Active discussions

Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Talk
AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

AIBU to think drivers should do a cycle test before being allowed to drive?

177 replies

bicuriousgeorge · 02/02/2014 14:07

Sorry thread about a thread but there are good and bad cyclists and good and bad drivers.
Unfortunately bad drivers are likely to do far more damage than bad cyclists.

OP posts:
LessMissAbs · 03/02/2014 16:31

I do think the premise in the thread title is correct, but I think the driving test should be more detailed and cover motorway driving as well. It is astonishing how many people out there think the speed limit on all dual carriageways is 60mph and who don't know to join a motorway at the speed of the traffic on it. Or basic things like not overtaking approaching a junction or on a slip road.

I suspect the average cyclist is more road aware than the average driver, simply because the risks are higher, and introducing a compulsory cycle component stage of the test would improve skills all round.

I think though the trend in the UK is to lose physical functionality, so that things which used to be considered normal, such as cycling, become some kind of battleground, because so many people simply don't take exercise or like moving very much, and the thought of doing so is so alien to them they almost need smelling salts to contemplate it.

BoneyBackJefferson · 03/02/2014 18:06

Pan
"BBJ , you post as if all things were equal,regarding accident causing and damage done, which is patently untrue."

I post as someone who doesn't want to kill someone through there fault or mine, As a driver I have done AD, snow, skid pan and awareness training, (I know that many don't), what I have no control over is other users on the road and that includes cyclists.

I also have a motorbike licence (CBT and upwards) and used to commute to work on my bike.

I believe that the thread title is correct but I also believe that you can't just target one section of road users.

Original poster
bicuriousgeorge · 03/02/2014 18:41

Lesmisabs

I wholeheartedly agree with your comments regarding people finding the concept of having to cycle so alien.

The only arguments against my OP seem to be;

  1. I shouldn't be penalised for others bad driving - which shows people don't understand it would be enlightening for ALL whether they are considerate drivers or not.
  1. It would cost too much - There are already schemes available for free cycle training and bike hire so the cost would be minimal.
  1. I just don't want to - well no answer for that argument
  1. What about people unable to ride a bike? - as many have stated there would be exemptions.

I cannot believe that people have used these types of excuses for not wanting it introduced when it could not just save lives but perhaps create a little more harmony on the road.

OP posts:
Original poster
bicuriousgeorge · 03/02/2014 18:44

Even if cyclist didn't take a test (which I think they should through national school schemes) If 80% of cyclist are also drivers by default most cyclist would pass a cycle test with this idea.

OP posts:
Pan · 03/02/2014 18:48

Evening BBJ!

Big points to you for those extras you've done. Seriously.
fwiw, I ride a bike. Today it was a total of 2hrs 20 mins commute. (Normally it's about 2 hrs daily but I had to detour to another office, and in the dark, wind, rain etc) I can also ride a horse, pretty well, used to have a 550cc Suzuki (til it was nicked, as they all seem to be eventually) and ski. I also drive. I think I'm pretty savvy and experienced about road craft (and piste craft!).

The note about things being unequal stands, but you seem to wish to utterly avoid, as if the incidents of harm are equally manifest and suffered equally. Which is just poppycock.

"Targetting" the vast vast majority of road users who drive lethal machines isn't unreasonable nor being vindictive. It's using resources to focus on where most damage is caused. And that seems to be too analytical, and challenging for most car drivers to accept, as it seems to offend against their 'right to drive' in the manner they do. In my 100s of miles per month on a bike it's screamingly clear that a lot of drivers have nooo idea about the demands and requirements of bike riding, and fail to see how risky drivers are, and can appear to be. It's an educative process they often (like on this thread) resist.

diaimchlo · 03/02/2014 19:03

Pan

There are many incompetent drivers out there, I have not said any different. But at least if they put a deep scratch in the side of my car whilst sat at traffic lights, I would be able to make a note of the registration and report, but the cyclist that did it peddled away like mad round the corner, so who was left with the bill?????

I am not against cycling and am very aware of the hazards they encounter and drive accordingly. What I hate is when they have young children in seats on the bike and a trailer behind carrying 1 or 2 little ones, I encounter this every morning in all weathers.... IMHO this is putting the children at high risk....

NanooCov · 03/02/2014 19:08

YABU. I am learning to drive and my instructor (BSM) is constantly reminding me about cycle awareness. The Highway Code and the other learning materials prominently feature cycle awareness. I think that's more than enough. Plus I struggle to ride a bike due to an inner ear balance issue so it wouldn't be fair. I'd be interested in a cycling proficiency test for cycling road users though.....

BoneyBackJefferson · 03/02/2014 19:09

Hi Pan

I don't disagree, I believe that any form of training that improves the safety of the roads is a good thing.
I am currently trying to organise a corporate training day for skid pan training. Having seen how some of my colleagues drive they need all the help they can get (from overpowered to underpowered vehicles).

I am also trying to get something like this lot in for the cyclists, not necessarily down to road safety but for bike maintenance.

Addressing your point about unequal harm etc. I don't think that they are equal, I know full well that cars cause more damage and more accidents etc.
Should more money go to training/making drivers more aware? Yes it should it makes sense.
Should some money go to training/making cyclists more aware? yes it should.

