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Cyclist and bus crash near Oxford station
Paramedics were called this morning following a collision between a bus and a cyclist near Oxford railway station.
The accident happened in Park End Street at 8.20am and an ambulance crew is still at the scene, treating the male cyclist.
A spokesman for South Central Ambulance said: "We don't yet know the extent of the injuries."
It is understood that the damaged bike has now been removed from the road.
9:09am Monday 19th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Graham Paul Smith, oxford on 10:42am Mon 19 May 08
It is sad to read the news story and these first two responses. Given the unfair physical environment created by our Highway Engineers and Politicians; cyclists and buses are bound to be in conflict for the often ambiguous and frequently poorly maintained space they share. The pressures on drivers to meet timetables, the apparent deficiciencies in their training and driving operation of buses, and of course the 'stand back' approach of the police, means that drivers see no reason to wait for cyclists. They trust their 'size' and the 'public purpose' will prevail. The only way to achieve safety is for the bigger to give way, and to be aware of the need to give way, and if that sometimes means waiting a traffic light cycle (or two) so be it.
Graham
It is sad to read the news story and these first two responses. Given the unfair physical environment created by our Highway Engineers and Politicians; cyclists and buses are bound to be in conflict for the often ambiguous and frequently poorly maintained space they share. The pressures on drivers to meet timetables, the apparent deficiciencies in their training and driving operation of buses, and of course the 'stand back' approach of the police, means that drivers see no reason to wait for cyclists. They trust their 'size' and the 'public purpose' will prevail. The only way to achieve safety is for the bigger to give way, and to be aware of the need to give way, and if that sometimes means waiting a traffic light cycle (or two) so be it.
Graham
Posted by: Sara, Oxford on 10:53am Mon 19 May 08
[bold]bold[/bold] Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![bold]bold[/bold]
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
Posted by: James, Oxford on 11:20am Mon 19 May 08
First of all, I do hope that s/he makes a fully and swift recovery. It is a horrible thing to happen to anyone. However, I can't help but think, when will cyclists realise that they cannot have everything their way. They want to ride on the roads, yet do not follow the laws which govern road users. They jump red lights, mount the pavement, and weave in and out of traffic or even ride down the middle of the road. Not to mention the times I see people ride on the road when there is a cycle path for them. Why are cyclists so ignorant of the ways they risk their lives and just blame other road users. I understand that they are very vulnerable to the likes of buses, but no bus driver leaves home in the morning thinking, 'I think I will hit a cyclist today'. It does seem it sometimes, I admit, but I am sure they do not want to actually injure people. Cyclists seem to expect they get away with this and it needs to stop. They obviously do not value their lives and would rather try to get to where they are going one or two minutes faster over actually getting there at all.
Cyclist's ignorance is fuelling the 'road rage' they receive. Should they change the way they use the road, ride by the law and realise they are vulnerable they 'road rage' will reduce.
Having said all this, I am sure they cars/lorries/buses on the road need to make more allowances for cyclists. There is a vicious circle here, I wonder who will break it first...
First of all, I do hope that s/he makes a fully and swift recovery. It is a horrible thing to happen to anyone. However, I can't help but think, when will cyclists realise that they cannot have everything their way. They want to ride on the roads, yet do not follow the laws which govern road users. They jump red lights, mount the pavement, and weave in and out of traffic or even ride down the middle of the road. Not to mention the times I see people ride on the road when there is a cycle path for them. Why are cyclists so ignorant of the ways they risk their lives and just blame other road users. I understand that they are very vulnerable to the likes of buses, but no bus driver leaves home in the morning thinking, 'I think I will hit a cyclist today'. It does seem it sometimes, I admit, but I am sure they do not want to actually injure people. Cyclists seem to expect they get away with this and it needs to stop. They obviously do not value their lives and would rather try to get to where they are going one or two minutes faster over actually getting there at all.
Cyclist's ignorance is fuelling the 'road rage' they receive. Should they change the way they use the road, ride by the law and realise they are vulnerable they 'road rage' will reduce.
