jacket or rucksack can make you easier to see
by law, after dark you must have white lights at the front and red lights at back of your bicycle
put reflective strips on your rucksack, jacket or wrist bands for better visibility at night
it’s not the law to wear a helmet but many choose to. If you wear a helmet, make sure it fits – tighten the straps so that you can’t push the helmet up your forehead, side to side or up at the back
Make eye contact
Make eye contact with drivers to ensure they know you’re there. It will make them give you the space on the road that you deserve.
Ride confidently
know where you should be on the road
in heavy traffic go at the same speed as other vehicles
look out for drivers trying to move onto the road you’re on
be assertive, not aggressive
Report abuse
And of course:
don’t cycle on pavements
don’t cycle up no entries
don’t cycle at night without lights
don’t cycle on the pavement
Ride confidently
don’t cycle on the precinct
know where you should be on the road
exercise consideration for motorists
don’t cycle more than two abreast
don’t cycle two abreast when a queue of cars is waiting to pass
don’t group together and block other traffic from passing
don’t push to the front of the queue at traffic lights (drivers don’t have to let you in)
don’t hold up all the traffic when the lights turn green
don’t cycle through red traffic lights
don’t cycle through pedestrian crossings against the red light
don’t cycle over zebra crossings when a pedstrian has started to cross
be humble and courteous to other road users.
Report abuse
It must be remembered that there are lots of pavements in Jersey where it is quite legal to cycle.
Report abuse
the problem is that most cyclists don’t seem able to draw that distinction.
Report abuse
LEGAL< REALLY?????? Thats why my son was asked to remove himself and his bike from the pavement by a States Police Officer !!!!! The police forced him to use the busy main road instead.
Report abuse
The police “forced” him to? That use of language shows why you clearly don’t think that the law should apply to cyclists. The police have a duty to uphold the law and I am afraid that the law applies to cyclists.
Report abuse
Hi Just to clarify i think what Bill was referring to was places like Beaumont Hill- cyclists should use the pavement here to go up the hill and are allowed to as the sign suggests. Also at the top of Grouville hill there is a one way road that cyclist are allowed to travel both ways on as this means they can avoid cycling up the hill from town on the main road.
Generally however Pavements are not for cyclists, although a shared use scheme like they have in many parts of Europe would be good in some places such as the top of columbrie. thanks
Report abuse
Waiting ahead at traffic lights is unlawful. Passing traffic (buses included) on the left is also unlawful.
Report abuse
i think you find everything that liz listed is on states of jersey http://www.je.gov under eco-active cycling in jersey…. it states Wait ahead at lights
wait in front of other vehicles when you’re at traffic lights
make sure you are well in front of large vehicles such as HGVs and are not waiting on the left – make eye contact so they know you are there. If you can’t get to the front safely, wait behind the vehicle
never pass buses on the left when they’re at stops or pulling in to them. so who never did there home work Ben !
Report abuse
The fact that it is on a website does not make it legal. It just means that one of their researchers has probably got it wrong- either that or he is aware that the illegality won’t be policed so “it probably doesn’t matter”.
I think that you should do your own homework instead of making silly comments.
Report abuse
Pity the eco-website (which contains legally incorrect material regarding “undertaking” and sitting ahead of the white line at traffic lights) doesn’t say anything about the prohibition of riding up no-entries, on pavements, through red lights etc.
I wonder why?
Perhaps those who wrote the website material might be cyclists (hence the creative forgetfulness of the law) or maybe no-one thought that you needed to say these things because any cyclist with half a brain would observe the road traffic laws. They don’t, though, which is why we need to see more of these people coming up before the Magistrates’ court.
Report abuse
What was the cyclist doing? It’s funny how that isn’t mentioned in the article. No smoke without fire.
Cyclists (and it seems like the ever increasing majority) are amongst the most ignorant and dangerous road users, I don’t know why (and an answer from a cyclist would be welcome) cyclists think that the laws of the road don’t apply to them, why is it ok for them to run red lights and swerve in front of cars? Up no entries, on pavements, no lights at night. I could go on.
Driving in Jersey has become a nightmare, also in part due to overpopulation, but largely because of cyclists. Cycling as slowly as possibly in the middle of the road, just to stop cars from overtaking, often in rush hour traffic, and members of the caesarean club and the like are amongst the worst. Self righteous.
I also don’t understand why cyclists insist on using St Aubin’s road or Gorey when there is a cycle track. It’s no wonder road rage is on the increase when cyclists behaving dangerously is on the increase.
Report abuse
Re: why dont cyclists use the cycle path and railway walk –
Because the not all cyclist have off road bikes, you wouldn’t drive a sports car on a farm track and you don’t ride road bikes on dirt tracks either.
There are many different cyclists, the sunday families or people chatting should cycle on the cycle tracks where possible but the commuter who is just trying to get to work will use the quickest and fastest method which is a road bike on the road.
Report abuse
Just shows what a waste of money the cycle tracks are- pandering to cyclists who won’t use them
Report abuse
They are a facility for families cycling, children on their bikes, more sedate cyclists, walkers, joggers and generally those who want to get out and enjoy the island at a slower pace. Not specifically for cycling commuters.
Report abuse
Well I’ll be blowed. There’s me thinking that cycle tracks are for cyclists to ride on.
Maybe the fact that they don’t use them will be considered next time someone is silly enough to suggest wasting further public money on any more of them.
Report abuse
If a bike can withstand the lumpy tarmac, ruts, manhole covers and potholes on the road, a smooth but slightly gritty surface really shouldn’t be a problem. It’s just an excuse!
Report abuse
Maybe if the ‘professional’ cyclists used off road bikes to train, their legs would be stronger for the main race?
Report abuse
BORING – BORING.
Live and let live.. just get on with it – mind your own business and behave as you would expect others too and the system works.
Yes there are ignorant, thoughtless rude and self rightous cyclists.
Yes there are ignorant, thoughtless rude and self rightous drivers.
Just get over it the island isnt getting bigger so lets just try and get along, cyclists obey the rules, car drivers appreciate every cyclist that you see as it is one less car in front of you taking your parking spot etc – all this bickering is unproductive nothing ever gets done. If any thing the more the arguement goes on the worse it is for the normal law abiding thoughtful cyclist as car driver start to judge them all the same.
Please appreciate that this is a small island and we have to share it with everyone.
Report abuse
I believe this has little or nothing to do with cycling… albeit they are unregistered road users..but a “Rollerball ” mentality…good movie James Caan,the road has become a Gladiatorial arena for some,and others have pent up frustration at Taxes,unemployment and the loss of hope for many of their dreams.a feeling of overcrowding,and being disregarded is a growing part of social unrest…it’s something that grows insidiously and then as if suddenly it is upon us…… but in truth it had like a poison ember been smoldering away..unspotted by those screened from reality by their imagined importance..the close misses and slow weaving of the traffic are often mere triggers for a greater anger.
Report abuse
Maybe he should go to cycle-therapy counselling
Report abuse
Nice one..I hear these things go in cycles.
Report abuse
Of course road rage is on the rise. You’d expect it to be on the rise because more people are using the roads.
