15th January 2014
Minister Endorses Responsible Pavement Cycling by Vulnerable Cyclists if Roads are Too Dangerous
The Cycling Campaign group Stop Killing Cyclists today welcomed the re-issuing of Ministerial Guidance on Pavement Cycling by the Minister for Cycling Robert Goodwill MP, in response to representations made by the campaign to the Minister for Transport.
The original Ministerial Guidance issued by Paul Boateng stated:
“The introduction of the fixed penalty is not aimed at responsible cyclists who sometimes feel obliged to use the pavement out of fear of the traffic, and who show consideration to other pavement users.
“Chief police officers, who are responsible for enforcement, acknowledge that many cyclists, particularly children and young people, are afraid to cycle on the road, sensitivity and careful use of police discretion is required.”
Stop Killing Cyclists believe this is exactly the right approach to take.
Cyclists should be fined for riding on the pavement if they are dangerous or in any way disrespectful to those on foot. Similarly, police should penalise red-light jumpers if they are irresponsible and put other road users at risk.
We have today called on the President of ACPO, Sir Hugh Orde to support the re-issued ministerial guidance in how they apply the law on pavement cycling.
The Metropolitan Police Operation Safeway as currently operated is in our opinion endangering lives as it forces responsible cyclists off empty pavements and back into the path of lethal HGVs.
Stop Killing Cyclists Spokesperson Donnachadh McCarthy stated
“Fining vulnerable cyclists for cycling responsibly on the pavement at extremely dangerous junctions like Vauxhall Cross, is a bedroom tax on two-wheels as there is no safe alternative for them to cycle on.”
We also object to its disproportionate targeting of cyclists, which has seen cyclists penalised at a rate 35 times higher than their comparable mileage and numbers deserves when compared to motorised vehicles.
A recent action by the police found over 70% of trucks to be in a dangerous condition.
The Metropolitan Police should be targeting substantial resources to reducing the number of illegally dangerous trucks on our streets to below 1%, instead of penalising cyclists disproportionately.
Stop Killing Cyclists is calling for an urgent meeting with the Metropolitan Police Commissioner to discuss policing of cyclists in the capital.
Ends.
Attachments:
- Letter from Minister for Cycling to Stop Killing Cyclists
- Letter from Stop Killing Cyclist to ACPO President Sir Hugh Orde
Note to editors:
Stop Killing Cyclists is the direct action protest group set up after the recent spate of cyclist killings in London. They arranged the mass Die-In at TfL HQ where 1,500 cyclists lay down in the road in protest at lack of safety investment in London.