Having said all this, I am sure they cars/lorries/buses on the road need to make more allowances for cyclists. There is a vicious circle here, I wonder who will break it first...
Posted by: Leach Valley Yellow, Oxford on 11:45am Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Sara[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] What a spiteful, insensitive post. Why don't you just go to this cyclist's hospital bed and vent your bile in his face? While any sensible person would agree about red lights, you have NO IDEA what happened in this instance.
Sara wrote:
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
What a spiteful, insensitive post. Why don't you just go to this cyclist's hospital bed and vent your bile in his face? While any sensible person would agree about red lights, you have NO IDEA what happened in this instance.
Posted by: Bob Hoskins, Oxford on 11:54am Mon 19 May 08
Clearly the solution is for cyclists to break the law more often. Drivers always break the speed limit, jump amber/red lights, pass dangerously close to other car/cyclists/pedestr
ians, and play their stereos loud enough to disturb the peace of local residents. Not to mention parking on double yellow lines and blocking narrow roads, or parking on pavements blocking walkers, prams and wheelchairs, yet this is seen as completely acceptable by society. Therefore the logical answer is for cyclists and pedestrians to break the highway code as often as possible in order to achieve equality.
Hmm. Or perhaps not. Maybe we should accept that a minority of all road users will always be idiots, many will appear to drive inconsiderately because they aren't aware of what they're doing, and that some collisions are unavoidable but their consequences can be mitigated by advanced planning. And that attempting to apportion blame when you know sod all about what's happened is completely pointless. However, that's far too sensible so instead ignore this paragraph and get back to the flaming.
Clearly the solution is for cyclists to break the law more often. Drivers always break the speed limit, jump amber/red lights, pass dangerously close to other car/cyclists/pedestr
ians, and play their stereos loud enough to disturb the peace of local residents. Not to mention parking on double yellow lines and blocking narrow roads, or parking on pavements blocking walkers, prams and wheelchairs, yet this is seen as completely acceptable by society. Therefore the logical answer is for cyclists and pedestrians to break the highway code as often as possible in order to achieve equality.
Hmm. Or perhaps not. Maybe we should accept that a minority of all road users will always be idiots, many will appear to drive inconsiderately because they aren't aware of what they're doing, and that some collisions are unavoidable but their consequences can be mitigated by advanced planning. And that attempting to apportion blame when you know sod all about what's happened is completely pointless. However, that's far too sensible so instead ignore this paragraph and get back to the flaming.
Posted by: David, Oxford on 12:03pm Mon 19 May 08
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and [italic]none[/italic] of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and
none of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
Posted by: David, Oxford on 12:03pm Mon 19 May 08
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and [italic]none[/italic] of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and
none of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
Posted by: David, Oxford on 12:03pm Mon 19 May 08
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and [italic]none[/italic] of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
It would really help if people stopped treating the roads like a war in which they are duty bound to take sides.
We all need to look out for each other. No ifs, no buts, no "cyclists are evil", no "I hate lorries" - there is space for everyone and
none of us deserve to be injured on the road.
All responsible cyclists stop at red lights just like all responsible drivers observe the speed limit. In both cases, we only tend to notice the exceptions to the rule.
Posted by: Dave, witney on 12:03pm Mon 19 May 08
Is Graham Paul Smith a clairvoyant, how does he know it was the driver's fault. it seems a bit early to jump to conclusions, my experience would tell me that it is much more likely that the cyclist was in the wrong. Ignore all traffic signs and overtake on the inside.
Is Graham Paul Smith a clairvoyant, how does he know it was the driver's fault. it seems a bit early to jump to conclusions, my experience would tell me that it is much more likely that the cyclist was in the wrong. Ignore all traffic signs and overtake on the inside.