Report abuse
The guy who gave this interview hasn’t really done the cycling cause any favours. It all sounds rather self-important, “I had to report motorists”. Really? Is it a sworn duty?
We all know that a large number of cyclists are a menace and a dnager. I am hoping that Mr Moffas “wise words” and wish for publicity will give rise to a debate which will lead to bicycle registration plates.
If he, as an apparent spokesman for the cycling fraternity cannot at least acknowledge the widespread breach of the road traffic laws by cyclists then it really is time for legislation to be enacted in order to curtail this arrogant self-entitlement and to prevent the inevitable serious accident that will no doubt occur sooner or later at traffic lights or on a pavement.
Report abuse
He’s certainly scored a resounding own goal!
Report abuse
If only we had the respect understanding and patience as our French neighbours do for cyclists, oh how 14 miles or so can such a difference.
Report abuse
The cyclists in France have learnt the respect of other road users. The ones over here have yet to do so.
It may also have something to do with the fact that cyclists in France don’t jump red lights etc. Should they do so, they would face a stiff penalty, unlike over here at the moment.
Report abuse
So true steve – would be interesting to know how many of the people commenting have driven in France where the cyclist is taken seriously and with respect.
Report abuse
They have earnt respect in France- unlike over here with their law breaking antics
Report abuse
I would ask why the van driver got upset with the cyclist?
Was it because:-
the cyclist had done nothing wrong and had been a considerate road user,
or had been doing something that had upset the driver?
As for issues with cyclists put number plates back on bikes and then the law breakers can be brought to task much easier. Have a three strikes and out approach this would make people think twice before:-
going through red lights,
under taking a line of traffic,
riding without lights,
not having a bell fitted,
riding on pavements,
cutting up pedestrians, other vehicles etc.
Fines would also help act as a deterrent and raise much needed revenue for the parishes.
Plus if people lost their driving licence as well this would also help cut down down on bad habits.
Also make it an offence cycling in large compact groups, and riding two abreast, except for official races. Considerate cyclists wouldn’t do either of the above so it shows how many don’t give a hoot about other road users.
Report abuse
It sounds like he was trying to force his way through.
Report abuse
Yeah Mario, great idea. If they enforced these same laws for motorists every morning and evening on the commute. The Town hall and courts would be full and 70% of car drivers licences gone.
Then the roads would be much emptier for us cyclists, or would the banned drivers then join us??
Report abuse
I don’t know if the figure would be 70% but a fair share losing their driving licences would be cylists breaking the law on their bikes. So no they wouldn’t be cycling either. You are quite right the standard of driving has dropped appallingly over the last 30 years or so, it seems to have coincided with the gradual spread of the perceived status symbol the 4×4.
It would walkies for quite a few, this would help reduce traffic conjestion and raise the standard of road use at the same time. Road rage would fall as confrontational incidents would gradually be reduced to a minimum.
P.S. I have cycled to work but did my best not to **** off other road users at every turn. I never rode two abreast or in large groups as I knew this would be inconciderate to other road users. What do other cyclists think?
Report abuse
Personally, I believe a registration and some kind of basic cycling proficiency test should be mandatory….maybe even requiring a licence and tax to cycle on the roads.
If the cyclist believes they have as much right to be on the road then they can share the road taxes we have to pay.
Also, it seems crazy to me that we will allow young children to cycle on our busy and so-called dangerous roads. You can’t ride a motorbike or drive a car until in your teens (and only with supervision or after passing a test) but we let very young kids on the road without question!
Not long ago I saw a couple of kids (must’ve been all of 7-8 years old) bombing it down Bath Street, with no lights, weaving in and out in the middle of the road. Crazy!
You also get idiot kids cycling down the pathway of the new park without any regard for the pedestrians….my wife almost had a wheel in her face because a brat was doing a wheelie down the path, lost control and almost crashed into her!
Clearly some kind of law needs to be introduced to protect others from cyclists too!
Report abuse
@ Parktown Prawn, why should cyclists pay road tax? Motorists don’t!!
And how can cycling through a park or off road be policed, it can’t as it is private land, no laws to be broken as it is not a road or pavement. Whilst I agree it is not acceptable for this to happen your thread is full of flaws.
Bring back bike registration, bring on insurance, the majority of cyclists wouldn’t be bothered, and glad to cough-up the couple of £, the motorist would still complain, but just remember what came first, the cyclist or the motorist, so who really has more rights on the road!!!! What does all the damage to the roads causing resurfacing projects and delays to all, yes the motorist.
And for all these threads complaining how they are been slowed up by cyclists, I checked my average speed the other day on my car 15mph, approx 3mph above most cyclists speeds.
How many motorists would overtake a cyclist going through the tunnel, the majority, yet if it where a policeman on his police cycle you would think twice of straddling that double white in the middle, as a police friend told us last summer, he enjoys this game and books the drivers for the motoring offence they have committed.
Report abuse
PJ
Motorists may not pay a separate “Road Tax” but they DO pay a form of tax for using the road…..this is increased duties in petrol prices. What do cyclists contribute?
Silly response in general from you…..who cares who came first the cyclist or motorist! The road is designed for motor vehicles and not cyclists….the horse and cart preceded the push bike….is that any more relevant for you?
Judging by your post, I would guess you think it is fine for 7-8 year olds to be cycling erratically on a busy main road…”because they can’t be policed”…how ridiculous??
….furthermore….a public park is not private land….it is public!! The clue is in the description, therefore, your attempt at a (less than) clever response is laughable.
Utility companies have a lot to answer for regarding the conidtion of the road….the constant digging up and shoddy repairwork is scandalous. The motorist on the other hand is paying the hidden tax in fuel prices to maintain the roads….however, when was the last time this money was used for that sole purpose?
Report abuse
Most Cyclists own and drive cars too. So they are paying their way in the petrol they buy. Cyclist contribute by not being a burden on the already congested roads and car parks, if you want car parking charges to increase then just ban people cycling and watch as parking becomes even more scare and therefore more expensive, damage done to road surfaces by at bike I think you would agree must be negliable compared to motor vehicles, so there is no need for a contribution from that point of view. The health benfits of people cycling, are financially valuable not only businesses but the health care system, why do you think they give grants to buy bikes in the uk? plus there is no pollution caused by cycling so air quality is better, which again is beneficial to everyones health, and also the need to carry out expensive cleaning of the tunnel for example would be reduced if there were less people using cars. So when asking what do cyclists contribute, have a think about what do car drivers contribute over all
Report abuse
Ah, so you are jealous that the cyclist is running greener and much cheaper and probably gets to work far quicker than you. What does the cyclist pay apart from their equipment, NOTHING! Is that the cyclists fault that they don’t have a petrol tank or cause wear and tear on the roads regardless if it is a utility company – it wasn’t utility companies that caused the avenue to be resurfaced, that is more relevant to the likes of you & me in our cars!
You judged my post incorrect at no point did I say ‘ I would guess you think it is fine for 7-8 year olds to be cycling erratically on a busy main road…”because they can’t be policed”…how ridiculous??’ yes your comment is ridiculous, try reading it properly, as I thought I was talking about a park – NOT A ROAD OR PAVEMENT!! Your response is quite laughable, there are no signs yet saying no cyclists in the new town park!!
