Cycling UK Forum

Product placement ? - anythng is better than that awful red eyed devil - gave me a start each time it appeared.

I've just been arguing and squabbling again - could do with a drink right now

Diane - I dont know why I am dignifying your last post with a responce at all -

We have not been 'argueing and squabbling' as you put it as you would have seen if you had read our posts or followed the discussion.

And, at least we have the guts to discuss and listen to the opinion of others and we are courteous enough to accept that they may have views just as valid as our own. We are also polite enough to speak to each other as adults.

R2 - your spelling is worse than mine - or wos this esturry

TC - the second meaning of lobbying corruption for the little people - business for the likes of Tesco -
just about sums up the current state of democracy

TC - it is the market when they stick to selling things but when they move into dictating to polititions - local and national - as the programme showed its undermining any remaining remnants we have of democracy.

I know its not just Tesco.
Businesses and Banks run the world.
They are out to make money - now, with little regard for the future of the planet or any body in it.
Capitalism is the driving force in global warming.

back to the topic - just by chance I saw an add for bikes - Pashley - in next weeks Radio Times. Not quite on the telly but its a start.

Did anyone see the prog on tely last night -

We will soon all be living in the Republic of Tesco

The power big companies have is frightening - they call it democracy

Diane - if you read the opener for this thread you will see that I have already approached the County Council in writing - this is again repeated in answer to your posting on page 4.

The topic was - and still is - to copy the admirable system in place in Belgium and Holland - which is - when there is major road as alternative - allocates minor roads to cyclists, pedestrians, and vehicles at low speed for access only.


The growing use of Sat Nav systems is putting more traffic on these small roads in England - most of which are deristrictd.

Road toll fees for congested (major) roads is likely to make this worse as drivers look for cheaper or free alternative routes.

These are the main issues - for the future

'I knew they would all squable and argue'

I would also like to know who you are refering to.

As far as I was aware the message board is a place to discuss - and argue-

So far most of us seemed to be in general agreement and were having a perfectly civilised discussion.

I would also be interested to know why - if you have already received a reply from your Euro MP regarding running lights informing you that the EU had no power to create law in any EU country and only brought in directives which are only ignored - (something which I had already alluded to) you brought up the red herring of Emailing your Euro MP regarding this thread.

This thread were only 'resurected' because of the newer and often parallel concepts in the road pricing policy thread.
It might be helpful to the flow of discussion if the often very sensible and knowledgeable members postings were taken into consideration.

Its one of those obsolete theoretical concepts

Diane - I am sure that members are quite well aware of the various ways that they can comunicate with their elected representatives.

I fail to see how it is different for us to write to our MP than it is for you to email your Euro MP.
The amount of mail that they get must be even greater.

The point of issue was not that the elected representatives had not done anything about the state of roads but that they are powerless to do so, and that there is a lack of political will at government level to upset the enormous car driving lobby.

TC - I completely agree about the state of democracy.

I am sure that there will never be a speed limit of 10mph on C or D roads - which is just as well as we would all be done for speeding on our bikes

Diane Bulley wrote:I have now sent the following email to my Euro-MP (who wants my vote)- There is considerable concern among some tax-paying members of The Cyclists' Touring Club about traffic using C and D class roads as short cuts, to avoid possible road pricing, and by following electronic navigation systems. These are often heavy lorries on single track roads. Cyclists have to get off their bikes and jump onto the grass verge to avoid being run down. The 2 way system in this country is quite adequate for these large vehicles, and speeding cars. Could you tell me please, is there any legislation in progress to designate all C and D class single track roads in this country as 10 m.p.h. speed limit, so that registration numbers can be taken, and reports made to the appropriate authority in cases of abuse ? It is Government Policy to encourage more people to ride bicycles, and these single track roads are the ideal place in any locality; particularly for families with young children. But public concern over accidents is still a major deterrent to the enjoyment of this healthy sport; and some action is needed to force these lorry drivers to stay on main roads.

I shall be very interested to hear if the EU has any plans for our C and D roads.

This was with Nationwide - I'm just hoping that they are efficient and its sorted out quickly. Ill try letting them know when I plan to be out of the country - not sure I'll risk using my new card (when I get it) for internet purchases.
It was interesting that it invariably happens just days after purchases.

Thanks for all the helpful advice.

Diane - you may have noticed that in my original posting I said that I had writen on several occasions to my local MP and to the County Council - with no response other than a polite and evasive letter in return.

I did 'complain to the right people in the right way' as you put it before bringing to the attention of CTC members on this forum of yet another advantage cyclists have in other European countries - and of what seemed a sensible and inexpensive system that has proved to work in Belgium and Holland to my knowledge.

You are very fortunate if the Police in your area are so vigilant.

In this area the current speed limits on B & A roads are rarely enforced so I see little hope of getting;
a) speed limits of 10mph in place for C & D roads
or
b) these speed limits enforced over hundreds if not thousands of rural roads

If only it were so easy as writing to our Euro MP -I fear that legislation in Brussels does not at present extend to our rural roads.
The legislation they have put in place regarding carrying bikes on trains for free by 2012 has been watered down for England as to be only a recomendation.

I dont think it is a case of 'everyone complaining to the forum'
it is a place to share ideas, argue, and discuss 'problems'.

The original posting was on the old message board some months ago - you do not know that nobody has taken it further.

Rickangus - have you looked at the thread about 'cycling after a heart attack' - I think several people mentioned betablockers - but the only accurate information for your circumstance is from your Doctor.

Julk - I contacted my CC company imediately I saw the fraudulent purchases and have cancelled the card - am now waiting for the forms from the fraud section to fill in to claim back the money.

You are right about checking each day - it was about two weeks since I had loged on. But I only use the card for the odd thing - sometimes I go a couple of months without using it - and had never before thought of checking it each day.

The problem is that it as almost impossible to live without cards of some sort - credit or debit - especially if like me you live in the middle of nowhere. It is 50 miles to the nearest City and it is the only way to purchase some things.

What worries me now is when on I'm on holiday I wont be able to check for up to four weeks.