Posted by: Julie Black, Oxford on 12:16pm Mon 19 May 08
So I assume from the bitter e-mails above that these people witnessed the accident and know exactly what happened? I cycle everyday, I observe all road laws, I am constantly dodging pedestrains who ignore red lights, don't look and are generally stupid, and car drivers who just try and cut you up and turn-off without looking. No one group is better than any other, all road users should observe the laws of the road, then everybody would be safer.
So I assume from the bitter e-mails above that these people witnessed the accident and know exactly what happened? I cycle everyday, I observe all road laws, I am constantly dodging pedestrains who ignore red lights, don't look and are generally stupid, and car drivers who just try and cut you up and turn-off without looking. No one group is better than any other, all road users should observe the laws of the road, then everybody would be safer.
Posted by: erik, oxford on 12:55pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Sara[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] I agree, I almost hit a cyclist yesterday, having to serve to avoid them. I was travelling @ 20mph down a street, where was the cyclist? CYCLING TOWARDS ME WEAVING ACROSS THE ROAD guess which side of the road he was on?? MY SIDE. He then has the gall to rant at me for being in the wrong!
Sara wrote:
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
I agree, I almost hit a cyclist yesterday, having to serve to avoid them. I was travelling @ 20mph down a street, where was the cyclist? CYCLING TOWARDS ME WEAVING ACROSS THE ROAD guess which side of the road he was on?? MY SIDE. He then has the gall to rant at me for being in the wrong!
Posted by: Charlie, oxford on 1:00pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote]Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![/quote]
Because there are so many more cyclists on the road than cars aren't there... I hope you appreciate the now constant increase in fuel prices Sara, I know I will as I overtake you on my bike when you're stuck in traffic.
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
Because there are so many more cyclists on the road than cars aren't there... I hope you appreciate the now constant increase in fuel prices Sara, I know I will as I overtake you on my bike when you're stuck in traffic.
Posted by: Jack, Oxford on 1:07pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Sara[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] Yes cyclists, KNOW YOUR PLACE. Leave our citys streets to be dominated by oil powered vehicles!
Sara wrote:
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
Yes cyclists, KNOW YOUR PLACE. Leave our citys streets to be dominated by oil powered vehicles!
Posted by: concerned bus driver, oxford on 1:16pm Mon 19 May 08
well i would just like to say how exactly do you expect bus drivers to just stop if cyclists pull out infront of them.... yes i was there this morning in teh aftermath....
well i would just like to say how exactly do you expect bus drivers to just stop if cyclists pull out infront of them.... yes i was there this morning in teh aftermath....
Posted by: Matt, Oxford on 1:36pm Mon 19 May 08
It is a sad state of affairs when people feel the need to be so nasty when someone has been hurt in this way. The simple fact of the matter is that Oxford always has been and always will be a city of cyclists. Certainly, not all cyclists follow the rules of the road, but the vast majority do (and the same can be said for drivers too). The buses in Oxford often not only seem to have it in for cyclists, but also for pedestrians and other drivers too. I agree that we should all be a little more tolerant, lets face it, soon we will allbe on buses or bikes as we won't be able to afford petrol.
It is a sad state of affairs when people feel the need to be so nasty when someone has been hurt in this way. The simple fact of the matter is that Oxford always has been and always will be a city of cyclists. Certainly, not all cyclists follow the rules of the road, but the vast majority do (and the same can be said for drivers too). The buses in Oxford often not only seem to have it in for cyclists, but also for pedestrians and other drivers too. I agree that we should all be a little more tolerant, lets face it, soon we will allbe on buses or bikes as we won't be able to afford petrol.
Posted by: A witness, Park End Street on 2:06pm Mon 19 May 08
What is everyones problem?!
I know that not everyone on the road follows the law (incl cyclists, cars, buses etc) but I saw this accident and that is exactly what it was - [bold]AN ACCIDENT[/bold] .
I just hope that the poor guy hasn't suffered any major injuries.
What is everyones problem?!
I know that not everyone on the road follows the law (incl cyclists, cars, buses etc) but I saw this accident and that is exactly what it was -
AN ACCIDENT .
