Trucks and cyclists

By James Styring 11 Feb 2008

In April last year, cyclist Tsk Fok was killed by a rubbish truck turning left from Broad Street into Parks Road. The courts have just ruled that this was an accident caused by careless driving - the driver, Trevor Ashworth, didn't see Fok because the truck's mirror was not adjusted properly.

The judge said Ashworth had driven without due care and attention because he had failed to notice his faulty mirror, although he also said that Fok should have waited for the truck to turn before he set off from the traffic lights. There is understandable outrage among cyclists about the £500 fine and eight-month driving ban.

This seems to most an extraordinarily light sentence, which sends out the message that life is cheap. A heavier fine may force drivers to take more notice of the condition of their vehicles before driving.

However, to put the sentence into context, the driver who infamously ran over and killed four cyclists in north Wales two years ago was fined just £180 with £35 costs, and given six points on his licence after admitting having defective tyres.

On the bright side, both councils appear to be taking heed. The county council has starting a publicity campaign to make cyclists and HGV drivers more aware.This campaign is vital. ... read more

tips from a cyclist about riding the recession

On Yer Bike

By Alyson Duckmanton 4 Feb 2008

Well, all the papers are talking about it, a recession's coming and it's going to affect us all.

Here then are a few simple tips from a cyclist about riding the storm when it hits.

Well, firstly, that upgrade, that dream car you ogle - think again.

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Fuel prices are going up, and they're going to keep going up. Try filling up your wallet with a wad of notes from the cash machine and now chuck them all down the drain. more

Cycle training better with us - OCC response

by Geoff Barrell, Principal engineer, Road safety/traffic engineering, Oxfordshire County Council Friday 1st February 2008

'I cannot let James Styring's comment - "in Oxfordshire, the council offers limited cycle training in about half of its primary schools" - go unchallenged (On Yer Bike, Oxford Mail, January 29).' ....
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Good news - government funds cycling training

By James Styring 30th January 2008
Bravo! Hurrah for the Government! Not a sentiment oft expressed chez Styring, but credit where credit's due. Ruth Kelly has made an auspicious start as Secretary of State for Transport - she has announced a record £140m for cycling. It is to be given to Cycling England to spend on cycle training for 500,000 children over three years. more