Paul,I was in the city when one of two ladies died in RTAs with articulated lorries.In fact several fatalities have occurred in a similar way and, sad to say, knew one of them.All though, made a fundamental mistake and is why I have been constantly banging on and on about some form of mandatory proficiency tests long before the current wave of cycling free for all." If she had gone through the red light she might be still alive"She may also have collided with another vehicle or endangered pedestrians or passengers on a bus by forcing an evasive manoeuvre by other road users.The cold hard fact, even more tough when it's someone you know, is that basic road sense and spacial awareness was not applied.If you are not aware of the inswing of an articulated vehicle , a long vehicle, or a bus, the high kerb and pedestrian railings, and still choose to ride up the gap, are you really fit to ride a bicycle on a public highway?These things were taught to me at the age of 12 by the Met Police who ran the Cycling proficiency test along with RoSPA. It's kept me safe on my Bike ever since.If the Police really want to build better trust between them and younger people, this is the golden egg. Bring it back run by the Met and made mandatory. No cycling proficiency test- no cycling to school. or work as so many adults are worse than most kids by far.Out on my bike now is horrific, from the sheer unbelievable amount of riders who demonstrate no spacial awareness, no respect for mandatory signage, unable to ride safely and with due care and and attention, and worst of all teaching young kids to ride without any provenance of ability themselves.This is where the priority should lie, not making excuses for schemes based on rider irresponsibility and blame rather than genuine improvements .
Raymond Havelock ● 1153d