I just hope that the poor guy hasn't suffered any major injuries.
Posted by: Andy, Oxford on 2:07pm Mon 19 May 08
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.
Posted by: Stacey, Oxford on 2:44pm Mon 19 May 08
[bold]bold[/bold] Well.. I hope whoever got injured, it is not major injuries. Even though cyclists should the light is red, a cyclist always cycles past, and i dontobey the rules of the road, as m7uch as over road users do. Every morning when i cross at the traffic lights down the Botley Road, and think that is fair at all. It affects people walking aswell. Everyone needs to be careful.[bold]bold[/bold]
Well.. I hope whoever got injured, it is not major injuries. Even though cyclists should the light is red, a cyclist always cycles past, and i dontobey the rules of the road, as m7uch as over road users do. Every morning when i cross at the traffic lights down the Botley Road, and think that is fair at all. It affects people walking aswell. Everyone needs to be careful.
Posted by: mcflurryco on 4:18pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Andy[/bold] wrote:
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.[/quote] The bus driver should've realised what he'd done and not just drove off.
Andy wrote:
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.
The bus driver should've realised what he'd done and not just drove off.
Posted by: John, Blackbird Leys on 4:42pm Mon 19 May 08
Instead of jumping to conclusions as who ( if anybody ) was to blame. Wait for the offical version from TVP. Then you can have your say instead of falling foul of the libel laws. Whoever is innocent I hope he sues you all. Get a grip and a life!
Instead of jumping to conclusions as who ( if anybody ) was to blame. Wait for the offical version from TVP. Then you can have your say instead of falling foul of the libel laws. Whoever is innocent I hope he sues you all. Get a grip and a life!
Posted by: Mark, Oxford on 6:11pm Mon 19 May 08
In my short journey from Botley to Oxford station this morning I had to negotiate a car blocking my way on a yellow box, a van blocking my access to the cycle lane and a second car half pulled out across the cycle lane as I approached the station. I regularly have to run the gauntlet of a shared bus/cycle lane with a bus cruising on my tail only six feet feet away and I can guarantee that I will find more vehicles denying my the right of way along the cycle lane home as they too pull out and sit across my path.
It sure as hell feels like a war out there from the cyclists perspective, perhaps a little more consideration for the most vulnerable on our roads would be appropriate!
In my short journey from Botley to Oxford station this morning I had to negotiate a car blocking my way on a yellow box, a van blocking my access to the cycle lane and a second car half pulled out across the cycle lane as I approached the station. I regularly have to run the gauntlet of a shared bus/cycle lane with a bus cruising on my tail only six feet feet away and I can guarantee that I will find more vehicles denying my the right of way along the cycle lane home as they too pull out and sit across my path.
It sure as hell feels like a war out there from the cyclists perspective, perhaps a little more consideration for the most vulnerable on our roads would be appropriate!
Posted by: Neil, Oxford on 7:04pm Mon 19 May 08
What are the Police doing while the cyclists in Oxford flaunt the law and CONSTANTLY run red lights, Cycle on a ublic highway at night with No lights, etc.... If I was to do the same in my car I would be fined or even banned, so why dont the Police PULL THEIR FINGER OUT and stop the cyclists CONSTANTLY breaking the law!
I cycle in Oxford myself and drive, but I am amazed how many cyclists just dont seem to have ANY comprehension of the highway code, or even any common sense.
I, like most of the people who commented on this article, did NOT see this accident, so UNLIKE most, I will NOT comment on fault. I simply wish the cyclist a speedy recovery.
Hopefully the CCTV in the area and on the bus will get to the bottom of the incident.
PLEASE, PLEASE get some sense Oxford cyclists.
What are the Police doing while the cyclists in Oxford flaunt the law and CONSTANTLY run red lights, Cycle on a ublic highway at night with No lights, etc.... If I was to do the same in my car I would be fined or even banned, so why dont the Police PULL THEIR FINGER OUT and stop the cyclists CONSTANTLY breaking the law!
