Jules wrote "I also think road cyclists should have an audible warning too ( a bell would do) - I do - its compulsory in many European countries. "

I beleive it is compulsory in the UK. I have one on my bike and find it very helpful to give a little ding when appoaching pedestrians from behind on those shared footpaths/cycleway routes and other places. I suppose you could call the bell a warning instrument, which technically is what the hooter (or horn to foreign types) on a car is and again it is helpful to give a little toot when approaching cyclists you wish to overtake, also for horses (mans best friend) but taking care not to scare the horse with a long loud hoot.

Sadly in our overcrowded little country we all have to share what little space is available and should try to get along with each other but unfortunately there are some from all types of road users who are determined not to.

J

Here is an insight to the way government is leaning.
https://www.surveymonkey.co.uk/r/XSJMH5L
Dave DAVE.
I.A.M. F1rst Driver.
Gone 2003 Discovery TD5 Auto,
Gone 1986 Defender 90 Station Wagon
Gone 1984 Range Rover 3.5 Vogue Manual.
Gone 1970 Series 11A/3 SWB 3.5 V8 Hybrid
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Van
Gone 1966 Series 11A SWB Van
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Station Wagon,

I think all new bikes sold have to have a bell, but the owner doesnt have to keep it on the bike At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

Very similar really to cars that have to have indicators and mirrors fitted.. Doesn't mean the driver uses them though.

I don't know if anyone has noticed, but most drivers only indicate that they are going to move or turn to the left or right only well after they have started their turn by which time it is obvious what they are going to do or have done. I though that the purpose of indicating was to advise other motorists what your intention was, not what you are doing or have already done. Funny that, even the Highway Code and driving test examiners agree with me.

J

Well Jimbo, maybe it's time that all road users
were tested to a standard, then with a refresher every 5 years.
Dave DAVE.
I.A.M. F1rst Driver.
Gone 2003 Discovery TD5 Auto,
Gone 1986 Defender 90 Station Wagon
Gone 1984 Range Rover 3.5 Vogue Manual.
Gone 1970 Series 11A/3 SWB 3.5 V8 Hybrid
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Van
Gone 1966 Series 11A SWB Van
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Station Wagon,

I agree with that Dave.

J

chicken george wrote:

I think all new bikes sold have to have a bell, but the owner doesnt have to keep it on the bike

richardk wrote:

Very similar really to cars that have to have indicators and mirrors fitted.. Doesn't mean the driver uses them though.

Bikes should be fitted with a parachute brake,the owners get excerise faster and go home sooner.


The Bell could be a 120 dB siren,. Operated via a light sensitive sensor,the car behind simply flashes his headlights At work
At home

"I can't always believe facts I read on the web" - Charles Dickens

winner by default of the tractor vs caravan race

"Hearing becomes uncomfortable if the sound pressure level is above 110 decibels (threshold of discomfort), and it becomes painful above 130 decibels (threshold of pain)."

Lets give them the full 130db !!!
I what them to know what a 'pain' they are !!

.

chicken george wrote:

Bikes should be fitted with a parachute brake,the owners get excerise faster and go home sooner.


The Bell could be a 120 dB siren,. Operated via a light sensitive sensor,the car behind simply flashes his headlights

Not a lot of good if they've got their ear pods in!
a week age I followed a cyclist with ear pods plus looking at his phone!!
which is bad enough.....but he was on the main road adjacent to a designated cycle path.
the local and county council went out of it's way to create these paths around the Kent coast,
but most of the Lycra lads still insist on using the roads.
Dave DAVE.
I.A.M. F1rst Driver.
Gone 2003 Discovery TD5 Auto,
Gone 1986 Defender 90 Station Wagon
Gone 1984 Range Rover 3.5 Vogue Manual.
Gone 1970 Series 11A/3 SWB 3.5 V8 Hybrid
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Van
Gone 1966 Series 11A SWB Van
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Station Wagon,

Try this BBC Quiz on the 'New' Highway Code.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-54027461

You will be amazed by your result !!

8/9 I don't get the question about
shared paths ie Pedestrians, horses and cyclists
My answer is to slow down and pass wide!
Dave DAVE.
I.A.M. F1rst Driver.
Gone 2003 Discovery TD5 Auto,
Gone 1986 Defender 90 Station Wagon
Gone 1984 Range Rover 3.5 Vogue Manual.
Gone 1970 Series 11A/3 SWB 3.5 V8 Hybrid
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Van
Gone 1966 Series 11A SWB Van
Gone 1964 Series 11A LWB Station Wagon,

4/9 -- Help

Years ago - To drive in Germany I had to take a written test on their highway code.

It had similar 'nightmare questions about junctions, users on the roads, and long lists of priorities.

The locals drove with ruthless efficiency in a way that allowed no errors in who had priority.
Having an accident whilst giving way, when you had priority, would lead to prosecution by the police, and large fines.

Will these 'new' highway code rules just lead to an escalation of the 'blame game' which is getting worse in Britain by the day. FL2 XS SD4 Auto 2010 2012-2017 (21k - 91k miles) (MY2011)
FL2 Metropolis SD4 Auto 2014 2017- (16k - 76k+ miles) (MY2015)