‘Disobedient cyclists’ concern Shropshire roads campaigner
The co-ordinator of a Shropshire community bus service has said he is increasingly concerned about the behaviour of cyclists on the county's roads.
John Harrison, who runs the North Salop Wheelers, is calling on North Shropshire MP Owen Paterson to impose stricter guidelines for cyclists.
It comes after the government announced that it is to carry out an “urgent” review of laws covering reckless cycling after a spate of road incidents involving bikes, and in the wake of the sentencing of Charlie Alliston, 20, who knocked down and killed 44-year-old mother Kim Briggs while riding a bike with no front brake.
In a letter to Mr Paterson, Mr Harrison said: "The concerns about the misuse of our roads by cyclists have been going on for some months and the problem of disobedient cyclists is common all over not just in the capital.
"I myself was nearly knocked over recently whilst crossing a busy road in a major city.
"I was using an official crossing place on a green signal when a cyclist undertook a stationary bus and then jumped a red light to gain some minor advantage.
"However coming nearer home, recently there was a cycling road race along the B5065, near Wem.
"I did wonder at the time why cyclists were allowed to race on the public highway.
"At the time of the race there were temporary traffic lights at the end of my road which joins the B5065.
"Many of the cyclists drove straight though those lights without stopping at the red signal, but when I raised the issue with the police non-emergency service I received a less than encouraging response.
"There must be some process whereby the governing body of the cyclists seek permission to hold a road race and in future I have a serious objection to the granting of permission so to do on the grounds that the participants seem to think they are above the rules that govern the rest of us."
The government is currently carrying out a review which will consider whether dangerous driving laws that currently apply only to people in motorised vehicles should be extended to cyclists.
Jesse Norman, the transport minister, said other changes to make roads safer for cyclists and those around them will also be considered.
Earlier this month, Theresa May hinted that ministers were considering making changes to laws on cycling.
The Prime Minister told MPs it was important that “our legislation keeps up to date with developments that take place” and said the Department of Transport was “looking at” the issue.
