Search found 516 matches

by John Holiday
26 Aug 2021, 5:56pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Feedback : 2 year old law junctions
Replies: 623
Views: 36163

Re: Highway Code revisions: Consultation complete and Government response published

The proposed changes are very commendable & long overdue.
The problem is, how will these requirements be imparted to the vast majority of drivers who passed their Test years ago, & haven’t looked at a Highway Code since?
by John Holiday
25 Aug 2021, 2:15pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Close Passes & road position
Replies: 35
Views: 1857

Close Passes & road position

There has been much discussion & comment about close passing by errant drivers.
Whilst riding & driving about, have been aware that many riders ride much too close to the kerb or road edge, & positively invite drivers to push past, rather than wait until safe to do so.
It is much safer to ride a metre or 1200 mm out, which makes you prominent and drivers have to conciously drive around you.
This also avoids all the debris,road gullies etc. which tends to accumulate at the roadside.
Obviously, if they do wait, give them a wave of thanks.
Have found this works quite well.
Will be interested to hear others thoughts.
by John Holiday
7 Aug 2021, 3:06pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Helmet life
Replies: 73
Views: 16700

Re: Helmet life

Well, some interesting responses.
The general consensus seems to be that one can largely ignore the advisory dates, providing that the helmet has been carefully looked after & not been in a collision.
Thanks for the replies.
Take care!
by John Holiday
2 Aug 2021, 5:09pm
Forum: Helmets & helmet discussion
Topic: Helmet life
Replies: 73
Views: 16700

Helmet life

Just been reading a discussion on the Bikeability forum about how long helmets should be used.
Apparently they have a life of only about three years & should then be scrapped as a result of UV degradation.
How many people actually throw their helmet away every three years?
by John Holiday
6 Apr 2021, 9:30am
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Local elections 2021
Replies: 97
Views: 8422

Re: Local elections 2021

Good idea. In North Wales, the existing PCC is retiring. Have been trying to find out Candidates attitude to Road Safety , having been told by current PCC that”Road Safety is not a North Wales Police priority “!!
by John Holiday
22 Feb 2021, 4:52pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’
Replies: 55
Views: 5107

Re: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’

Inappropriate speed is the major factor in most collisions.
I won’t call them ‘accidents’, as there is usually an element of negligence involved.
Remember being told this by Policemen in his Accident Investigation labelled van.
We have to get this over to drivers, who are totally isolated and insulated in their armoured boxes.
Welsh Assembly bringing in blanket 20mph speed limits in 2023.
by John Holiday
20 Feb 2021, 6:04pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’
Replies: 55
Views: 5107

Re: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’

Indeed, sadly missed.
We could certainly do with someone with his drive & determination!
by John Holiday
20 Feb 2021, 3:32pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’
Replies: 55
Views: 5107

Re: Less policing ‘causing rise in road deaths in England and Wales’

As a Community Speed Watch volunteer, am not surprised by this data. Bearing in mind the cost of a Serious Accident, it is surprising that more effort is not made on Traffic Policing. We were shocked to be told that “Road Safety is not a North Wales Police priority “!
by John Holiday
1 Feb 2021, 2:34pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: New tourer - 1x vs 3x
Replies: 85
Views: 4784

Re: New tourer - 1x vs 3x

Much interesting detail, but note your original comment on discounting Rohloff and belt.
Having had a Rohloff on my Raven for over twenty years, would be reluctant to use derailleur.
Remember a comment from colleague who said “I could have bought a Rohloff for all the replacement parts I’ve had over the years “!
They are not cheap, but quality and long lasting with minimal maintenance, unlike derailleur.
by John Holiday
4 Jan 2021, 4:28pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Two metre clearance
Replies: 21
Views: 2407

Re: Two metre clearance

True regarding Police presence.
Not sure that many drivers are sufficiently observant to recognise a helmet mounted camera.
Certainly true about caution when riding trikes or recumbents, as I know from riding my Newton trike & Windcheetah recumbent.
Safe cycling.
by John Holiday
3 Jan 2021, 4:01pm
Forum: On the road
Topic: Two metre clearance
Replies: 21
Views: 2407

Two metre clearance

Think that I may have discovered a way of persuading drivers to give riders plenty of clearance- tow a trailer!
Was out this afternoon litter picking on local Sustrans routes , but had to ride down busy roads to get there. Almost without exception was given plenty of clearance & some inquisitive looks. Only exception the impatient idiot in an Audi and another in a Seven Series BMW! How dare I delay them for a few seconds!
by John Holiday
31 Dec 2020, 2:29pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Benefits of painted cycle lanes?
Replies: 50
Views: 5230

Re: Benefits of painted cycle lanes?

Unfortunately, painted lines never saved anyone, & are only applied by Highways Authorities personnel who don’t ride& only think of motor vehicles.
The best idea is the “armadillos” spaced at about five metre intervals. Give drivers a nasty jolt if they encroach!
by John Holiday
22 Nov 2020, 5:06pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: Road safety weak/week
Replies: 18
Views: 1470

Re: Road safety weak/week

Our local Community Speed Watch team have been busy in North East Wales this week in support of Brake Road Safety week.
Logged our usual mass of inconsiderate drivers exceeding the limits, although as the number recorded is diminishing slightly, perhaps they are getting the message.
However, without enforcement & penalties, I fear nothing much will change.
by John Holiday
21 Nov 2020, 3:54pm
Forum: Bikes & Bits – Technical section
Topic: Unidentifiable tandem rear wheel motor
Replies: 8
Views: 576

Re: Unidentifiable tandem rear wheel motor

I had the battery of my five year old Emu rebuilt by north London firm. Very pleased with it. Look up
On Google.
by John Holiday
16 Nov 2020, 4:05pm
Forum: Campaigning & Public Policy
Topic: What can i do as an individual?
Replies: 25
Views: 2014

Re: What can i do as an individual?

Agree that Lycra clad image is not conducive to encouraging greater take up.
All the photos one sees of riders in Netherlands etc. are all in everyday clothes & no helmets.