You seem to forget that the motorist, cyclist, pedestrian anyone that uses a road is supposed to have a level of respect for one another – something forgotten by all these days.
Report abuse
PJ
There may be no signs in the park for reckless cycling…..but there aren’t any signs on any of the pavements in this island either…..yet all those with at least 1 brain cell know you cannot/should not cycle on a pavement!
The park is for pedestrians to walk through…not for groups of kids to treat it as a race track or extreme cycling area.
So what if the damage caused to the roadway by a cyclist is minimal?! They still USE the road that they haven’t paid for or contribute towards….therefore, they should not think they have the same rights as a motorist who has paid into it. Most cyslists (however, there are some who are very considerate) do nothing but hinder the “paying” road user in their journey to get from A to B! This alone should be worthy of paying towards a tax for the road.
“the OECD defines a road as “a line of communication (travelled way) using a stabilized base other than rails or air strips open to public traffic, primarily for the use of road motor vehicles running on their own wheels,” which includes “bridges, tunnels, supporting structures, junctions, crossings, interchanges, and toll roads, but not cycle paths”
Also, they are an additional DANGER to other road users…especially untrained kids and inconsiderate cycling groups, drunkards and whoever else is allowed to jump on 2 wheels and join the daily mayhem!
Drivers of motor vehicles have to pass competency tests….not all cyclists have this and most are pure AMATEURS and some are even a danger unto themselves let alone anybody else!
As people have rightly pointed out already….they are a law unto themselves and take no responsibility for their reckless actions or have any consideration for other users.
I too have cycled on the road for many years….but I respected the road and it’s users unlike most people today!
If there are all these laws for motorists on the road to help make journey’s safer for everyone then these same laws should be in place for ALL users….which include cyclists, horse riders, skateboarders, motorised wheelchairs (don’t get me started on this lot!), tractors…………
Clarification
If car drivers want to cycle too….then they shoudl pay either way! If it is cheaper for them to cycle then they will save on driving costs when they do! The current system is unfair….if nobody did drive, in your perfectly green and healthy world, then who do you think would pay for the building and maintenance of these roads for the cyclists!?
Cows cause as much damage to the ozone with their methane…..should we cull them all so we have fresher air to breathe???
So what if the tunnel needs a clean every now and again….it is a tunnel for motor vehicles to go through (the cleverer ones keep their windows wound up)….not cyclists! They can cycle around Mount Bingham….it would be much healthier for them that way instead of cheating with short cuts!
Report abuse
Lets put Horses in this category too then shall we?
They do all of the above with no insurance, licence and most of the time no sense either. Main roads at such hour (I have and still do see them), think about it Horse riders!!!!
Report abuse
Hear hear. Bring back the cycle plates.
Report abuse
Cyclists are a law unto them selves anyway they ignore the rules of the road and they are a hazard on the road.
Report abuse
I often sit on mont millais or st saviour hill in the morning thinking, I wish the 500+ cyclists on the island would just get in cars so I can take even longer to crawl down the hill. I’m sure people stuck on the avenue also feel this way! I’m a motorist, too lazy to cycle but I thank all the bike users who brave the elements day in day out to keep the nightmare morning traffic down. I’m sure there are cyclists who break the law but I bet the ratio of motorist to cyclist law breakers is far higher and significantly more dangerous. The key point is that we have a law to regulate society, punishable by fine or prison. If we all took the law into our own hands there would be anarchy. It’s beyond me how any sane car driver could even contemplate trying to hit a cyclist. One nudge could kill them. Could you live with yourself knowing a family lost a son, father, daughter, mother just because you were angry about being 5 minutes late for work/evening meal. Perhaps if we all, motorists and cyclists, made more effort to obey the law, be a bit less stressed and tolerant of one another Jersey would be a nicer place to live. I say encourage more people onto bikes and support them to get the traffic down. Well done jersey police for using bikes, I’m sure the motorists trying to knock the cyclists off will give them a wide berth!
Report abuse
Motorist, finally a sensible view – hurting or maiming a cyclist can ruin a life and rage (an emotional not rational response) is no excuse. In Copenhagen 80% of people cycle, and their target is 87%, I’m sure all cyclists there are not perfect either. Imagine if such statistics could be achieved in Jersey, in many ways a perfect place for cycling, and the impact it would have – some good, some bad. Jacksons and the Fuel companies may not be quite so happy but the environment would benefit, fuel costs would be down, people would be better off (Parking is increasingly expensive), maybe less anti-depressants would be needed and we might achieve World Peace and Utopia here in Jersey.
We can but Dream.
Report abuse
Cyclists (and it seems like the ever increasing majority) are amongst the most ignorant and dangerous road users, I don’t know why (and an answer from a cyclist would be welcome) cyclists think that the laws of the road don’t apply to them, why is it ok for them to run red lights and swerve in front of cars?
Ride on pavements? Ride up no entries?
Report abuse
The police don’t give a damn either. A cyclist knocked my car, and I reported this to police, but they were not even interested.
So as far as I am concerned, cyclists should keep clear.
Report abuse
yes i had a great laugh at reading some of these comments.. i’m no bike rider i’m a car driver i wouldn’t want to but my self on a death wish to ride on jersey roads there is very few bike riders that break the law car drivers way out number this its not rocket science just read the evening post and i feel sorry for the poor walkers who cant always look when crossing a road walk behind a reversing car walk in black in the dark block pavements whilst having a chat well i could go on and on but its getting very boring now peace out and carry on cycling guys we only jealous of your tight butts
Report abuse
errrr…..yes….right. You are indeed no Judge Judy, are you!?
Report abuse
It’s particularly worrying that cyclists have no insurance. That didn’t matter so much at one time because of the fact that cycles used to bear registration plates and the riders behaved better generally. Bikes are faster too and can do considerable damage.
Report abuse
An open letter:
Dear Mr Cyclist,
This morning at 07:23, I watched you blatantly go through a red light as you turned into Castle Street from the Esplanade. I expect that you probably had an important meeting to go to so early in the morning – or was it that you just couldn’t not be bothered to obey the rules of the road like the rest of us who were stationary waiting our turn at the junction?
If I may be as bold to say, that your arrogance along with other cyclists of the same demeanor are going to make life a little bit more difficult for all of us when licences are re-introduced.
From a fellow cyclist .. who doesn’t own a stitch of lycra.
Report abuse
What a load of hot air. This is a small island and for the sake of our environment, health and infrastructure we should be doing everything we can to encourage cyclists. And the ability to drive should be regarded as a priviledge to use something that is environmentally unfriendly and potentially dangerous, and not an absolute right.
I suspect history will come to regard the car as the prime agent behind the atomisation of society. Now we go from home to work without any engagement with the environment or other people. Nothing matters other than minimising the journey time and not giving an inch to other road users.
Cycling is better for society than driving. It may not always be practical for everyone but we should be clear that cyclists have priority on the road and that those who are impatient when they are behind cyclists should ask themselves why they are so uptight.
Report abuse
err…..cyclists don’t have priority on the roads….!
