Menaces on two wheels require urgent action

From: James Colin Smith, Beech View, Fryston Lane, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire.

I AM writing about bicycle riders as I think it is time something was done about their control.

Day after day, motorists have to put up with people riding bikes who don’t signal, ignore traffic lights, ride four abreast, jump off the pavement on to the road and back again, play stupid games such as follow your leader and chicken, endangering their lives and others. A large majority have no lights, bells, or competent brakes. Can I suggest the following be implemented as soon as possible?

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All bike users should pay a road fund, even if it is only a fiver.

Bikes should be subject to an MOT, as are other vehicles. They should have competent brakes, lights and bells on their bicycles.

Cyclists should be made to pass a test to prove that they 
are competent to ride on the 
road and have a certificate to prove it.

Cyclists should be aware of the Highway Code and act accordingly.

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Breaches of the rules should result in a fine and a ban. It is time that they were treated the same as other road users.

From: Allan Davies, Heathfield Court, Grimsby, NE Lincs.

YOU report a case of a motorcyclist (Yorkshire Post, May 4) who had been “clocked” at 122mph. At that speed his stopping distance would be about 866 feet (assuming data in the Highway Code). Moreover he would require a distance of 686 feet before his speed fell to the legal limit of 60 mph.

We need a major effort to educate road-users about the shape of the braking curve i.e. the way in which speed falls as braking takes place; and the relationship between impact speed in a vehicle-pedestrian collision and the risk of a fatality.

If some road safety expert can put all of this more clearly (and correct any errors) I’d be only too pleased.