Letter of the week
Page 11
If you've noticed an error in this article please click here to report it so we can fix it.
We need more rules for cyclists
Another week in London and another cyclist is seriously injured in a collision with a lorry, along with a coroner predicting more similarly tragic events if segregation isn't possible.
As part of my Driver CPC, I attended a cycling awareness course. One of my fellow students for the day was none other than Sir Peter Hendy, the transport commissioner at Transport for London.
After a morning in the classroom and an afternoon on a bike, there was a CAA session with the cycling trainers. When the class was asked what could help to reduce accidents involving cyclists, there was a unanimous request that they should be banned from using headphones as it is distracting when on the road, and surely the
ability to hear is one of a cyclist's most valuable senses when it comes to awareness of their surroundings.
The trainers reply left most of us, including Sir Peter, speechless. It was felt by the cycling gurus that when a cyclist has headphones on, they are more likely to look around a lot, thereby making them more aware of what other vehicles are doing.
I occasionally ride a bicycle in central London and there is no way I would dare to ride wearing headphones.
Surely, implementing a few simple rules for cyclists will go some way to stop these tragic accidents, which are devastating for all involved. Name and address withheld by request