Pedestrians need to be protected

“Cycling on non-shared pavements can definitely be a hazard and I appreciate the problems that the police face in trying to control this. I don't think that more legislation is the answer - it becomes costly and puts a further burden on the police in trying to enforce these laws. In fact the existing laws are sufficient, the problem being that they are difficult to enforce in the context of police having to dedicate time and resource to doing this.

Reading these pages and in The Post you could be forgiven for thinking that cyclists are the perpetrators of the most and worst crimes in the city. It's a question of perspective.

I am a BOP (Bristol Old Person) and I avoid the pavement cyclists by cycling on the road. I cycle along Fishponds Road everyday. The design of the road is not brilliant for cyclists but I guess the perception of danger varies from person to person. The only time I have had had collisions cycling along Fishponds Road (three times in fact) is when pedestrians have stepped into my path crossing the road where there is no designated crossing (and there are plenty of these).”

“Martyn,

1. A lot of cyclists do have insurance, are considerate. I do, both for my bike getting stolen and also personal injury. You can't really tar all cyclists with the same brush on the basis of an isolated single incident.

2. Registration is not required in either Amsterdam or Copenhagen both which have far higher levels of cycling than Bristol. Do you think it'll work?

3. All bicycles must be fitted with lights for use at night and, for several years now, new bikes must be sold with a bell (just go into a bike shop to have a look). These laws have been in place for years now, so they aren't necessary as part of your campaign.

Why not focus on people who drive and park on pavements, thus forcing elderly people into the road?.I see blind folk wandering down the road on their way to the RNIB office near where I work in Bedminster due to ignorant taxi drivers who park entirely on the pavement.”

“Fishponds road in particular is by no means a simple issue, but clearly illustrates why some feel obliged to take to the pavement.

Unless the bus lane is cleared of parked cars during busy times, it is my considered opinion as a fitter-than-average cyclist with 25 years experience, that the section between Straits Parade and New Station road (a designated cycle-friendly way to get to the railway path) is unsafe for most cyclists - who either cannot manage a very athletic sprint to stay in the traffic stream at 15 to 20 MPH (or lack the assertiveness to take the lane at 10MPH).
The alternative is to ride at whatever speed is suitable for cycling into a carelessly opened car door.

I even started a Blog page (with videos) about this particular section which I have given up on during busy times after several years. :-

http://tinyurl.com/cxokph7

Sadly there are selfish and inconsiderate motorists, cyclists and even pedestrians. I'm glad you didn't jump on the helmets bandwagon, but your other suggestions are also unworkable.

The ultimate solution is of course for all those 20 and 30 somethings driving a few miles in their cars, to realise what they've been missing. Hopefully, following this year of British cycling success, there will be even more cyclists and fewer cars on the roads.
(I took up cycling at 27 and as a fit 52 year old know it to be the best lifestyle choice I ever made)”