Report abuse
As both a motorist and cyclist, so seeing things from both sides, my experience is that it is on balance the cyclist who has no regard or consideration for other road users, either motorist or pedestrian. For example using the pavements to cut in front and often cut up traffic, then to cycle in the centre of the carriageway to prevent the motorist from passing, complete disregard of red lights, pedestrian crossings, no entry signs etc.
Only recently I attempted to pass a cyclist on a straight section of St Peters Vallee only to have the idiot swerve across the road in an apparent attempt to prevent me passing. I have seen this same individual cyclist a number of times since cutting up traffic and then shouting foul abuse at all and sundry. Whilst as a cyclist I have also experienced aggressive behaviour from a minority of car drivers, with such behaviour from so many cyclists this is not surprising.
I also think the States could do a lot more to make the roads safer and instead of just paying lip service to the needs of cyclists, for example just placing a cycle lane sign on a pavement which is just dangerous and counter productive. There have been a number of major road works in recent years such as the esplanade with no consideration given to cyclists. The States keep preaching that we should all cycle but the only policy Deputy Lewis seems to have to encourage cycling it to increase parking charges and bus fares.
Report abuse
It’s interesting to see the number of people commenting for bikes to be registered. These are the exact same people who moan the government is too PC and interferes with peoples lives too much.
It also shows why the same people moan about Jersey’s democracy. It seems that most only consider something democratic if it means getting their own way!
Report abuse
No, it means that cyclists who break the law can be detected and prosecuted.
Report abuse
I am not sure if it has been said yet, but wouldn’t motor vehicle driver have more right of way to the road then a cyclist??
Motor vehicles do pay road tax which is included in the fuel they pay for. No cyclist pay road tax.
Report abuse
No, he wouldnt, why would he?
Road tax was used for maintenance of the roads, how do cycles damage roads? May as well call for a tax on pedestrians for using the pavement. Stupid comment
Report abuse
Your reasoning would be impeccable only motorists don’t pay road tax. Nor do pedestrians, but if motorists did then presumably it would mean they could run over pedestrians with impunity.
Report abuse
Motorists do pay road tax. When the law was revamped in 1994, the states agreed that road tax, instead of being paid annually, would be placed as a surcharge on fuel.
So road tax is paid by motorists.
I don’t agree with the reasoning vis-vis those who pay road tax having the right to run people over. That sounds a little silly and childish to me.
Report abuse
No they do not. Whatever politicians say, there is to my knowledge no tax paid in Jersey that is ring fenced for a specific purpose. All taxes go into the general pot and are then used as the States decide. Fuel duty is no more a road tax than GST or income tax.
Report abuse
Road tax is paid via a fuel surcharge. If the states misappropriate those funds, then that is another matter.
It’s like saying that social security isn’t social security because the states apply the funds elsewhere.
Motorists pay road tax.
Report abuse
“there is to my knowledge no tax paid in Jersey that is ring fenced for a specific purpose”
That means that all taxes levied under a particular banner are unlawful, if your peculiar logic is to be followed.
Report abuse
Isn’t it OK to cross a double white if the vehicle you’re passing is doing 10mph or less and it’s safe to do so?
I’d be interested to see how your copper mate’s cycle computer stands up in court as strong enough evidence to prove he was doing over 10mph when you overtook!
Report abuse
I wish all the people from Sark could read all that rubbish towards cyclists.
People are far too addicted to their cars these days. Stop watching “Top Gear”, it s good but bad influence!
Keep wasting your money in cars, pimp your car as much as you want, be proud of showing off your latest purchase , be lazy and be jealous of the cyclist going past you at the red light ( regardless if his journey will take 5 times more than you do, even in the rain), moan because the push bike in front of you will make your journey 45sec longer.
Just be yourself: a typical grumpy driver, who in an 15 miles island, still does nothing to help with global warming. If you can’t live without your car, living here , who bloody will ?
Report abuse
But is it really rubbish? I keep seeing cyclists flouting the road traffic law with apparent impunity on a level which the average motorist can only dream of. I cycle myself and I like bikes. I am however extremely worried that the actions of a sizeable minority of cyclists will lead to compulsory insurance and registration of bikes. Let’s be honest- the situation cannot continue as it is.
Report abuse
well said.
This whole thread should be put into a school thesis on what makes people have road rage. For my part, its not so much drivers or cyclists its living in a small island where everyone seems to have a stick up there axx over who is better than who!
Small Island mentality, and thats coming from a born and bred Bean. Sick of it to be honest!
Report abuse
Thers a CAR ferry in the morning
Report abuse
I believe that there is ample space for bicycles as well.
Report abuse
There are good Drivers and Bad Drivers and Likewise there are good cyclist and Bad cyclist, arguing who is to blame here is doing no good to anyone.
There is always someone wanting to lay the rules down to another and all that happens is high stress, because no one can legally apply these rules except the Police.
The Solution is that the police should equally come down on all Road Users regardless of how may wheels they may have. and hit them all HARD. And that will mean registration plates for cyclist and insurance for cyclist, so everyone can equally be judged by the LAW.
Report abuse
seems to be a lot of anti cyclists out there.
You are not happy that your journey can be delayed by a few minutes. Have you not thought that you may get to your car park earlier but there would be no spaces left when you arrived if it wasn’t for the cyclists. Not only are we saving the planet we have saved you from paying for another multi story.
Report abuse
I for one am not anti-cyclist. What I am “anti” is the persistent and arrogant law breaking which a large amount of cyclists indulge in.
Report abuse
And drivers don’t Harry?
Wake up and smell the coffee, hang around the junction at Mont Millais/Don Rd in the morning and watch the 4 wheel light jumpers.
At my estimates over 200 an hour judging by what I see.
If that isn’t arrogant law breaking then I don’t know what is.
Report abuse
I see far more cyclists going through red lights, on pavements etc than car drivers. The idea that 200 cars per hour jump one set of lights is laugable; that is one every 20 seconds. What a ludicrous comment!
I don’t know about coffee, it sounds like you have been sniffing something else during your anorak vigil at the lights!
Report abuse
For every cyclist that is on the road that is one less car and one more parking space!!!!
As a cyclist, I agree that there are other fellow cyclists that proceed to ride through red lights, mount pavements and cycle without a care for anyone else. There is no excuse for it, but you can’t stereotype us all…..
Report abuse
That sounds very sensible indeed.
The idiot cyclists (the minority) annoy the heckfire out of all other responsible cyclists (the majority).
Exactly the same as idiot drivers (the minority) annoy and exasperate the more considerate ones (the majority).
In short, bad road users annoy good road users, regardless of wheel count.
Spread the love folks and smile.
Report abuse
The chap who gave this interview and sought his transitory fame probably regrets it now.
As a self-styled spokesman for the cycling opportunity how much more mature it would have been if he had balanced his comments by reminding cyclists of their obligations under the road traffic law. Instead, we have the one-sided remarks about so-called road rage, with the person making the remarks apparently oblivious to the fact that cyclists tend to be the cause of much of this unrest, as the comments above show.
He has missed an opportunity to show a good example and leadership and has instead sougt to be portrayed as a disempowered, weak victim.
Please think next time.
Report abuse
Well said.
I think it’s also clear from the comments thread here that the larger cycling community have their own views to put across, and perhaps Mr Moffa is only representative of a smaller group?
