VERY IMPORTANT POLICE NOTICE - EVERYONE PLEASE READ

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

[quote="Marky Mark"]TWAT

[nick de meyer]

Surrey Police go after inconsiderate cyclists

Surrey Police are targeting inconsiderate cyclists in the Box Hill area as the roads become ever more popular for riding.

In the last two days the Police have been handing out leaflets to cyclists that read:

CARELESS & INCONSIDERATE RIDING: If a person rides a cycle, on a road, without due care and attention, or without reasonable consideration for other persons using the road, is guilty of an offence. [sic] £1,000 FINE

A Police spokesperson said that this action was taken due to "quite a lot of anti-social cycling in the area." When asked to confirm what anti-social cycling was they said it applied to those who were riding more than two abreast, or in big groups, and causing cars to slow down.

Rule 66 of the Highway Code states: never ride more than two abreast, and ride in single file on narrow or busy roads and when riding round bends.

Cycling in groups is not restricted in any way.

The move comes months after PS Simon Cox, Mole Valley Sergeant, contacted several cycling and triathlon clubs in the South East warning them of anti-social and inconsiderate riding.

Part of the letter sent to the clubs reads; 'We have also had increased reports ..... about groups of cyclists blocking roads by cycling in "pelotons". In addition, we have had complaints regarding the inappropriate speed of some cyclists in the narrow and winding lanes around the Surrey Hills.'

It goes on to say that there has been one very serious collision near Box Hill involving a cyclist. Nowhere does it say that any cyclists have committed an offence.

The letter closes by saying; 'Please could I ask you to ensure that your club riders are aware of the complaints we are receiving, to ensure that they do not become subject to complaints themselves.'

Cycling Weekly will be investigating this further over the coming weeks.

surrey police, cycling

[Phil H]

I have seen that too: [url]http://www.cyclingweekly.co.uk/news/latest/530140/surrey-police-go-after-inconsiderate-cyclists.html[/url]

The problem is that the police are now mandated to address issues brought up by "concerned citizens". More "concerned citizens" are complaining about being held up by bikes than about being intimidated or endangered by cars. The police have to be seen to be doing something.

Saying that, some of the standards of riding you see on sportives is fairly dreadful.

[nick de meyer]

its quite a lot for a fine, i never carry that much on me when i'm cycling, that would be a lot of cake and tea, even if i bought everyone at the cafe breakfast!!!! would be interesting to know if this was heightened after the 14th august and t

[nick de meyer]

& 4th sept, i don't remember seeing cyclists more than 2 abreast up boxhill apart from the test event

[Phil H]

Nick, I don't know if you've spotted the inspector's reply on the CW site:

[quote]September 16 15:19
Inspector Terri Poulton

Hello, I am the local Neighbourhood Inspector for the Mole Valley area and thought it would be a good idea to touch base with you all about this.

I would like to apologise about the wording of the attached card which was produced by a local officer who genuinely thought it would be helpful. We live and learn!

Whilst I support the message about road safety - this extends to all road users; I have been very clear through the Cycle and Drive SMART initiatives in the local area that we want to support everyone in enjoying our area – cyclists, drivers and pedestrians. You can hear me speak about Cycle SMART at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhBgVst2944

An increase in cyclists is putting more pressure on the local roads network but I want to focus my efforts on targeting the minority of poor drivers and cyclists. I hope this message is received as intended - an apology for the blunt, inappropriate card - but also a plea for understanding. Safety and tolerance is the key message and, above all, we want everyone to enjoy our beautiful area.

[Jon C C on a Bianchi]

it's simple really. we must complain to the police if we experience dangerous/reckless driving. simples.

[the other Steve Dennis]

Ok so I am in the US but had a recent interaction with both police and a driver.

I was riding on a mountain bike with my daughter in her ibert.
A driver passed us with plenty of room but heavy on the horn.
I may have gestured in despair but not vulgarity.
He was stopped ahead of us by a red light, threw his car door open and came rushing at us shouting and waving.
Bike should not be on the road, I'm gonna kill my daughter, what kind of parent am I blah blah
My daughter was upset and hysterical and I was shaking.
I photographed the back of the car as he walked away, took a few minutes to talk to Molly and then spotted a patrol car.
Dragged the officer out of the diner (lol). Surprisingly he was more than helpful and told me that we were victims of assault.
Filed a report.
I made great efforts to not later post the car info on the local bike blogs.
Received a call yesterday from a detective - did I want to press charges?
Well no. Maybe I should but I figure the hassles for us all and a small fine if anything ain't gonna change his behaviour may even antagonise him against other cyclists.
But the detective said it will be a formal report on against the driver and he would go and pay him a visit and explain the seriousness of his actions.
Consider wrist slapped.

Basically though - I wondered at the time, is this worth reporting, would the police care (in NYC - No)?
Hell yeah it's worth reporting.
It creates statistical evidence.
And a slapped wrist or wake up call may be all some need.

At the same time we should also take precautions to act as we wish to be treated.

And if someone waits, leaves enough room - show your appreciation.

Hope the Surrey Lanes don't turn into midtown Manhattan.

[quote="the other Steve Dennis"]

And if someone waits, leaves enough room - show your appreciation..