I cycle in Oxford myself and drive, but I am amazed how many cyclists just dont seem to have ANY comprehension of the highway code, or even any common sense.
I, like most of the people who commented on this article, did NOT see this accident, so UNLIKE most, I will NOT comment on fault. I simply wish the cyclist a speedy recovery.
Hopefully the CCTV in the area and on the bus will get to the bottom of the incident.
PLEASE, PLEASE get some sense Oxford cyclists.
Posted by: Mr Ison, - on 8:15pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]mcflurryco[/bold] wrote:
[quote][bold]Andy[/bold] wrote:
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.[/quote] The bus driver should\'ve realised what he\'d done and not just drove off. [/quote] So your a claims direct kind of person then?
mcflurryco wrote:
Andy wrote:
I have been the victim of a bus whilst cycling the idiot tried to overtake on the bend at Hythe Bridge St and Worcester Street. He drove off without realizing what he had done. He then was done for dangerous driving and banded from driving a bus for a while. And thankfully the Oxford Bus company settled out of court for which I received a tidy sum.
The bus driver should\'ve realised what he\'d done and not just drove off.
So your a claims direct kind of person then?
Posted by: booba, oxford on 8:29pm Mon 19 May 08
[quote][bold]Sara[/bold] wrote:
[bold]bold[/bold] Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!![bold]bold[/bold] [/quote] Under the circumstances what an ignorant and unpleasant comment to make. You should feel ashamed of yourself!
Sara wrote:
Cyclists need to stop taking over the road. They think they can do what they want. Well they CANT!!! When the light is red, STOP!!! Just because it is a red light doesnt mean to say that cyclists can still go through. It is not fair on other drivers. CYCLISTS STOP TAKING OVER THE ROAD!!!!!!!!
Under the circumstances what an ignorant and unpleasant comment to make. You should feel ashamed of yourself!
Posted by: may trinder, oxford on 9:18pm Mon 19 May 08
actully you was all rong i was there and i saw everything what happen the bus skipped the red light and hit the cycler
i hope the cycler is fine
[bold]bold[/bold]
[italic]italic[/italic]
actully you was all rong i was there and i saw everything what happen the bus skipped the red light and hit the cycler
i hope the cycler is fine
Posted by: Calidore, Jericho on 10:45pm Mon 19 May 08
If a driver breaks the law someone will die or get hospitalised. If a cyclist breaks the law he or she pretty much only endangers himself.
And it is true that cycle lanes are routinely obstructed by vans and buses, and also true that there are not enough cycle lanes, giving in some cases the folly similar to the Woodstock road having wider pavements than buslanes.
If a driver breaks the law someone will die or get hospitalised. If a cyclist breaks the law he or she pretty much only endangers himself.
And it is true that cycle lanes are routinely obstructed by vans and buses, and also true that there are not enough cycle lanes, giving in some cases the folly similar to the Woodstock road having wider pavements than buslanes.
Posted by: mcflurryco on 8:23am Tue 20 May 08
[quote][bold]may trinder[/bold] wrote:
actully you was all rong i was there and i saw everything what happen the bus skipped the red light and hit the cycler i hope the cycler is fine [bold]bold[/bold] [italic]italic[/italic] [/quote] So do I. The bus driver should lose his job and go to prison for going through the red light. What company was the bus?
may trinder wrote:
actully you was all rong i was there and i saw everything what happen the bus skipped the red light and hit the cycler i hope the cycler is fine
So do I. The bus driver should lose his job and go to prison for going through the red light. What company was the bus?
Posted by: Chris, Witney on 9:54am Tue 20 May 08
[quote][bold]Bob Hoskins[/bold] wrote:
Clearly the solution is for cyclists to break the law more often. Drivers always break the speed limit, jump amber/red lights, pass dangerously close to other car/cyclists/pedestr
ians, and play their stereos loud enough to disturb the peace of local residents. Not to mention parking on double yellow lines and blocking narrow roads, or parking on pavements blocking walkers, prams and wheelchairs, yet this is seen as completely acceptable by society. Therefore the logical answer is for cyclists and pedestrians to break the highway code as often as possible in order to achieve equality.