Furthermore, he appeared in the JEP for a second time this week promoting the use of cycle helmets. Whilst the initiative is a good one, and I hope will go some way to encouraging a shift in the Jersey law to make helmets mandatory, I have since learned that Mr Moffa has interests in an establishment in St Helier that sells cycling equipment? Sadly, perhaps not entirely altruistic motives.
Report abuse
The title of this article is “Road rage on the rise” and judging by the comments and lack of tolerance on both sides it is easy to see why.
There are good road users and bad road users irrespective of what mode of transport is being used. I suspect those cyclist who ignore the law by going through red lights etc behave in exactly the same way when behind the wheel.
Report abuse
No, I doubt it very much. I don’t see cars driving on pavements, up no entries or at night without lights.
Nor do I see them driving through pedestrian crossings when people are crossing or driving striaght through red lights when the lights have been red for ages with no intention of stopping.
You don’t see groups of cars driving alongside each other in country lanes preventing others from overtaking.
Of course, if you want to compare motorists to cyclists then the best and fairest way to achieve any parity would be to re-introduce cycle registration and compulsory insurance.
Report abuse
well i do, last night white van driving on pavement in La Pouquelaye as couldnt wait for bus to move, the other night, taxi through a red light with no lights on even though dark/street lights on, i could go on and on and on……maybe you should get out more!! or maybe you just have an in built disliking of cyclists full stop?
Report abuse
Cars don’t habitually drive on pavements and will do so only occasionally to get past an obstruction- unlike cyclists, who regard the pavement as some kind of thoroughfare or as a means to go through red lights and pretend that they haven’t done so.
With lights, cars will tend to try and sneak through on the amber or maybe when the lights have just turned red; cyclists just go straight through, even when the light has been red for some time. They often have no intention of stopping at all- it’s as if the law doesn’t apply to them but they throw a hissy fit and start squealing to the police if it works against them and they find themselves on the wrong side of the law breaking.
Report abuse
well i do, last night white bike driving on pavement in La Pouquelaye as couldnt wait for bus to move, the other night, bike through a red light with no lights on even though dark/street lights on, i could go on and on and on……maybe you should get out more!! or maybe you just have an in built disliking of full stops?
Report abuse
Ken, try walking along Colomberie precinct or Commercial Street if you have never seen cars driving on pavements.
Report abuse
For every one of them there must be twenty cyclists, taken in the round.
Report abuse
Probably delivery vehicles- cars don’t tend to habitually drive on pavements and will do so only occasionally to get past an obstruction- unlike cyclists, who regard the pavement as some kind of thoroughfare or as a means to go through red lights and then pretend that they haven’t done so.
With lights, cars will tend to try and sneak through on the amber or maybe when the lights have just turned red; cyclists just go straight through, even when the light has been red for some time.
They often have no intention of stopping at all- it’s as if the law doesn’t apply to them but they throw a hissy fit and start squealing to the police if it works against them and they find themselves on the wrong side of the law breaking.
Report abuse
You see commercial vehicles there as you’d expect
Report abuse
Cyclists (and it seems like the ever increasing majority) are amongst the most ignorant and dangerous road users, I don’t know why (and an answer from a cyclist would be welcome) cyclists think that the laws of the road don’t apply to them, why is it okay for them to run red lights and swerve in front of cars?
Driving in Jersey has become a nightmare, also in part due to overpopulation, but largely because of cyclists. Cycling as slowly as possibly in the middle of the road, just to stop cars from overtaking, often in rush hour traffic, and members of the caesarean club and the like are among the worst.
I also don’t understand why cyclists insist on using St Aubin’s road or the hill with double white lines when there is a cycle track. It’s no wonder road rage is on the increase when cyclists behaving dangerously is on the increase.
Report abuse
Cyclist numbers in Australia are at record levels- wearing helmets has had no effect on numbers. Aussies see commonsense that you have to wear helmets- it’s huge pity that it’s not law in Jersey because it should be. It’s ridiculous that you cycle without helmets- maybe it’s because there is so much congestion on the roads now you can’t go very fast
Report abuse
I am a cyclist who cycles to work 4 days a week, even though I have a nice car that I could use, I choose to cycle as my journey time is far quicker than if I were to drive.
Therefore, it has been very interesting reading those comments where people are stating that Mr Moffa was not an innocent party in this incident.
Lets look at my commute this morning. I approached the traffic lights at Tropical Bistro which were at red. I stopped. There was no car in front of me and then a car appeared behind me. The lights turned to green and off I went down towards the church, then to my disbelief, half way down this short road a dark blue renault scenic passes me and leaves inches of space as they do so. I did not gesture or shout, but the passenger felt that he had to hang his head out the windw and shout at me “do you think you own the road”. All of this while not having a seat belt on as well I may add. Intersting, so I end up along side this car and ask what his probelem was, to which his reply was “why were you riding so close to us”. Fundamental flaw in his point due to the fact I was in front of him and the car which he was in overtook me.
He knew he was in the wrong, so he then had to resort to replying with some abusive comment as well as saying “I won’t forget you and I will get you”.
So all you people who think that if a driver resorts to trying to run a cyclist off the road or feel the need to shout etc, it must be the cyclists fault, think again.
One further point. I’m sure when these same people are behind horses, they don’t blast the horn or try to run them off the road!
I said above that my journey time is quicker, but unfortunatley there is usually a long line of traffic that I have to negotiate, which if it wasn’t there my journey time would be far quicker. It is not just drivers who are held up on their journeys by other road users, so everyone should be patient and respect other road users and maybe everyones journeys shall be a far happier one.
Report abuse
We can’t say what happened in the Moffa incident because we only have one side of the story. Your experience, although unfortunate and wholly horrific, is a separate matter and nothing to do with another episode that may or may not have occurred.
Report abuse
like most of the comments on here then trevor including yours.
Report abuse
Thanks. Fortunately, I haven’t really had any bad experiences as either a cyclist, motorcyclist or a car driver. That is partly down to luck and partly down to the fact that I don’t break the law and I treat other road users with courtesy and respect.
I do worry that the sizeable minority of cyclists that do break the law might lead to us all ending up with registration plates and insurance. Obviously, the present situation cannot continue.
Thank you again for your comment.
Report abuse
but the passenger felt that he had to hang his head out the windw and shout at me “do you think you own the road
Report abuse
Thilly thing that cyclists like to ride but motorists don’t like them bacause they get there first. It’th thilly that the motorists sit fuming in their cars while the bikes go through red lights- what harm does it do if no-ones in the way?
Report abuse
last night on my ride on queens rd etc i came a cross a large part of a tree in the Road which was lets say going to cause an accident (it was dark) as i approached this with great caution two cars decided to overtake at speed near missing my self and the tree and a car coming head on (no indication), did one stop to move this (NO).. i stopped hump my bike on to the pavement and dragged this large branch of tree out from the road whilst at least 5 to 6 other cars drove past, i only assume these car drivers didn’t give a dam about any sort of object or persons on the road or what was going to approach them head on when they had to avoid this tree branch ! is it that motto i’m all right jack !
Report abuse
nice one , glad to see that the public spirit is not dead.
i take my hat off to you.
to have the time of day for one another and lend a hand , far too much time spent trying to stuff money in to the pocket to make ends meet these days .