As far as I can tell the only thing we really disagree on is how much money should be spent.

LessMissAbs · 03/02/2014 19:10

Diamichlo I am not against cycling and am very aware of the hazards they encounter and drive accordingly. What I hate is when they have young children in seats on the bike and a trailer behind carrying 1 or 2 little ones, I encounter this every morning in all weathers.... IMHO this is putting the children at high risk....

You do realise this is what the Dutch do, without any fuss, ill effects or hysteria? It might not be your choice, but it doesn't actually hurt children, and is rather a nice way of getting them to school. Just because it isn't your experience, doesn't mean its horrendous.

The other thing that being more physically active does is that it toughens you up a bit...

Original poster
bicuriousgeorge · 03/02/2014 19:12

"I encounter this every morning in all weathers.... IMHO this is putting the children at high risk...."

I would have thought allowing children to be pedestrians would be equally as dangerous but I don't hear anyone complaining about that.

I think children being strapped into vehicles driving on country road at legal speeds would also put them at risk.

OP posts:
candycoatedwaterdrops · 03/02/2014 19:21

I'm quite amused at the thought of a simulator bike being the same as actually riding a bike in real road conditions. Can I learn to drive using a simulator as well?

Pan · 03/02/2014 19:25

oh sure, re resources being directed is an issue. And I don't argue against insurance for bikists at all. I'd think the BIG issue there is enforcement. I don't have insurance to ride, but I know that, for me, I'll never need it.

Taking children on trialers/seats shouldn't be a problem at all. Drivers just need to recognise those riders and allow for them, much in the same way you would for a bus or a tractor etc. Overtake when it is safe to do so.

This morning I had a car try to 'undertake' me on a right hand bend. She actually tried to shove me into the middle of the road by trying to squeeze her car in a 4 feet gap between me and the kerb. Utter lunacy. I mention that as a real-life explanation as to why riders prefer to dominate a lane until it's safe to not do so. There are some feckers out there who will trade your safety for a 10 second advantage. Male and female, young or old.

BoneyBackJefferson · 03/02/2014 19:27

Hear you are Candy

BoneyBackJefferson · 03/02/2014 19:28

*Here (D'oh)

candycoatedwaterdrops · 03/02/2014 19:29

Also, can I pass my driving test (like the bike part of the test) using a simulator please?

AmIHumanYet · 03/02/2014 19:45

Hi disgruntled drivers, how many cyclists put you in danger or scared you today? I don't think I can even count the number of cars on a certain road that overtook me today with a tiny gap, made my bike wobble and/or forced me to be scraped by the hedge

VivaLeBeaver · 03/02/2014 19:58

Well I'm a Lycra clad cyclist. I maybe do look like a twat but I reckon commuting 17 miles a day on a bike might be a tad uncomfy in jeans or a skirt.

I also have a high vis jacket, reflective strips on trousers, multiple bike lights, a helmet, high vis gloves, cycle insurance and passed a cycle test 30 years ago. Oh and I do pay road tax as I also have a car.

Happy?

JaquelineHyde · 03/02/2014 20:37

WOW! Reading this thread I have come to the conclusion that none of you should be allowed on the road.

You all clearly think that you are far superior to anyone else, no one is listening to anyone, and now the childish insults and point scoring has started.

If even a tiny part of this attitude creeps in when you are driving or riding then you are a danger to yourself and other road users.

pixiepotter · 03/02/2014 20:41

I think cyclists should do a cycling tests before cycling on the road.Fucktards!

Original poster
bicuriousgeorge · 03/02/2014 20:47

Have you read the thread Pixie?

As most cyclists are also drivers they would of course do the test.

I would also like to point out I find the word "fucktards" really offensive.

OP posts:
Pan · 03/02/2014 22:20

pixie I'm afraid you qualify as a twat - no matter what form of transport you use. You'll still exhibit the required characteristic.

EBearhug · 03/02/2014 22:44

Well I'm a Lycra clad cyclist. I maybe do look like a twat but I reckon commuting 17 miles a day on a bike might be a tad uncomfy in jeans or a skirt.

Depends what you're used to. I used to tuck my skirt into my knickers (classy) and cycle to work. Didn't cycle in jeans much, but cycled 60 miles or a few times in cotton shorts or trousers. (Lycra was only just being introduced back then, so didn't have any.)

Pan · 03/02/2014 23:04

Another lycra clad bikist! Keeps you warm and doesn't absorb the rain.

It's like querying why miners wear those funny little lamps on their heads.

MidniteScribbler · 04/02/2014 06:01

I find it really sad that there are so many people like you around who have never had a chance to learn basic skills like learning a bike and, from that, tolerance and patience for other road users, as well as some physical robustness. I run because I want to keep in shape and look nice (as well as race). Yes, I could be inside keeping warm and eating cakes, but theres a time and a place for everything.

This is really quite ridiculous now. I can ride a bike perfectly well but have no interest in doing so. I also compete at a national and international level in my chosen sport, as well as participate in another physical activity for enjoyment. Bike riders don't have the monopoly on physical fitness.

RufusTheReindeer · 04/02/2014 09:29

A lot of people seem to have gone straight from "doesn't ride a bicycle" straight to "must therefore drive everywhere"