Hmm. Or perhaps not. Maybe we should accept that a minority of all road users will always be idiots, many will appear to drive inconsiderately because they aren't aware of what they're doing, and that some collisions are unavoidable but their consequences can be mitigated by advanced planning. And that attempting to apportion blame when you know sod all about what's happened is completely pointless. However, that's far too sensible so instead ignore this paragraph and get back to the flaming.[/quote] [bold]Regardless of who was at fault in this instance[/bold], unfortunately although cyclists do fall within the "minority of all road users" and thus your statement is correct in this sense, I can assure you it is the [bold]majority of cyclists[/bold] in Oxford who disobey the rules of the road in a dangerous manner. When a light goes red it means somebody else's light has gone green, and they are going to be driving through, potentially over the top of the cyclist running the red light! How is this simple concept so hard for the cyclists in question to grasp?!
Those who do cycle in a sensible manner need to accept the unfortunate truth behind their reputation - it is not the fault of the car drivers that this reputation has become established. The solution, rather than people going for each other's throats on here, is ENFORCEMENT. Those who do choose to disobey the rules should be caught and receive the relevant punishment. What's the point in these things being against the law if nobody is ever prosecuted or fined? The Police occasionally dish out tickets for a few hours in a lame attempt to send some kind of message, but the perpetrators know this is exactly how it works and that they can carry on with little risk of getting caught. I am sick and tired of having to avoid collision with vehicles of all kinds (not just cyclists) in Oxford whilst I myself am proceeding through a [bold]GREEN LIGHT[/bold]!!!
As for the comment somebody made about cyclists travelling down the middle of the road, it is much safer for them to pass lorries on the outside and many lorries now carry a sign telling them not to undertake. Car drivers should be prepared to give these cyclists room but the cyclists themselves should be aware when the oncoming vehicles are large or already have other cyclists on their inside, instead of leaving the driver slaloming between these and the oncoming cyclists, desperately trying not to hit any of them...
Bob Hoskins wrote:
Clearly the solution is for cyclists to break the law more often. Drivers always break the speed limit, jump amber/red lights, pass dangerously close to other car/cyclists/pedestr
ians, and play their stereos loud enough to disturb the peace of local residents. Not to mention parking on double yellow lines and blocking narrow roads, or parking on pavements blocking walkers, prams and wheelchairs, yet this is seen as completely acceptable by society. Therefore the logical answer is for cyclists and pedestrians to break the highway code as often as possible in order to achieve equality.
Hmm. Or perhaps not. Maybe we should accept that a minority of all road users will always be idiots, many will appear to drive inconsiderately because they aren't aware of what they're doing, and that some collisions are unavoidable but their consequences can be mitigated by advanced planning. And that attempting to apportion blame when you know sod all about what's happened is completely pointless. However, that's far too sensible so instead ignore this paragraph and get back to the flaming.
Regardless of who was at fault in this instance, unfortunately although cyclists do fall within the "minority of all road users" and thus your statement is correct in this sense, I can assure you it is the
majority of cyclists in Oxford who disobey the rules of the road in a dangerous manner. When a light goes red it means somebody else's light has gone green, and they are going to be driving through, potentially over the top of the cyclist running the red light! How is this simple concept so hard for the cyclists in question to grasp?!
Those who do cycle in a sensible manner need to accept the unfortunate truth behind their reputation - it is not the fault of the car drivers that this reputation has become established. The solution, rather than people going for each other's throats on here, is ENFORCEMENT. Those who do choose to disobey the rules should be caught and receive the relevant punishment. What's the point in these things being against the law if nobody is ever prosecuted or fined? The Police occasionally dish out tickets for a few hours in a lame attempt to send some kind of message, but the perpetrators know this is exactly how it works and that they can carry on with little risk of getting caught. I am sick and tired of having to avoid collision with vehicles of all kinds (not just cyclists) in Oxford whilst I myself am proceeding through a
GREEN LIGHT!!!