Report abuse
My auntie’s milkman’s cousin’s best friend from the pub rides a bike and he found a turnip in the road once. He put it in the basket on his bike because he’s all right jack indeed. He saw a few people driving cars and a bus driver not stop and pick it up. Even an ambulance with blue lights flashing didn’t stop.
He reported these people to the police and handed the turnip into lost property. A month later, he got a call saying that it hadn’t been claimed and that he could collect it. He had turnip soup that night, garnished with self-congratulatory sause.
Report abuse
I saw a thimble in the road once as I cycled along. It was an amazing sight. These car drivers don’t know what they’re missing.
Report abuse
I stopped the other day and picked up some debris in the road. Quite a few cyclists pedalled past it before I got out and cleared it. I can only assume that the cyclists didn’t give a dam about any sort of object or persons on the road or what was going to approach them head on when they had to avoid this tree branch ! is it that motto i’m all right jack !
Report abuse
I walk to work and have nearly been hit several times by cyclists, motorcyclists and car/lorry drivers going through red lights (especially at the bottom of Midvale Road). Also, many go round corners actually across the pavement half the time. You get the drivers (not always delivery guys either) that park on the pavement which leaves me no alternative but to step on the road to be able to continue my journey, no consideration for walkers, wheelchair users or mothers/fathers with prams. I, like many other pedestrians do not walk around plugged into an ipod etc, but am fully aware of my surroundings and rules of the road and still remember my green cross code when i need to cross the road (which is never on tv any more to remind children.. and adults alike). I think we should all generally take more care and look where we are going. Everyone is in a hurry these days, stop and think what you are doing and how it effects others. Consideration is the answer not agression and violence…
Report abuse
Lets keep everybody happy.
Lets put cycle lanes everywhere. Make the roads for cars a little bit narrower. (sorry 4×4 owners, this is Jersey, not the Sahara desert).
Why a cyclist would go on the pavement if he had his own designated cycle lane?
Cyclist was run over 3 weeks ago in Queens rd, He would have cycled on the pavement (free of pedestrian , of course), he would have been ok.
Good cyclists risk their lives everyday.
Drivers moan at cyclist when they burn a red light. Why is that? Are you scared that the push bike crushes your car to bits?
Who moan at pedestrians when they cross out of the Zebra crossing, or when the light is red?
Report abuse
Drivers complain whn cyclists run red lights because it is illegal and dangerous. It isn’t illegal for pedestrians to cross, even though many cyclists might not like that.
We don’t know what happened in Queen’s road or whose fault it was. No doubt the cyclist wouldn’t have been hurt if he had been hovering in the air above the traffic.
Report abuse
I agree with making more cycle lanes. The problem is, these people won’t use them.
Good cyclists don’t risk their lives, bad ones do, with running red lights, riding on pavements, cycling after dark without lights, riding up no entry roads and running pedestrian crossings, to name but a few.
We need cycle paths, a law to ensure that they are used, more policing of the road traffic laws and compulsory registration and insurance for cyclists.
Report abuse
There was a car accident the other day as well. It wouldn’t have happened if the car driver hadn’t been driving on the road.
Report abuse
I don’t particularly want the trauma of colliding with a cyclist who has gone through a red light. They don’t think of the effect that their actions may have on others.
Report abuse
while we are on the subject of inconsiderate road users, what about bus drivers?
Report abuse
AJ unfortunately some don’t give a damn about how their actions affect others. These are the sorts who would be up in arms if they were on the receiving end of the same sort of treatment from others.
Lack of consideration leads to confrontation, someone will end up with their lights punched out one of these days, and they will be wondering why.
Report abuse
The annoying thing about cyclists is not that they are able to slip through traffic jams, it is that they cause half of the traffic jams! I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve been sat in a slow moving traffic jam only to eventually find that the road ahead is completely clear except for a lone cyclist holding up the traffic.
But that doesn’t give other road users the right to assault them with impunity.
Report abuse
Cycle tracks aren’t for cycles to go on. They are for walkers, apparently.
I wondered why I keep seeing bikes holding up the traffic on St Brelade’s hill (double white line so cars can’t pass)- it’s because they are kindly leaving the cycle path clear for walkers to use.
Report abuse
not all bikes are suitable for the railway walk – “road bikes” (clues in the name if your still struggling!!)have very narrow tyres and delicate gears etc making them wholly unsuitable for muddy/gravel tracks etc.
Report abuse
Cycle tracks aren’t for cycles to go on. They are for walkers, apparently.
I wondered why I keep seeing bikes holding up the traffic on St Brelade’s hill (double white line so cars can’t pass)- it’s because they are kindly leaving the cycle path clear for walkers to use.
Many cycles are not suitable for riding on these cycle paths; their structure is so flimsy that they are barely strong enough for road use- the uneven surface of a cycle path would quickly lead to the reynold double-butted tube frame becoming bent like a banana and the bicycle wheels would go square.
Either the cycle tracks or the bikes themselves are not fit for purpose. I wonder which one is the case?
Report abuse
Quite surprising that these fragile bikes don’t use the cycle tracks. The roads are full of potholes and some of the newer cycle tracks are very well rolled and smooth.
Something doesn’t add up here- perhaps we should question why we keep spending money on cycle tracks which the self-styled lycra buffoons don’t use. Is it some kind of grovelling appeasement to two wheeled inadequates?
Report abuse
Why do some drivers get so incensed by being overtaken when they are gridlocked or travelling at walking pace in rush hour traffic? Why do these drivers feel it is justified to ‘push’ cyclists into oncoming traffic rather than suffer the indignation of being overtaken? At the speed vehicles travel in rush hour traffic, cyclist won’t hold anyone up. I see motorists and cyclists jump lights and overtake when they shouldn’t so I accept there is good and bad on both sides. Just can’t understand why a person would put the well being of another human being in danger because of being overtaken.
Report abuse
I like it when bikes overtake me in traffic. It’s really nice.
Report abuse
I am a reformed petrolhead who now cycles to work, as well as driving. Bikes are in fact permitted to overtake cars, especially when there are queues…but we obviously all need to use common sense. Please just keep in mind that I’ve got 2 very young children and I dont want them to grow up without their father! Also a plea – if we had more green lanes going all the way to town/cycletracks we could let kids cycle to school and halve the traffic overnight (I cycle down a green lane every day, its great).
Report abuse
Apparently the cycle tracks are not good enough for most bikes so there’s not much point putting any more in because they won’t get used-as is the case now really.
Report abuse
The more money you spend, the weaker the construction and the more limited the capabilities of the bike. You can look like a pedalling wally on one of these floppy two wheeled wire coathangers though and the other anoraks in the club will think that you’ve got a big one.
Report abuse
Pints and half pint pots…take a few rats put in a cardboard box..they meander around each other amiably…steadily keep adding more rats…they get fretful and aggressive,,,keep adding…they start eating each other………
Report abuse
I apologise in advance for the abrasiveness of some of my ‘humour’.
I cannot believe the arrogance of the cyclists on this thread.
These cyclists are a menace on the roads, and most of them are poor people or immigrants.