As for the comment somebody made about cyclists travelling down the middle of the road, it is much safer for them to pass lorries on the outside and many lorries now carry a sign telling them not to undertake. Car drivers should be prepared to give these cyclists room but the cyclists themselves should be aware when the oncoming vehicles are large or already have other cyclists on their inside, instead of leaving the driver slaloming between these and the oncoming cyclists, desperately trying not to hit any of them...
Posted by: Jane, oxford on 11:46am Tue 20 May 08
To Sara - I take it you don't cycle. If oxford had it's way there would be no Cars only Bikes and busses. the concern really is that 3 cyclists that I've heard of have been hit since the change of layout on Cowley road by a Bus. Cowely road for example has a picture of a bike in the middle of the road meaning that bikes have the right to cycle up the middle of it a lot of car drivers don't understand/or like this idea. BTwI do drive. I hope the cyclist is okay and the bus driver got a fine. More importantly I hope the cyclist was wearing a helmet as there are far too many people on the road that dont.
To Sara - I take it you don't cycle. If oxford had it's way there would be no Cars only Bikes and busses. the concern really is that 3 cyclists that I've heard of have been hit since the change of layout on Cowley road by a Bus. Cowely road for example has a picture of a bike in the middle of the road meaning that bikes have the right to cycle up the middle of it a lot of car drivers don't understand/or like this idea. BTwI do drive. I hope the cyclist is okay and the bus driver got a fine. More importantly I hope the cyclist was wearing a helmet as there are far too many people on the road that dont.
Posted by: car dodger, OXford on 2:38pm Tue 20 May 08
The comments about the cyclists are no more than what I have come to expect from the hate campaign from all these "bike spotters". Cyclists seem to be the last minority that can be targeted by such vicious and hateful comments and get away with it. All the articles and comments we read in the papers on a regular basis seem to me to incite hatred against cyclists. There is a minority of cyclists that are idiots but the same can be said of car users and pedestrians. So don't assume all cyclists break the law. Have a bit of independent thought. Just because the papers report on some reckless cyclist don't assume all cyclists are like that. I don't assume all car drivers are drunk just because I've read an article in the paper about a drink driver. I see more cars and pedestrians ignoring the traffic laws then I ever do of cyclists.
[bold]If people took as much time and effort to spot cyclists not breaking the law as they do the ones that do then there would be a lot fewer accidents involving cyclists![/bold]
The comments about the cyclists are no more than what I have come to expect from the hate campaign from all these "bike spotters". Cyclists seem to be the last minority that can be targeted by such vicious and hateful comments and get away with it. All the articles and comments we read in the papers on a regular basis seem to me to incite hatred against cyclists. There is a minority of cyclists that are idiots but the same can be said of car users and pedestrians. So don't assume all cyclists break the law. Have a bit of independent thought. Just because the papers report on some reckless cyclist don't assume all cyclists are like that. I don't assume all car drivers are drunk just because I've read an article in the paper about a drink driver. I see more cars and pedestrians ignoring the traffic laws then I ever do of cyclists.
If people took as much time and effort to spot cyclists not breaking the law as they do the ones that do then there would be a lot fewer accidents involving cyclists! Posted by: Nick, Oxford on 4:41pm Tue 20 May 08
Sad this happened, I hope the cylist is OK, which I gather he is.
Are people oblivious to the law-breaking of motorists? Mobile phones, speeding, crossing that solid white line next to the bus lane/cycle path, stopping on pavements, driving on cycle paths, stopping at the advance stop lines for cyclists, overtaking near crossings along with hundreds of plain breaches of the highway code (not giving cyclists 6 feet clearance etc.)
Cyclist crimes are in general an order of magnitude less serious than motoring crimes, so stop throwing your toys out of the pram and get a grip on reality. How many bus drivers have ever been killed by bad cyclists?
Sara: hang on in there, the waaambualnce is coming.
Sad this happened, I hope the cylist is OK, which I gather he is.
Are people oblivious to the law-breaking of motorists? Mobile phones, speeding, crossing that solid white line next to the bus lane/cycle path, stopping on pavements, driving on cycle paths, stopping at the advance stop lines for cyclists, overtaking near crossings along with hundreds of plain breaches of the highway code (not giving cyclists 6 feet clearance etc.)
Cyclist crimes are in general an order of magnitude less serious than motoring crimes, so stop throwing your toys out of the pram and get a grip on reality. How many bus drivers have ever been killed by bad cyclists?
Sara: hang on in there, the waaambualnce is coming.
Posted by: Tia Morgan, Oxford on 7:43pm Tue 20 May 08
I work on Park End Street near to where the accident happened yesterday. I see cyclists going through the red lights all day long. I'm not saying ALL cyclists do that but the majority of the ones I see do....
Does anyone know how the cyclist is? Not heard anything about his condition.
I work on Park End Street near to where the accident happened yesterday. I see cyclists going through the red lights all day long. I'm not saying ALL cyclists do that but the majority of the ones I see do....
Does anyone know how the cyclist is? Not heard anything about his condition.
Posted by: ERIK, - on 8:46pm Tue 20 May 08
[quote][bold]Jane[/bold] wrote:
To Sara - I take it you don\\\\\\\'t cycle. If oxford had it\\\\\\\'s way there would be no Cars only Bikes and busses. the concern really is that 3 cyclists that I\\\\\\\'ve heard of have been hit since the change of layout on Cowley road by a Bus. Cowely road for example has a picture of a bike in the middle of the road meaning that bikes have the right to cycle up the middle of it a lot of car drivers don\\\\\\\'t understand/or like this idea. BTwI do drive. I hope the cyclist is okay and the bus driver got a fine. More importantly I hope the cyclist was wearing a helmet as there are far too many people on the road that dont.[/quote] No no no Jane! that sign of a cycle on the road has no Legal standing in the highway code at all. It is merely another sign of councils obsession with covering our roads with pointless signs.
Jane wrote:
To Sara - I take it you don\\\\'t cycle. If oxford had it\\\\'s way there would be no Cars only Bikes and busses. the concern really is that 3 cyclists that I\\\\'ve heard of have been hit since the change of layout on Cowley road by a Bus. Cowely road for example has a picture of a bike in the middle of the road meaning that bikes have the right to cycle up the middle of it a lot of car drivers don\\\\'t understand/or like this idea. BTwI do drive. I hope the cyclist is okay and the bus driver got a fine. More importantly I hope the cyclist was wearing a helmet as there are far too many people on the road that dont.
No no no Jane! that sign of a cycle on the road has no Legal standing in the highway code at all. It is merely another sign of councils obsession with covering our roads with pointless signs.
Posted by: mcflurryco on 7:46am Wed 21 May 08
Cowley Rd is A dangerous place for cyclists thanks to the new layout.
Cowley Rd is A dangerous place for cyclists thanks to the new layout.
Posted by: rosalind, funky town on 7:32pm Wed 21 May 08
Will you please all just climb out of your behinds and get a life. What is the point of spending half your lives argueing about this accident, when it doesn't really concern any of you! All you should be worried about is whether the cyclist is all right, not trying to pass the blame onto someone else. :]
Will you please all just climb out of your behinds and get a life. What is the point of spending half your lives argueing about this accident, when it doesn't really concern any of you! All you should be worried about is whether the cyclist is all right, not trying to pass the blame onto someone else. :]
Posted by: hannah on 7:34pm Wed 21 May 08
^^^ Well said Rosalind! There should be more people like you in the world.
^^^ Well said Rosalind! There should be more people like you in the world.
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