Car drivers are always responsible as can be seen by regular incidents, the most recent being:
http://www.thisisjersey.com/news/2012/02/01/teenagers-in-hospital-after-grouville-crash/
A particularly gratifying aspect of this (which should to silence all the conspiracy theorists on these pages), is it proves the good functioning of the economy and political systems that all 17 year olds can afford sports cars in which to be a credit to their responsible parents.
The above complainant, Mr. Moffa, should be arrested because he has admitted getting in the way of that van and for being small and not protected by iron cladding
-and without wanting to pre-judge the circumstances of the other incident; the 17 year old sports car driver must be commended for his valiant efforts to protect the safety of his passenger when that tree jumped out in front of them !
Young Boy? Old Boy? Oh Boy !
Sigh,
Ogley H
Report abuse
Oh, indeed. It’s a vicious “cycle”.
The wobbly antics of the lycra bearing “red light reluctants” frustrates us all.
The two-wheeled pavement fanatics who yet abhor the cycle paths. Pavement good- cycle path bad!
Those whose selective eyesight filters out no-entry signs and other inconvenient legal nasties.
The invisible roadsigns and pedestrian crossings.
Hugely grouping in primitive fashion so that no metal boxes can pass the herd on country lanes.
The carefree self-indulgence and hopeless self-righteousness.
Oh, for a small metal plate bearing a registration number and the thing called indemnity (compulsory insurance ofr cyclists to those with selective vision/understanding)
Report abuse
What an odd post. I sense that you are a very unhappy person.
There is a slight chance that you have a family connection with one of the recent car accident victims. If so please accept my unreserved apologies for any upset caused and my wishes for a quick and full recovery.
Far more likely it is just a predictable rant and spillage of bile from exactly the sort of person whom I was satirising, so thank you for rising to the bait “Mr. Jockstrapfetishist”
A few cyclists do carry insurance and many do if they are a member of the Cycle Touring Club or many other organisation that provides insurance automatically with the membership – most do not but nor do most pedestrians, dogs, children,horses…… and so on – these can all be involved in, or cause accidents so presumably you would also require these gropes to have insurance and be equipped with number plates.
Where will you stop?
I feel for your unhappiness and I want to help.
Next dry day, why don’t you try and find your helmet (if you have one!) and go for a bicycle ride. You will feel much better, the exercise will release endorphins and while you are enjoying yourself you will be firming up those flabby and lumpy bits. You are more likely to be capable of sex -not to mention more attractive, and you are even likely to live longer, provided you are not cut down by a fascist motorist.
Chill, enjoy life, it is precious.
Report abuse
I know that cyclists don’t have insurance but your assertion that those who “grope” should also need insurance is rather disturbing….
Your rather odd post, together with the rather silly earlier one, seems to be no more than a predictable “rant and spillage of bile” from exactly the sort of person whom some have been satirising, with some success it would seem. Thank you for rising to the bait
“Miss Wellillbesociallyinadequate”
Unfortunately, the kind of cyber hissy fit which you have displayed echos what we tend to see on the road from cyclists, which is why they need to be insured, registered and brought to book.
I’m not sure either about the claims which you make regarding an improved love life which comes from cycling. Apart from the fact that you would appear to have a preoccupation with that particular subject, various medical studies have shown that chronic pressure trauma makes the very opposite rather more likely. This seems entirely plausible when you see the effeminate appearance of some lycra clad cyclists, together with their fits of pique and propensity to take offence at the merest slight.
Report abuse
Sounds like you might be lacking something- to quote the terms used by you- fetish? gropes to have insurance? likely to be more capable of sex? What on earth is going on? How would you cope with a red traffic light- heaven forbid
Report abuse
If you want to help then the answer is simple. As a cyclist, obey the road traffic laws and consider other road users.
Take care.
Report abuse
The very perceptions alter when one acquires saddle. No entry signs assume an ambiguity which eludes motorists and other road users- you can ignore them on two wheels!
Red traffic lights become subject to a form of colour blindness; while on two wheels, red becomes green. Why has all the other traffic stopped, though? Would I get into the signals regiment if I ride a bike and therefore cannot tell red from green?
A pavement is a nice thing. Better than the road, it is an excellent cycle track. Riding on it is a good way of pretending that traffic lights don’t apply. Why do all these pedestrians keep getting in the way? Go and walk in the road!
Riding at night presents a further skill- infra red vision. Don’t need lights. Woe betide any motorist who doesn’t have special eyesight to spot unlit cycles!
Finally, the last skill of all. Something almost indefinable but yet very important. Self rightous disassociation with the road traffic laws. Regression to childhood helps. A tantrum when caught out. The play pen returns, this time on the public road.
Have nice day! PUTB x
Report abuse
Thee is kind with thine hubristic propaganda-imagine the joy, no less, of cycling and enjoying the fresh air and stopping to pause for a moment at the red traffic lights. Thine does one’s duty therein under the road traffic laws.
Imagine the joy of seeing a placard declaring “no entry” and resisting the temptation to ride up it! One conquers one’s compulsive demons. The joys, moreover, of seeing a pedestrian area without the overriding compulsion to ride over it.
Imagine the joy of earning the respect of one’s peers on the road- self congratulations will only ensue when the one astride a bicycle removes the oversized, habitually “french fry” on the shoulder. And so be it.
Report abuse
This morning I drove down past the hospital and stopped at the red lights going on to the avenue as I would be turning right, I was in the far right lane. A car in the far left stopped also as the lights were red. For some unknown reason the driver in the middle lane who was way behind us when we both stopped decided, NO, I AM NOT STOPPING, and drove straight through. If there was not a backlog of stopped traffic going along the avenue and someone had held back to wait for their green light then I dread to think of the carnage.
What happened to the so called police presence there. Pointless exercise if it is not followed up.
Report abuse
Ridiculous behaviour. At least he would have had a registration plate- cycles don’t.
Report abuse
Victoria Avenue (“the avenue”) doesn’t have any junction with any road running past the General Hospital (“the hospital”).
It follows that Victoria Avenue (“the avenue”) does not have any traffic lights which coincide with any road running past the General Hospital (“the hospital”).
Report abuse
There’s much prejudice and bile in all this: so why not try some enightenment – http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/public/cyclesafety/article3306950.ece.
Better still, follow the wise words of Mark Twain “Get a bicycle. You will not regret it. If you live.”
Report abuse
They hadn’t invented red traffic lights in Mark Twains time. Had this been the case, his wise words would surely have extended to urging cyclists not to ride through red lights, on pavement and against one way signage!
Report abuse
Hodgson, 53, was caught by a marked police BMW in Brighton, East Sussex, last September before he swore at officers and tried to cycle off twice.
Hodgson was fined £700 pounds and ordered to pay £215 pounds costs at Brighton Magistrates’ Court after being found guilty of ignoring a traffic light, cycling without lights, cycling on the pavement and failing to stop for police.
Inspector James Biggs, from Sussex Police road policing unit, said: “Our communities are regularly raising concerns about anti-social cycling.
“Cyclists are cycling on pavements, having no regard for red traffic lights and cycling without lights at night. This behaviour puts both the cyclists and other road users at risk.”
Report abuse
plenty of cyclists with that attitude in jersey. bring back cycle registration
Report abuse
What is wrong with you all. If you don’t like the way people are on the roads then walk or get a bus. Get over it.
Report abuse
What a lot of point scoring !
If anyone is keeping the score? perhaps this is the one that matters :
Cyclists : ZERO (in Jersey)
Motorists : well I’ve lost count, lets see:
-Man killed on St.Martins Main Road (sports car; victim landed 30m from impact)
-Girl (schoolgirl?) killed on lanes behind St.Mary’s Village
-Schoolboy killed on Route Orange (driver under influence)
……. must be many others I don’t know about,
All of these hit from behind, in daylight, and not within sight of one of those infamous red traffic lights.
I think the cyclist kill rate hovers around 1-2 per year (Jersey), and each one of those and each life changing injury is a tragedy touching many lives beyond the one extinguished.
There are many reasons why this island is so shiny (often in a plastic way) on the one hand and so putrid on the other.
A lot of people here are quite a long way up their own and other people’s exhausts.
Report abuse
This all looks a little silly and irrelevant, I am afraid. What we really need are registration plates and insurance on bikes. Helier Clement was spot on in tonight’s post. Cyclists should not be routinely breaking the road traffic law as is, sadly, so often the case.
If I were you, I would give up the cause. The more the matter is argued, the more the case for compulsory registration and insurance is rehearsed.
Report abuse
Reg. plates didn’t help the police catch that speeding motorbike on the Avenue the other day, did they?
If I were a cyclist forced to identify myself with a tiny number (that people probably wouldn’t be able to see from any worthwhile distance) I’d just reach around and put something over it to cover it up before doing something harmless but “You’re not supposed to do that!” and then uncover it again afterwards.
Report abuse
What a great idea!
Car drivers and motorcyclists (in particular) can do that as well. The idea that a cyclist will find ways to disregard a law comes as no surprise at all…..
But your innovative and imaginative idea doesn’t really get round the fact that cyclists need insurance, nor does it deal with the persistent running of red lights, riding on pavements etc.
Perhaps, rather than compulsory registration, we might see the law being enforced. Another good place to start might be compulsory cycling proficiency. Those found going through red lights etc would be ordered to attend courses, where they would be taught that the road traffic laws are there for cyclists to obey.
Report abuse
What speeding motorbike? Even if was speeding, the reason why his number was not taken was perhaps because he was going too fast. Cycles are different.
As for visibility of plates, cycles could be fitted with a flexible, high visibility plate of reasonable size. It could be fitted across the rear of the cycle with perhaps at least another one on the crossbar or downtube.
If, as would seem to be the case from the above, the public support is there, then the logistics of engineering the plates could be ironed out as the states assembly and the law drafting department discuss the matter.
Report abuse
I see Jonathan: tragic, and mostly avoidable, deaths and maimings of cyclists are “silly and irrelevant”.
Well, that says it all, you have convinced me !
And you wonder why I come out with statements like the last 2 lines of #88
I really do not understand some of the extreme views expressed on both sides
This thread in a way is a mirror to many things that are wrong in this island; from political representation to child protection failures to political control of the police force and the polarisation of opinion on every issue.
What happened to the centre ground in Jersey ?
Have a nice life.
‘Matty’ (Ogley-Hubris)
Report abuse
I agree. Cyclists (and it seems like the ever increasing majority) are amongst the most ignorant and dangerous of road users, I don’t know why (and an answer from a cyclist would be welcome) cyclists think that the laws of the road don’t apply to them, why is it ok for them to run red lights and swerve in front of cars? Up no entries, on pavements, no lights at night. I could go on.
Driving in Jersey has become a nightmare, also in part due to overpopulation, but largely because of cyclists. Cycling as slowly as possibly in the middle of the road, just to stop cars from overtaking, often in rush hour traffic, and members of the caesarean club and the like are amongst the worst. Self righteous.
I also don’t understand why cyclists insist on using St Aubin’s road or Gorey when there is a cycle track. It’s no wonder road rage is on the increase when cyclists behaving dangerously is on the increase.
Report abuse
It doesn’t really appear to be particularly relevant, I am afraid.
Report abuse
What we really need are registration plates and insurance on bikes. Helier Clement was correct in the article. Cyclists should not be routinely breaking the road traffic law as is, sadly, so often the case.
If I were you, I would stop arguing. The more the matter is argued, the more the case for compulsory registration and insurance is rehearsed and strenghthened. If you don’t want plates, try to exercise some psychological self control here then perhaps you might do the same thing when you come to a red traffic light.
Report abuse
Simple solutions:
a)Compulsory helmets.
b)Police to enforce the existing laws to stop cyclists breaking the law. Mike Bowron has made his police more visible, let them catch and fine a few cyclists and the rest will comply.
Registration and number plates will not work due to cost, and the fact that the only cyclists happy to register are the law-abiding ones anyway.
I’m a helmet-wearing, law-abiding cyclist who just wants to get to and from work as quickly and safely as possible. I get angry with other cyclists who jump red lights. Because when the lights turn green and i pull away, there is a queue of seething motorists up my chuff, and nowhere near the idiot 500m down the road. Don’t take it out on me!
Lets stop the childish playground attitude on both sides. Lets all obey the law and give the other side respect, and be prepared to face the consequences if you don’t.
PS Helier Clement- check the Highway Code about overtaking on one-way streets.
Report abuse
Well, that’s true. But, while the law abiding cyclists might be happy to register, the whole idea of compulsory registration and insurance is that those who don’t like the law would have to register as well and thus be held to account.
As a cyclist, I hope that it doesn’t happen. Whether it does or not depends upon whether a large minority of cyclists continue to take the p and spoil it for the rest of us. The thread has now come full circle and the message has to be for Mr Moffa and other self-styled spokespeople to finally take some responsibilty and to attempt to educate the errant cycling fraternity instead of bleating to the media as a disempowered victim.
Report abuse
Overtaking on the inside isn’t lawful.
Report abuse
It seems facile to say that regsitration wouldn’t work because of cost. The cost would be covered by the individual cyclist paying an annual fee.
Report abuse
Helier Clement was spot on.
Report abuse
Dave/Yan
Follow the link and look at question 13
http://www.justdriving.net/driving-theory-test-question-bank/rules-of-the-road.html
Its not illegal, you just have to be really careful. Slow moving or stationary traffic only is sensible.
Report abuse
Those websites are often inaccurate and speak of “rules of the road” without regard to the road traffic laws. Overtaking on the inside is not lawful.
Report abuse
I don’t really think that anyone particularly objects to cyclists coming up on the inside when we’re stationary in a queue at the traffic lights.
What is objectionable is the “holier than thou” attitude displayed by many cyclists- motorists don’t have to let them in, yet we often see a cyclist having a little tantrum or shouting rude and naughty words if someone doesn’t give way.
Very often as well, the overtaking on the inside, together with the usually unacknowledged assistance from the motorists, precedes the cyclist then proceeding straight through the red traffic light -(sometimes via the pavement)- the self righteous attitude causing an apparent oblivion not only to the law, but also to the danger which the given action poses to himself, to pedestrians and to any other road users going about their lawful business.
Report abuse